Nathan Shingles was born in Canberra and is the son of a Vietnam Veteran, he joined the Royal Australian Navy as a chef in April 1995 after already completing 2 years of a civilian chef apprenticeship prior to joining. Several operational sea postings included HMAS Torrens, HMAS Westralia on operation Dirk and Stanhope operating in the Southern Ocean and also as a member of aft damage control during the tragic fire in 1998, HMAS Bunbury during operation Cranberry in 1999 and 2000, HMAS Gladstone 2001 during border protection duties and HMAS Wewak 2001/02 during Operation BEL ISI II Bougainville. Upon promotion to Leading Seaman an opportunity to work as the Maritime Commanders Chef in Sydney arose and he had the opportunity to work as Admirals staff for Rear Admiral Geoff Smith and Rear Admiral Raydon Gates AO,CSM until discharging December 2003. Nathan also volunteers as a Justice of the Peace (Qualified) and offers his experience for the greater good of the Sub-Branch and Veterans.