Global Connections

There are approximately 30,000 KBR employees across the globe. Though we’re separated by miles, we are all connected by our values and shared purpose. In Global Connections, we celebrate our diverse team of teams by highlighting some of the places where we live and work.

This quarter, we’re pleased to highlight some of our colleagues Down Under and their work at HMAS (His Majesty’s Australian Ship) Cerberus, a Royal Australian Navy (RAN) base in Victoria, Australia.

KBR and HMAS Cerberus

Cerberus is the most significant and longest continuously functioning training establishment in Australia. It is named after the Her Majesty’s Victorian Ship (HMVS) Cerberus that was commissioned in April 1871 as a coastal defence turret ship. The base is named for Cerberus, the three-headed dog from Greek and Roman mythology that guarded the gates to the underworld, and the base’s badge features the legendary creature.

Cerberus was established in 1911 as a training facility for the fledgling RAN, and it has since expanded to include a wide range of training facilities and support services for all of the Australian Defence Force. The base spans 1,517 hectares and currently trains more than 1,000 recruits annually. It is one of the largest military bases in Australia and serves as the home of the RAN's Recruit School, the RAN Band and various other training institutions, including four schools that train personnel from the Australian army, air force and navy.

Approximately 54 KBR staff play a pivotal role in providing technical trades training to the RAN, preparing recruits for the challenges of naval service. The KBR staff based at Cerberus are extremely passionate about what they do and bring an enthusiasm with them to work each day, which is visible in their approach and outlook to training the next generation.

Cerberus has evolved over time, and despite the addition of modern buildings, it retains its historic presence and charm with heritage buildings throughout the facility. These include the original officer's quarters, which has now been converted into a museum. On the grounds, there are also a naval hospital, two chapels, a gymnasium, a swimming pool and various sports fields.

Lieutenant Andrew Chau and his team of Technical Trainee Sailors from the Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, and members of KBR Engineering stand together after demonstrating their portable underwater guided vehicle to senior and junior engineering officers at the HMAS Cerberus pool during Engineering Training Week 2022.

Did You Know?

HMAS Cerberus has one of the largest military ceremonial grounds in Australia.

Cerberus trained RAN personnel during World War II as well as other conflicts.

Architecture within the base includes Early Commonwealth Vernacular and Georgian Revival design styles.

Cerberus has its own residential area adjacent to the base to support military personnel who work on-site.

Meet Some of Our People at HMAS Cerberus

Marty Ryan Program Director Government Solutions APAC Technical Training Facility

Tanya Serrano Compliance and Governance Manager Government Solutions APAC Technical Training Facility

Mark Boal Training Manager, Marine Technology Government Solutions APAC Technical Training Facility

“The location on the Mornington Peninsula is beautiful, and I am privileged to assist in delivering capabilities to the navy, providing young people with skills valuable to the fleet and for national security”.

“How many people do you know who work at a place where they can look out of their window or go for a walk and see the ocean? It’s a great excuse to have walk-and-talk meetings.”

“Working at HMAS Cerberus offers a unique working environment with a community feel. It is a very picturesque environment, and the quaint surroundings keep us out of the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan area”.