NAVY

NAVY DAILY

Offline Edition

JUNE 2019

Compiled by Ash Holland, Communications & Media - Navy, Navy HQ

Table of Contents Article Title Category Date

PublishedPage No.

An international exercise supported by an international team Fleet 1 June 2019 5

Melbourne visits Land of the Rising Sun for last time Fleet 1 June 2019 6

Navy Rugby makes intentions clear with spirited win over Army Sport 2 June 2019 8

Beach clean up yields big results in the west Fleet 2 June 2019 11

The Fighting Stallion has wings Fleet 3 June 2019 12

Success completes her last overseas port visit Fleet 3 June 2019 13

Canberra’s padres offer counsel and support to all People 4 June 2019 14

Starter something good on Success Fleet 4 June 2019 16

MV Sycamore takes training to new heights Fleet 5 June 2019 17

Allies remember collision of HMAS Melbourne & USS Frank E Evans Events 5 June 2019 19

Defence personnel unite in the NT for Reconciliation Week Events 6 June 2019 21

CO Penguin passes the weight People 6 June 2019 23

Perth pauses to reflect on Indigenous sacrifice and service Events 7 June 2019 24

Navy at D-Day 3D: Normandy 1944 IMAX experience Events 7 June 2019 25

HMAS Penguin civic virtue at 2019 Balmoral Burn Community 8 June 2019 26

Friends remember the fallen from 77 years ago Events 8 June 2019 28

ADF Running and Athletics Association supports Navy trail runners at gruelling ultra running event Sport 8 June 2019 29

Soccer brings Australian and Thai Navy teams together Sport 9 June 2019 31

Fond memories of Canberra as NZ sailors return home Fleet 9 June 2019 32

Queen’s Birthday 2019 Honours List announced People 10 June 2019 33

NT Navy members among Queen’s Birthday honourees People 10 June 2019 36

NSW based Navy personnel shine in Queen’s Birthday 2019 Honours People 10 June 2019 38

Toowoomba team puts to work in Thailand Fleet 11 June 2019 40

Navy trainers support Philippines in maritime patrol mission Operations 11 June 2019 41

Fighting fit for important mission Fleet 12 June 2019 42

Partnership opens doors to STEM careers for Top End students Community 12 June 2019 43

Hobart steps up in expeditionary strike group Fleet 13 June 2019 44

Four successful drug interdictions by HMAS Ballarat Operations 13 June 2019 46

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Task Group Commander says thanks with a visit Fleet 14 June 2019 47

Navy celebrates 190 years on Garden Island, WA Events 14 June 2019 48

Diver hopefuls return historic dive helmet and pump to former glory Fleet 15 June 2019 50

Navy sails into remote communities Community 16 June 2019 52

Navy Emerging Leaders Forum invests in our future People 17 June 2019 54

HMAS Newcastle visits namesake city for final time Fleet 17 June 2019 56

Leadership matters - Deputy Chief of Navy talks culture and capability People 18 June 2019 59

HMAS Arunta re-joins fleet with traditional smoking ceremony Fleet 18 June 2019 61

VC recipient visits Stirling People 19 June 2019 63

Remembering the lost submarines of WWII Events 19 June 2019 65

Veteran PTI inspires next generation of Navy officers People 20 June 2019 67

HMAS Melbourne breeds new crop on last overseas deployment Fleet 20 June 2019 69

Moreton unites the Port of Brisbane for TS19 Fleet 21 June 2019 70

HMAS Newcastle makes final entry into Sydney Harbour Fleet 21 June 2019 71

First Lady’s CO reflects on successful mission Fleet 21 June 2019 72

No rest for the Demons Fleet 22 June 2019 74

New powerboat for TS Darwin Community 22 June 2019 76

Navy skipper leads ADF team at Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta Sport 23 June 2019 78

Melbourne families get a taste of life at sea Fleet 23 June 2019 79

Navy projects from east to west Fleet 24 June 2019 80

Tonga receives new Guardian-class Patrol Boat Fleet 24 June 2019 82

New Navy initiative provides expanding career opportunities People 25 June 2019 84

HMAS Dechaineux’s Exmouth expedition Fleet 25 June 2019 86

Navy Health donation helps Navy keep watch over sailors in need Community 26 June 2019 87

Rising star, above and beyond People 26 June 2019 88

Moreton crew put their backs into preserving Navy history Community 27 June 2019 90

New home for ‘fang bosuns’ at HMAS Albatross Fleet 27 June 2019 91

Collective cogs turn at annual Naval Engineering conference Fleet 28 June 2019 92

Returning to our island home Fleet 28 June 2019 94

Navy duo unlocks stories of shipwrecks along Australian east coast People 29 June 2019 96

Article Title Category Date Published

Page No.

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Sea Series delivers a series of firsts Fleet 29 June 2019 98

South coast beckons Navy footballers Sport 30 June 2019 100

Podcasts - the port of call to a ‘Thinking Navy’ Fleet 30 June 2019 101

Index 103

Article Title Category Date Published

Page No.

Images: (Left) HMAS Success (II) ceremonial guard and ship's company wait for the arrival of official guests prior to the decommissioning ceremony at Fleet Base East, Sydney on Saturday, 29 June 2019. (Right) The Royal Australian Navy Band play during the decommissioning ceremony for HMAS Newcastle at Garden Island, Sydney New South Wales on Sunday, 30 June 2019.

Photographers: (Left) LSML-SC Ernesto Sanchez. (Right) LSIS Steven Thomson

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news.navy.gov.au

An international exercise supported by an international team

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 01 June 2019 LEUT Anthony Martin (author), LSIS Tara Byrne (photographer)

Topic(s): Exercises, HMAS Toowoomba (F156)

L­R: French Navy Enseigne Louis­Marie Sejeau; RAN Sub Lieutenant Jay Crutch; Royal New Zealand Navy Sub Lieutenant Stephen Barry; RAN Sub Lieutenant Andrew Stuart and US Navy Lieutenant Joseph Pottratz on the bridge wing of HMAS Toowoomba during Exercise LA PEROUSE.

The nations of France, New Zealand and the United States are represented in the crew on board the helicopter frigate HMAS Toowoomba during Exercise LA PEROUSE in the Indian Ocean.

In what is becoming a common sight across fleet units, serving members from other navies are working closely with their Australian compatriots at sea and ashore.

Toowoomba’s diverse crew has been enhanced with the addition of Lieutenant Joseph Pottratz of the United States Navy, Ensigne Louis-Marie Sejeau from the French Navy and Sub Lieutenant Stephen Barry from the Royal New Zealand Navy.

Lieutenant Pottratz is currently on exchange with the RAN Submarine Force based in HMAS Stirling and has been loaned to Toowoomba for Exercise LA PEROUSE.

“This has been a terrific opportunity managing submarine warfare training from a surface platform and working with the submarine HMAS Collins and HMAS Toowoomba during the exercise,” Lieutenant Pottratz said.

Ensigne Sejeau has joined Toowoomba from FNS Latouche-Treville, one of the French Units contributing to Carrier Task Group 473 in the exercise. His language skills and insight to the Task Group have been invaluable to the success of the exercise.

Sub Lieutenant Barry is on exchange with the RAN as part of his Warfare Officer training. Working towards his Platform Endorsement, he has been fortunate to spend time in HMAS Stuart prior to his current posting.

“This is a great ship and crew, I am learning so much from this experience,” Sub Lieutenant Barry said.

Exercise LA PEROUSE is centred on the French-led Charles de Gaulle Carrier Task Group.

The exercise is comprised of two Royal Australian Navy units, Toowoomba and Collins, along with vessels from France, Japan and the United States. ND

5

news.navy.gov.au

Melbourne visits Land of the Rising Sun for last time

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 01 June 2019 LEUT Harley Slatter (author), LSIS Kieran Dempsey (photographer)

Location(s): Sasebo, Japan, Yokosuka, Japan

Topic(s): HMAS Melbourne (F05)

L­R: Petty Officer Combat Systems Supervisor Todd Pyman; Leading Seaman Combat Systems Operator David Cox; and Leading Seaman Combat Systems Operator Coban Beer, on the flight deck of HMAS Melbourne as the ship enters the Japanese port city of Sasebo.

As part of her deployment in Asia and the Pacific, HMAS Melbourne recently conducted visits to the Japanese ports of Sasebo and Yokosuka.

Port visits are an important part of RAN activities allowing logistics fulfilment and providing a variety of opportunities to engage with host nations.

Lieutenant Commander Adrian Scott, Executive Officer, Melbourne outlined what these particular port visits involved.

“These visits have given us the opportune chance to communicate face-to-face with senior naval personnel with one of our closest regional partners,” Lieutenant Commander Scott said.

“We’ve also been able to share with the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force insights into the day-to-day way we each live and work by conducting reciprocal ships’ tours and official receptions on different ships.”

The Japanese visits have also provided a unique opportunity for many aboard Melbourne who have never seen this part of the world.

“The crew has been working hard while we’ve been away so these visits have allowed some respite and the chance for many to experience Japan and its culture for the first time,” Lieutenant Commander Scott said.

Seaman Maritime Logistics - Personnel Operations Britni Martin experienced several highlights during her first visit to Japan.

“In Yokosuka there was an official reception on the Japanese Ship Takanami,” Seaman Martin said.

“Everyone was very nice. The Japanese hospitality, attention to detail in their food presentation and ceremonial displays were amazing.”

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Melbourne crew members got to interact further with their Japanese counterparts at the event through the time-honoured traditions of trading coins, patches and other items.

The reciprocal ships tours were also popular with many commenting on the similarities between Australian and Japanese ships. A noticeable differences on some Japanese ships though was the inclusion of an ‘onsen’ – a large hot bath for washing and relaxing, traditionally found in areas of Japan with natural hot springs.

With a few days in port in Yokosuka, Melbourne’s crew had the chance to explore Japan more widely from quieter more rural areas to the nation’s capital.

For some it was the chance to see the bright lights, hustle and bustle that Tokyo is famous for.

“I got to experience Tokyo, and along the way the greenery everywhere and the pretty architecture,” Seaman Martin said.

“I also got to go to Disneyland which really is the happiest place on earth.”

These recent visits were two of many routine engagements that the Royal Australian Navy conducts throughout the Pacific, Asia and around the globe.

Before decommissioning later in the year, Melbourne is undertaking a final overseas deployment during April-June 2019, visiting the North West Pacific and East Asian regions, in support of international engagement in the region. ND

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news.navy.gov.au

Navy Rugby makes intentions clear with spirited win over Army

Royal Australian Navy

5-7 minutes

Navy Rugby Union has made its future intentions clear after generating a bow wave of momentum both on and off the field at the Australian Defence Force Rugby Championships, held in Canberra from 12-18 May.

Navy drove the Army men’s team from the championship throne they’d held for five years, under clear autumn skies and thundering applause from a large crowd in the stands.

The tournament was held in Canberra, following a successful bid to move it from Brisbane.

The atmosphere was electric due to the quality of the men’s and women’s squads for 2019, and there was nervous tension over the outcome of the final day’s games.

Both the Navy and Army men had dominated Air Force earlier in the week to each secure a spot in the final.

As the game got underway in a spirited and physical encounter, Navy harnessed the crowd’s positive energy and struck early against Army when Navy’s left winger, Able Seaman Eddie Tomsana, crossed the line.

With his arm stretched up to the heavens, Able Seaman Tomsana showed a glimpse of the strong self-belief he and his team had carried through the tournament.

A tough and experienced Army team fought hard to regain control, but the team in Navy blue lead from the front, maintaining and extending their lead with tries to Midshipman Jonte Heirdsfield, Leading Seaman Aaron Louden and Seaman Mitch Walton.

Sharing in the spoils were Able Seaman Corey Lee and Seaman Walton, who scored a conversion and penalty kick a-piece.

The final score was 30-20 and a historic victory was recorded for Navy Rugby Union against Army for the first time since 2014.

On completion ADF Rugby Union Patron, Chief of Defence Force General Angus Campbell, presented Navy Rugby Union captain Lieutenant Josh Friend the Championship Shield.

Published on 02 June 2019 LEUT Kiz Welling-Burtenshaw (author), CPL Sebastian Beurich (photographer)

Topic(s): Rugby Union

A Navy Rugby Union player drives an Army player to the ground during the grand final of the 2019 ADF Rugby Championships.

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Seaman Mitch Walton was also acknowledged with the award for Best Male Player and Best Rookie of the tournament. However, he humbly downplayed the award saying that Navy’s success was due to the positive culture and the character of his teammates.

“Fifty percent of any game comes down to mental strength and trust in each other.

“This comes primarily from our jobs, and is vital to the success of Navy.

“As players, we just bring all of this across to Navy Rugby and everyone embraces the same ethos we use in our workplaces.

“So both teams just work,” Seaman Walton said.

“I think training hard twice-a-day helps too,” he added with a wink.

Although extremely pleased with the results, Lieutenant Friend said he was keen not to rest on the successes of the Championships.

“We are absolutely stoked to be Champions in 2019, but have much larger ambitions.

“We have a busy calendar planned in the lead up to what will be our penultimate challenge: the Commonwealth Navies Rugby Cup to be hosted by the Royal Australian Navy in 2021,” Lieutenant Friend said.

Prior to the men’s final, the Navy Women fielded a record 17 new players in their squad, all eager to be involved with Navy Rugby and everything it has to offer.

Synonymous with the ‘Fighting Navy’ spirit, the entire team played gallantly and showed incredible improvement with a never-give-up attitude throughout the competition.

To Army’s credit, they dominated play throughout the game with great depth in experience and were worthy champions for another year.

Although not recording a win on the scoresheets, Navy Women’s captain Petty Officer Amy Carpenter was proud of her team’s accomplishments.

"The scoreboard results aren’t a measure of success of this team of wonderful women.

“The progress and efforts they put into every aspect of the competition was second-to-none.

“With many experienced players unable to be released from work this time around, I am excited about the depth and development of the team.

“It certainly paints a positive future for the Royal Australian Navy Rugby Union Women’s team,” Petty Officer Carpenter said.

Midshipman Jonte Heirdsfield scores a try during the ADF Rugby Championships held in Canberra.

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The Women’s focus on development this year extended to activities off the field as well.

The squad took an hour out from training to share their skills and passion for the game by leading a coaching session with 100 Year 4 students at Gold Creek Primary School.

The success of the activity will have long-lasting effects for both the Navy players and students.

Navy women’s Rookie Player of the Championships and Gap Year participant Seaman Indiana Lewis said her first experience with Navy Rugby was incredible.

“I don’t think in many career athletes would be provided with such a professional and supportive environment.

“We were able to develop skills in leadership, teamwork and problem solving, while keeping fit by engaging in a sport we all

love.

“The icing on the cake was the coaching clinic with the kids.

“Seeing the smiles on their faces and the respect they had for us as serving members and females playing rugby was second-to-none,” Seaman Lewis said.

Serving members who want to get on board with Navy Rugby can contact Director of Rugby, Captain Adam Allica or Head Coach, Lieutenant Jason Harrington. ND

Navy women’s rugby players run a rugby union clinic for students at Gold Creek Primary School during the 2019 ADF Rugby Championships in Canberra.

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news.navy.gov.au

Beach clean up yields big results in the west

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 02 June 2019 LEUT Gary McHugh (author)

Location(s): Garden Island, WA

Topic(s): HMAS Stirling, Fleet Base West, Garden Island, WA

LCDR Dave Reid, POETSM Terry Douglas and WOMTSM Mark Layton with some of the flotsam collected at Beagle Bay, Garden Island, WA.

A beach on the west side of Garden Island - an area south of Perth that houses HMAS Stirling and Fleet Base West - has had 200kg of flotsam (floating debris) removed as part of an environmental program organised by the Collins Submarines Program Office(COLSPO).

Lieutenant Commander Dave Reid said a number of members of the COLSPO recently spent a day combing the beach north of Beagle Bay.

“We removed approximately 200kg of flotsam from 500 metres of the beach,” he said.

“This rubbish mainly consisted of old rope and floats that had washed up onto Garden Island on the prevailing tides.

“Once we’ve finished cleaning this area we’ll move onto the next beach and start work there.”

Stirling’s Commanding Officer, Captain Ainsley Morthorpe said despite the increased size of Navy’s footprint since the base commissioned in 1978, Garden Island remains a pristine environment with many unique species of flora and fauna.

“As the custodians of much of the island, Navy and Defence work diligently to ensure our presence does not have an unnecessary environmental impact on this unique island,” he said.

“Navy manages the island carefully to protect its environmental value but flotsam and rubbish from the ocean ends up on our beaches, which can cause life-threatening issues for marine wildlife and shore birds.

“That’s why programs such as this are so valuable and I thank everyone at the COLSPO who participated in the clean up,” Captain Morthorpe said.

Garden Island is located approximately five kilometres off the Western Australian coast and is connected to the mainland by a 4.2km causeway.

Road access to Garden Island is restricted to naval and associated personnel, however northern sections of the island are open to the public to access by private boat during daylight hours.

Garden Island was first used as a naval base in 1829 when Captain James Stirling landed there and established a settlement of around 450 people - the 190th anniversary of the landing will be marked later this month in a commemorative ceremony. ND

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news.navy.gov.au

The Fighting Stallion has wings

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 03 June 2019 LEUT Anthony Martin (author), LSIS Tara Byrne (photographer)

Topic(s): Exercises, MH-60R Seahawk, 816 Squadron, HMAS Toowoomba (F156)

Royal Australian Navy flight deck marshaller Leading Seaman Aviation Technician Adam Hearps guides in the MRH­60R helicopter to conduct a passenger transfer above the flight deck of HMAS Toowoomba.

On a glassy East Asian sea, the sight of a Royal Australian Navy MH-60R Seahawk ‘Romeo’ helicopter hovering over the flight deck of a modern warship could easily be used as a recruiting image, highlighting the cutting edge capability of today’s Navy.

This sight is an everyday occurrence for the helicopter frigate HMAS Toowoomba and the ship’s embarked Romeo flight from 816 Squadron.

The flight consists of six aircrew, 13 maintainers and an aircraft named ‘Nightmare’, representing a fearsome stallion similar to that depicted in Toowoomba’s ship’s crest.

Lieutenant Commander Joel Cooper, Toowoomba’s Flight Commander, is engaged with aviation activities during Exercise LA PEROUSE in the Indian Ocean. Lieutenant Commander Cooper and most of the flight have operated in multi-national maritime exercises before and bring a wealth of experience to the operations.

“I haven’t operated with the French previously so I’m keen to see how well we can integrate into their task group,” he said.

“So far there’s been little difference to my previous experiences and I enjoy seeing new approaches in the hope of learning new and better ways to do business.”

Lieutenant Commander Cooper also noted that deployments at sea provide constant opportunities for embarked flights to hone their maritime aviation skills in a range of environments.

“In the future I know that we will continue to face challenges brought about by operating at sea, but I expect that we will conquer those challenges and continue to provide a highly effective maritime combat helicopter capability to Toowoomba and the fleet,”he said.

Centred on the French-led Charles de Gaulle Carrier Task Group, Exercise LA PEROUSE consists of Toowoomba and the submarine HMAS Collins, along with vessels from France, Japan and the United States. ND

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news.navy.gov.au

Success completes her last overseas port visit

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 03 June 2019 LCDR Dallas Gray and LEUT John Thompson (author), LSIS Christopher Szumlanski(photographer)

Location(s): Makassar, Indonesia

Topic(s): HMAS Success (OR 304), Indo-Pacific Endeavour

HMAS Success' Guard Party conducts a Ceremonial Sunset display for the guests at an official reception held on the flight deck of HMAS Success during a port visit to Makassar in Indonesia as part of INDO­PACIFIC ENDEAVOUR 2019.

HMAS Success has completed her last foreign port visit after 33 years of proud service in the Royal Australian Navy.

Success’ visit to Makassar in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, was also the final port visit by the Indo-Pacific 2019 (IPE19) Joint Task Group, which also included HMA Ships Canberra and Newcastle.

While in the country, members of ship’s company participated in welcome events, community engagement, official hospitality and sporting activities to engage with their Indonesian Navy colleagues.

Over three days, they also discussed what Success does best: replenishing ships of all shapes and sizes at sea.

The Navy’s first and only imam, Chaplain Mogamat Majidih Essa, also led a prayer after completion of the buka puasa, or the breaking of the fast, during the blessed month of Ramadan.

“It was a great honour to represent the Royal Australian Navy at this event,” Chaplain Essa said.

“I know the locals here were very appreciative and I feel humbled.”

Chaplain Essa and Success Chaplain Simote Finau also had the privilege to be invited for the early morning meal by a local Indonesian family.

The ship’s Commanding Officer, Captain Darren Grogan, said the visit was important.

“Indonesia is a vital partner for us; we are close friends and neighbours and share the world’s longest maritime boundary,” Captain Grogan said.

“Our defence relationship is a longstanding one focussed on a wide variety of security-related matters like counter terrorism, maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and peacekeeping.

“This was a successful port visit for us and the IPE19 Joint Task Force, but this is the last time this hardworking, proud and professional Navy ship will get to see foreign shores.”

Success will stop in Cairns and Brisbane on the way to Sydney for her decommissioning at the end of next month. ND13

news.navy.gov.au

Canberra’s padres offer counsel and support to all

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 04 June 2019 CAPT James Hook (author), LSIS Jake Badior (photographer)

Topic(s): HMAS Canberra (L02), Chaplaincy

Royal Australian Navy Chaplains Paul Stuart and Majidih Essa on board HMAS Canberra during INDO-PACIFIC ENDEAVOUR 2019.

The two chaplains deployed on INDO-PACIFIC ENDEAVOUR 2019 may have different religions but their roles were the same: to counsel and provide pastoral care to all on board.

Father Paul Stuart, the Senior Chaplain aboard the Royal Australian Navy’s flagship HMAS Canberra, was on the ship as it visited Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia.

From Malaysia onwards, he was assisted by Chaplain Mogamat Majidih Essa, the first Muslim imam in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

“Imam Essa’s presence on the ship is evidence of our diversification, both as a defence force and as a nation,” Chaplain Stuart said.

“His rank slide [which contains the Islamic crescent and star] raises awareness that we are not a monoculture in Australia...we do not have a single religion.”

Chaplain Essa, who migrated to Australia from South Africa in 2007, joined the Navy in 2016. He is posted to HMAS Cerberus, where he attracts some attention.

“It is natural for people to be curious, especially when Islam is in the media all the time,” Chaplain Essa said.

“However, my role is not just focused on the religious aspect...it’s about providing counsel, support, and pastoral care.”

Chaplain Stuart agreed and said the counselling role was paramount to a ship’s chaplain.

“Few sailors who knock on my door are religious,” he said.

“Rather, they see the chaplain as a trustworthy person to talk to...a reputation we have built up over decades of going in to bat for sailors in times of war and peace.”

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Chaplain Stuart, an ordained Catholic priest, joined the Navy in 2005, the sixth generation of his family to serve in the Australian or British navies.

Chaplain Essa is the first member of his family to serve in any navy.

The Australian National Imams Council nominated him for the position of chaplain after being contacted by the Navy’s Chaplaincy Branch, which was diversifying its membership.

The highlight of Chaplain Essa’s deployment was conducting a buka puasa ceremony on the wharf at the port of Tanjung Priok in Jakarta, Indonesia.

“The buka puasa is the breaking of the fast at sunset during Ramadan,” Chaplain Essa said.

“It was a privilege to conduct the ceremony for our Indonesian guests before they came aboard Canberra for the official

reception.”

The head of Indonesia’s navy, Admiral Siwi Sukma Adji, took part in the ceremony, as did Australia’s Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan.

The tri-service IPE19 promoted security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and allowed Australia to cement its diplomatic and defence relations with regional partners. ND

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news.navy.gov.au

Starter something good on Success

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 04 June 2019 LEUT John Thompson (author), LSIS Christopher Szumlanski (photographer)

Topic(s): HMAS Success (OR 304)

Royal Australian Navy Chief Petty Officer Marine Technician Andrew McDonald, left, and Leading Seaman Marine Technician Chad Freund stand next to the ‘star delta starter machine testing system’ which was developed onboard HMAS Success during INDO­PACIFIC ENDEAVOUR 2019.

Challenge issued and accepted. A leading seaman aboard the retiring HMAS Success has created what is believed to be Navy’s first on-board star delta starter machine testing system.

A star delta starter is a common electrical ‘switcher’ used to start a pump or fan motors.

Leading Seaman Marine Technician Chad Freund said he and his colleagues were asked to come up with a system to recreate actual faults in the ‘switcher’ as a way to help train junior electricians.

“I love a challenge but I was a little concerned because I didn’t know whether we’d have the components on board to actually put together a workable testing system,” Leading Seaman Freund said.

It turned out Success had everything that was needed, he said.

“We found some redundant pieces of equipment including a starter box, a small motor and some cabling and were able to piece it all together.

“The key part was then to find where we could induce a series of faults in the system to give our young trainee sailors practical training on electrical fault finding, without having to wait for an actual break down on board.”

Chief Petty Officer Andrew McDonald, who issued the challenge, said Leading Seaman Freund did a great job.

“To my knowledge, this is the first star delta testing machine purpose built for one of our ships,” Chief Petty Officer McDonald said.

“I set the task because I want all my able seaman to feel confident when they go into their Trade Qualification Course that they know what they’re doing – my aim is to help all of them to pass their TQC.”

Leading Seaman Freund planned to make a few more improvements to the system and hand it to the fleet support unit at HMAS Kuttabul to incorporate into its training programs. ND

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news.navy.gov.au

MV Sycamore takes training to new heights

Royal Australian Navy

5-6 minutes

The Multi Role Aviation Training Vessel MV Sycamore is responsible for providing training to a variety of Navy and Defence organisations.

Every Royal Australian Navy recruit gets the opportunity to spend up to a week in Sycamore, allowing them to gain some firsthand experience of life at sea before graduating and progressing to their first full sea posting.

The recruits generally join Sycamore alongside HMAS Waterhen on a Sunday afternoon.They commence their journey with an induction to the ship, which provides vital information on emergency and escape procedures - much like the process for when sailors join a commissioned warship.

From there, they sail out of Sydney Harbour just as dusk is setting - experiencing one of the world's most beautiful landscapes.

For many, it's either their first time in Sydney, their first time at sea, or both.

Their activities at sea include conducting ‘leaving ship stations’, engineering tours, rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) acquaintance, seamanship evolutions, working at heights and aviation familiarisation.

Other activities include public speaking in which each recruit is required to provide a five minute brief on their background, including why they joined the Navy and what they want to get out of their careers in the Navy and their personal lives.

There are also relaxing activities that vary from course to course, which have included trivia nights, talent quests, dress up nights and ventures to the various beaches in Jervis Bay.

Three recruits, the accompanying Recruit School Medic and one civilian member of the ship’s company recently experienced a rare career highlight in being winched from Sycamore’s flight deck to the MRH-90, which was captained by Lieutenant Natalie Davies.

For recruit Dylan Hann, the week was one of significance.

Prior to flying from Melbourne to Sydney for the week at sea, he had never before flown in an aircraft.

Published on 05 June 2019 CMDR Karl Brinckmann (author), Mr Garry Vincent (photographer)

Topic(s): Training, Recruit School, MV Sycamore

From left, Recruit Dylan Hahn, Recruit Bodhi Greenham, Recruit Mitchell Rose and Teekay Shipping Steward Tess Neumann who were all winched in MRH-90 Poseidon 15.

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By week’s end, he had completed two airplane flights and a flight in an MRH-90 helicopter!

His fellow-recruits have also gained a lot of valuable experience as a result of the Sycamore sea-familiarisation program.

“If I didn’t already know that I wanted to join the Navy, I certainly do now,” recruit Mitchell Rose said, as he struggled to stop smiling after flying in the Navy helicopter.

“It was the most amazing experience,” recruit Bodhi Greenham said.

“I'm almost convinced that I want to transfer to aircrew,” said the sailor who had joined from Perth to be a Boatswains Mate.

Able Seaman Megan Miller was on board as part of the support staff for the recruits.

For her, it was the opportunity of a lifetime as she had always wanted to fly in a helicopter. She hopes to one day qualify to conduct rotary wing aero-medical evacuations.

The following day it was “noses back to the grindstone” as the recruits prepared for the challenging seamanship exam.

Retention is a key focus for the Royal Australian Navy and a week in Sycamore is certainly a good start for the next generation of Navy sailors to begin their life at sea.

The skills and the enthusiasm shown by the recruits who visit Sycamore augers well for the Navy's future. ND

Sycamore’s crew, in conjunction with the instructing staff from the Royal Australian Navy Recruit School, are always looking at innovative opportunities to maximise the training experience of the recruits.

Two more recent additions have been working at heights training and having the recruits winched from the deck by an MRH-90 helicopter from 808 Squadron.

Sycamore has a mast height of 28 metres, with the upper platform that’s 20 metres above sea level.

For many of the recruits, they've never before climbed to such a height.

The aim of the activity is to brief the Royal Australian Navy's procedures for working at heights and to build confidence in the recruits to do activities that are outside their comfort levels.

Recruits that feel they're unable to scale to those heights can access the help of one of the qualified Navy sailors posted to the ship.

The sense of achievement on completion always has the recruits beaming for hours, especially if they didn’t believe they were capable of such a feat.

Also added to the experience is that they can literally see for miles in one of the world's most beautiful marine sanctuaries, Jervis Bay National Park.

While recently embarked in Sycamore, recruits from Recruit School’s Emms Division were in for a treat, when a crew from 808 Squadron came aboard in Poseidon 15 (their helicopter) to reset their day deck landing currency.

Recruits take in the breathtaking views of Jervis Bay while learning about RAN working at heights procedures.

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news.navy.gov.au

Allies remember collision of HMAS Melbourne and USS Frank EEvans

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 05 June 2019 LEUT Steve Cropper (author), ABIS Shane Cameron (photographer)

Location(s): Garden Island, NSW

Topic(s): Naval Heritage and History, Commemoration, HMAS Melbourne (II)

A representative and member of the Royal Australian Navy Band ­ East performs the Last Post as part of theHMAS Melbourne­USS Frank E Evans memorial service.

The Naval Chapel at Sydney’s Garden Island Naval Base and the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour have hosted a moving memorial service for the American crewmen who lost their lives aboard the USS Frank E Evans following a collision with Australian aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne (II) on 3 June 1969.

74 US sailors lost their lives in the collision, which was the second time a destroyer operating in close company with the Royal Australian Navy aircraft carrier crossed her bow, resulting in significant loss of life and the sinking of the destroyer.

Director of Strategic & Historical Studies at the Sea Power Centre, Mr John Perryman said that the Melbourne­Frank E Evans incident impacted the Royal Australian Navy even though the aircraft carrier was found not to be at fault.

“The disaster deeply affected those involved, especially the families of those who were killed,” Mr Perryman said.

The disaster came a year after another incident put the US-Australian relationship under strain: when the destroyer HMAS Hobart (II) was accidentally fired upon by US Air Force jets while serving in the war zone in Vietnamese waters, killing two Royal Australian Navy sailors and wounding seven.

“In both tragedies, the importance of the relationship and alliance triumphed with each nation taking significant steps to ensure that no such accident would occur again,” Mr Perryman said.

Eighteen former Royal Australian Navy officers and sailors have been approved for awarding of United States medals for their actions following the collision, including the late Lieutenant Commander Colin Patterson, MBE, RAN (Rtd), whose wife Rosemary and daughter Wendy were present to accept the award.

The court martial of Melbourne’s commanding officer, Captain JP Stevenson, RAN was controversial and although he was eventually cleared of blame, it effectively ended his career.

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Many years later in December 2012, Captain Stevenson received an official apology from Minister for Defence Stephen Smith, in which he stated that Stevenson was not treated fairly by the government of the day or the Australian Navy following the events of 1969.

The Minister added that Captain Stevenson was “…a distinguished naval officer who served his country with honour in peace and war.”

Following Stevenson’s death in January this year, he was farewelled with a full naval funeral at Garden Island Naval Chapel, Sydney on 15 February 2019.

The memorial service in Sydney coincided with two days of memorial events for the USS Frank E Evans in the USA, in Long Beach, California. ND

Mrs Rosemary Patterson (wife) and Ms Wendy Patterson (daughter) holding the US Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal awarded to the late LCDR Colin J Patterson, MBE, RAN, for actions taken after the initial collision between HMAS Melbourne and USS Frank E Evans.

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news.navy.gov.au

Defence personnel unite in the NT for Reconciliation Week

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 06 June 2019 LEUT Todd Fitzgerald (author), POIS Peter Thompson (photographer)

Location(s): Larrakeyah Defence Precinct, NT

Topic(s): HMAS Coonawarra, National Reconciliation Week

L­R: Royal Australian Air Force Sergeant Shannon Mitchell; Australian Army soldier Regimental Sergeant Major of North West Mobile Force, Warrant Officer Class 1 Ken Nelliman; Larrakeyah Elder, Bilawara 'Auntie B' Lee; Royal Australian Navy officer Commanding Officer HMAS Coonawarra, Commander Darren Rushworth, ADC, RAN; and Australian Army soldier, Private Colin Rogan.

Navy, Army and Air Force came together at Larrakeyah Defence Precinct in Darwin recently to show their support for National Reconciliation Week.

Representatives of the Larrakia Nation performed a smoking ceremony before leading uniformed members, families and Defence civilians on a walk around the joint base, the only one in Australia that is also home to an Aboriginal Site of Significance.

The theme of Reconciliation Week this year is ‘Grounded in Truth: Walk Together with Courage’.

HMAS Coonawarra’s Commanding Officer, Commander Darren Rushworth, said the truth is Indigenous men and women have courageously served Australia in wars and conflicts for more than 100 years.

“National Reconciliation Week is an opportunity to think about how we have come together to serve and defend our nation side by side,” Commander Rushworth said.

North West Mobile Force (NORFORCE) Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Brett Thomas said Indigenous Australians are deeply valued for their important contributions to the Australian Army, past and present.

NORFORCE draws strength from the commitment, skills and knowledge of its Indigenous soldiers and their connection to country to fulfill its mission across Northern Australia.

“In the finest traditions of the Nackeroos in the Second World War, our people, irrespective of background, work together to protect Australia's interests,” Lieutenant Colonel Thomas said.

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Squadron Leader Wayne Taylor of the Royal Australian Air Force said reconciliation was everybody’s responsibility in the Australian Defence Force.

“The future success of Defence, and ultimately our nation’s security, is reliant on its capacity to attract and retain the best possible talent regardless of gender, race, religion, disability or sexual orientation,” he said.

NORFORCE, HMAS Coonawarra and NORCOM are lodger units at Larrakeyah Defence Precinct.

Smoking ceremonies are an important occasion and one of the world’s oldest. The ceremony cleanses the area and repels the bad spirits so people can come together and live in harmony.

National Reconciliation Week is held between 27 May and 3 June each year. ND

L-R: Command Warrant Officer HMAS Coonawarra, Warrant Officer David Hutt; Chief of Staff Headquarters Northern Command, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Webbe; Commanding Officer HMAS Coonawarra, Commander Darren Rushworth, ADC, RAN; Commanding Officer North West Mobile Force, Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Thomas; and Regimental Sergeant Major of North West Mobile Force, Warrant Officer Class 1 Ken Nelliman.

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news.navy.gov.au

CO Penguin passes the weight

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 06 June 2019 WOATV Ian Daley (author and photographer)

Location(s): HMAS Penguin, NSW

Topic(s): HMAS Penguin, Change of Command

Commander Mat Bradley hands over the weight to Commander Bernadette Alexander at the HMAS Penguin change of command ceremony.

After an impressive Naval career spanning 26 years, the Commanding Officer of HMAS Penguin, Commander Mat Bradley has officially retired from full time service.

Commander Bradley officially retired on Friday 10 May 2019 following clear lower deck conducted at the waterfront of HMAS Penguin, which gave the ship’s company the opportunity to farewell their outgoing Commanding Officer (CO) and welcome the new, Commander Bernadette Alexander.

The ceremony featured the traditional ‘passing of the weight’ signifying the change of command.

On handing over the weight to Commander Alexander, Commander Bradley said it had given him enormous pride to be the Commanding Officer of HMAS Penguin, seeing so many changes, and the introduction of new units such as the Leadership School become part of HMAS Penguin family.

He said the increase of trainees through all of the schools at HMAS Penguin this year had placed enormous pressure on those schools, but all of them had met the challenge head on and with great success.

Commander Bradley then wished Commander Alexander and all of the ship’s company every success in the future.

Commander Alexander made special thanks to Commander Bradley’s family, thanking them for their service to the Navy and noting that the Navy does not leave the wharf without the support of family and friends.

On assuming command, Commander Alexander challenged the personnel of Penguin to be curious and inspirational - to work together to ensure that everybody in Penguin is ‘Proud to Serve’ every day.

On completion of the formal activities, the ship’s company lined the wharf at HMAS Penguin to give Commander Bradley and his wife Trish a traditional cheer ship 'three cheers' as they departed the establishment onboard the beautifully restored 1920s Navy Cutter. ND

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news.navy.gov.au

Perth pauses to reflect on Indigenous sacrifice and service

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 07 June 2019 LEUT Gary McHugh (author), LSIS Richard Cordell (photographer)

Location(s): Kings Park, Perth, WA

Topic(s): Naval Heritage and History, National Reconciliation Week, Commemoration

L­R: Flight Lieutenant Dylan Kinny, Lieutenant Colonel Saad Omari, Commanding Officer HMAS Stirling, Captain Ainsley Morthorpe, CSM, RAN, and Senior Naval Officer­West, Commodore Brett Dowsing, RAN, prepare to lay wreaths at the Flame of Remembrance during the Indigenous Veterans Commemorative Service at Kings Park, Perth.

Indigenous veterans past and present were remembered on 29 May at a commemoration held at the Western Australian State War Memorial in Kings Park, Perth.

The event, which this year had the theme ‘Grounded in Truth, Walk Together with Courage’, was held during National Reconciliation Week and attracted hundreds of veterans, school students, serving Australian Defence Force personnel and members of the public.

Following the Welcome to Country by Aboriginal Elder Uncle Mort Hansen, the Governor of Western Australia, the Honourable Kim Beazley AC spoke about the significance of the day.

“This is Reconciliation Week, which should have the sub-heading of Knowledge Week, when the broader community gets to understand the important contribution of our Indigenous community to the nation’s survival and happiness,” he said.

“The presence of Indigenous men and women in Australia’s armed forces was little-known publicly until three quarters of the way through the last century, however subsequent research has uncovered a record of Indigenous service dating back to the start of the Commonwealth era in 1901.”

Governor Beazley said as well as serving in both world wars, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have also served in every conflict and commitment involving Australia since Federation, as well as during the intervals of peace since WWII.

“And their children have continued their service throughout many wars and conflicts to this day, with Defence statistics showing that the number of Indigenous men and women serving in our Defence Force has been increasing since the 1990s,” he said.

The ceremony, which was hosted by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans and Services Association President Aunty Di Ryder, included a number of musical recitals by various Perth primary schools, and dancers from Wesley College.

The event concluded with a traditional smoking ceremony conducted by Uncle Mort Hansen, and the Wesley College dancers.

Imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20191345. ND

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news.navy.gov.au

Navy at D­Day 3D: Normandy 1944 IMAX experience

Royal Australian Navy

3-3 minutes

Published on 07 June 2019 LCDR Helen Ward (author), Bree Gaudette - Love Bree Photography (photographer)

Location(s): Melbourne, VIC

Topic(s): Naval Heritage and History

A small group of Navy personnel recently attended the Australian premiere of the IMAX documentary film ‘D-Day 3D: Normandy 1944’ in Melbourne.

Commodore Greg Yorke, Senior Naval Officer Victoria attended as Navy’s senior representative and was joined by Lieutenant Commander Helen Ward, Lieutenants Mark Schramm and Ben Willee and Leading Seaman Alison Graham.

“I thought the film was a great tribute to the many who gave their lives for our freedom,” Commodore Yorke said.

“The D-Day landings in 1944 remain the largest invasion fleet in history, with over 6900 vessels drawn from eight different navies and merchant fleets.

“The lessons from those landings are just as applicable today, to be able to generate and deploy scalable, responsive, adaptive, self-supported and sustainable maritime task groups in a co-ordinated manner.”

The documentary film ‘D-Day 3D: Normandy 1944’ blends animation, CGI and live-action images, bringing the event to an IMAX screen for the first time.

Military personnel will get free entry to the film commemorating the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings for two weeks from 1 June in Melbourne.

Tickets are complimentary for all current and former ADF members with a limit of one per person.

They are available from 13 May from the box office upon presentation of an ADF or DVA card.

For more information, head to imaxmelbourne.com.au. ND

A screening of the documentary film 'D-Day 3D: Normandy 1944' at IMAX Melbourne.

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news.navy.gov.au

HMAS Penguin civic virtue at 2019 Balmoral Burn

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 08 June 2019 WOATV Ian Daley (author and photographer)

Location(s): Balmoral, NSW

Topic(s): HMAS Penguin, Balmoral Burn, Humpty Dumpty Foundation

Members of current diving courses from HMAS Penguin at the top of the hill after the 'Hill of Hurt' event during the 2019 Balmoral Burn.

Beautiful autumn skies greeted the 19th running of the Humpty Dumpty Foundation Balmoral Burn charity fun run, held on Sunday 26 May 2019. The crew of HMAS Penguin joined this charity event as part of their annual support to the Humpty Dumpty Foundation.

Commander Bernadette Alexander, Commanding Officer of Penguin, said “the Humpty Dumpty Foundation was a wonderful charity that provided support to hospitalised children in over 370 locations nationwide.

“It’s really inspiring when you hear the stories of the sick children whose lives have been saved through donations from the local community and events like the Balmoral Burn,” she said.

The weekend of fundraising kicked off with an auction on the Friday night, where Penguin raised $6000 from the sale of a corporate tour of the establishment’s facilities.

“We have always done well in raising money for the Humpty Dumpty Foundation through our tours, and this year was no different. We look forward to supporting the corporate day later this year,” Warrant Officer Ian Daley said.

Navy Chaplain Mark Raymond conducted the ‘blessing of the hill’ at the commencement of the Balmoral Burn, where over 10,000 competitors had gathered to accept the challenge to conquer the 420 metre Awaba Street hill.

Amongst these competitors were students of the ADF Diving School, competing in the most gruelling event of the day – the ‘Hill of Hurt’. This obstacle race not only requires participants to climb and crawl their way up the hill, but to do so while carrying a 10kg sand bag. The current course of divers also opted to carry a hawser throughout the hill of hurt event, epitomising our Navy’s dedication to team work.

Of note, this year four Hydrographic Systems Initial Entry trainees also participated in the age categories.

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Balmoral Burn organiser and Wallaby great Phil Kearns was on hand to start the ‘Hill of Hurt’, and he, along with many others, were amazed at the fitness level of our divers.

“When you note the elite athletes competing today and you see how well the Clearance Divers do, you cannot help but be impressed by the level of fitness they achieve while posted to the Diving School,” Petty Officer Physical Training Instructor(POPTI) Amy Carpenter said.

Commander Alexander said the event was a real showcase of civic virtue and how Navy can really help the local community for a great cause.

“Although the Balmoral Burn race is one day, sailors from the Hydrographic and Diving Schools and the Navy Band have been helping the Humpty Dumpty Team put this event together for several days. Their efforts were a great public demonstration of what ‘Proud to Serve’ looks like,” she said.

Over the course of the weekend the 2019 Humpty Dumpty Foundation Balmoral Burn managed to raise in excess of $3 million to purchase life-saving equipment for Australian hospitals. ND

Two members of the Basic Hydro Course from HMAS Penguin assisting with the set up of the 'Hill of Hurt' event during the 2019 Balmoral Burn.

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news.navy.gov.au

Friends remember the fallen from 77 years ago

Royal Australian Navy

4-4 minutes

Published on 08 June 2019 LEUT Steve Cropper (author), ABIS Ryan McKenzie (photographer)

Location(s): HMAS Kuttabul, NSW

Topic(s): Naval Heritage and History, HMAS Kuttabul (I), Commemoration

Catafalque party general salute during the the last post at a memorial service for the 77th anniversary sinking of the ferry Kuttabul at Garden Island Naval Base, Sydney.

A quiet and solemn ceremony has been held at HMAS Kuttabul to remember the lives lost 77 years ago during World War Two, when Japanese midget submarines launched an attack in Sydney Harbour.

Kuttabul’s Commanding Officer, Captain Matthew Shand RAN, was joined by the Consul Generals of the United States, Britain, and Japan as well as relatives of those killed and high school students from the Sydney Japanese International School and St Vincent’s College for a memorial service conducted by Chaplain Jason Wright.

The modest monument at the water’s edge recalls the service personnel from Australia and Britain who died aboard the requisitioned Sydney ferry Kuttabul, which is the Navy base’s namesake.

The ferry was recruited into Navy service in 1940 and commissioned as HMAS Kuttabul in February 1941 under the command of Lieutenant Commander Alan Lewis, RAN.

Serving as a depot ship, Kuttabul was used primarily as an accommodation ship for ratings posted to the naval base, which at that time was known as HMAS Penguin. She soon became a familiar sight moored against the sea wall along the east side of Garden Island.

On the night of 31 May-1 June 1942, three Japanese midget submarines launched an attack on Sydney Harbour. At around12:30am on 1 June, the midget submarine M-24, crewed by Sub Lieutenant Katsuhisa Ban and Petty Officer Mamoru Ashibe, fired one of its torpedos at the American heavy cruiser, USS Chicago, but missed its intended target.

The torpedo struck the seabed underneath Kuttabul sinking the vessel with the loss of 19 Australian and two British lives.

Two of the three Japanese midget submarines were destroyed in Sydney Harbour, but Sub Lieutenant Ban and Petty Officer Ashibe evaded further detection and their vessel disappeared without trace, not to be seen again until 2006, when recreational divers discovered her wreck off Sydney’s northern beaches.

Captain Shand laid a wreath for all the sailors and officers on both sides who lost their lives on that fateful night.

He said that the commemorative activities were meaningful for everyone involved.

“This is a positive demonstration of the friendship between Australia and Japan and a fitting tribute to the servicemen of both nations who were lost during the battle,” Captain Shand said. ND

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news.navy.gov.au

ADF Running and Athletics Association supports Navy trail runners at gruelling ultra running event

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 08 June 2019 ADF Running and Athletics Assoc (author)

Location(s): Blue Mountains, NSW

Topic(s): Running

Lieutenant Jonathan Milton and Captain Michael Manfield at the start of the Ultra­Trail Australia running event in the Blue Mountains, NSW.

Over the weekend of 17-19 May approximately 7000 trail runners participated in the Ultra-Trail Australia event in the Blue Mountains. The event consists of a 1km climb of the Furber Steps at Scenic World, or distance events covering 11km, 22km, 50km and 100km.

Being in the Blue Mountains you would imagine some elevation being involved, and the 50km runners got to experience a vertical descent and ascent equivalent to the annual Navy Physical Fitness Test (2.4km), while those in the 100km event scaled and descended gradients of twice that much.

In near perfect weather conditions, some great times were achieved across the Navy participants. It was particularly good to see not only the camaraderie between all participants, but between the Australian Defence Force runners who supported each other before, during and after the event.

Chief Petty Officer Shane Kelly summed up the post-event feeling best, when he declared “never again…until next year!”

Australian Defence Force champion on the day, Acting Sub Lieutenant William Dixon achieved a fantastic time in the 100km event.

“Ultramarathon running gives me an opportunity to learn more about my mind and body than I thought possible, being able to push past limits that I thought I had is like nothing I have ever experienced.

“The sense of community and camaraderie, especially among the ADF members competing, is second to none,” Acting Sub Lieutenant Dixon said.

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Acting Sub Lieutenant William Dixon UTA 100km Completed in 13:34:01Chief Petty Officer Shane Kelly UTA 100km Completed in 15:34:34Commander Andrew Clowes UTA 100km Completed in 17:35:48Acting Sub Lieutenant Joshua Sewell UTA 100km Completed in 17:55:36Captain Michael Manfield UTA 50km Completed in 7:59:26Lieutenant Jonathan Milton UTA 50km Completed in 8:24:33

Navy runners who are members of the Australian Defence Force Running and Athletics Association had the opportunity to recoup 50% of the event registration fees from the association as they celebrated their individual achievements on the day. ND

The Navy runners who participated in the gruelling events were:

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news.navy.gov.au

Soccer brings Australian and Thai Navy teams together

Royal Australian Navy

3-3 minutes

Published on 09 June 2019 LEUT Anthony Martin (author), LSIS Tara Byrne (photographer)

Location(s): Phuket, Thailand

Topic(s): HMAS Toowoomba (F156), Soccer

Soccer teams from HMAS Toowoomba; the Third Naval Area Command Team; and HTMS Sriracha before a match at TK Stadium, Phuket, Thailand.

The Royal Australian Navy Anzac class Frigate HMAS Toowoomba has conducted a port visit to Phuket, Thailand. During the visit a soccer team from the ship played a friendly match with a team from the Thai Navy.

The Toowoomba team was led onto the regional sports field at Phuket by Able Seaman Electronic Technician Blake Rookledge. Each team turned out in sporting attire, with the Purple Ship’s rig of the Toowoomba team adding a splash of colour to the game.

Both teams had plenty of determination on display. Through the heat and humidity, the game saw each side utilise skill to achieve a goal.

“The heat was a big factor in how we played today, but both sides have enjoyed the game and I am very proud of how every player performed considering the warm conditions,” Able Seaman Electronics Technician Rookledge said.

On completion of the game both teams exchanged gifts and reflected on how each side performed. Friendships were made and all of those involved looked forward to future opportunities to join in sporting activities.

HMAS Toowoomba visited Phuket as part of an East Asian Deployment that included a contribution to Exercise LA PEROUSE in the Indian Ocean, and conducting port visits in the region.

Imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery at http://images.defence.gov.au/ S20191403. ND

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Fond memories of Canberra as NZ sailors return home

Royal Australian Navy

3-3 minutes

Published on 09 June 2019 LSIS Jake Badior (author and photographer), LSIS Kylie Jagiello (photographer)

Topic(s): HMAS Canberra (L02), Indo-Pacific Endeavour

Royal New Zealand Navy officers and sailors embarked in HMAS Canberra for INDO­PACIFIC ENDEAVOUR 2019.

A small contingent of Royal New Zealand Navy officers and sailors returned home after spending almost three months deployed in HMAS Canberra as part of INDO-PACIFIC ENDEAVOUR 2019.

Lieutenant Matthew Gajzago, the senior RNZN officer deployed in HMAS Canberra, said it was an amazing opportunity to further build on the already strong ties between Australia and New Zealand.

“It’s always really great integrating, networking and forming new friendships with Aussies,” Lieutenant Gajzago said.

“This trip has given us a great opportunity to gain more experience in how our respective navies operate.

“It’s also great to work in the joint environment as part of a joint task force.”

The IPE joint task force consisted of four ships, maritime patrol aircraft and more than 1200 Australian Defence Force and New Zealand Defence Force personnel who conducted engagements with a number of key regional partners in Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia.

“Travel is why you join the Navy,” Lieutenant Gajzago said.

“It’s been great for our junior members to spend some time at sea and travel to places we wouldn’t traditionally go with the New Zealand Navy.

“We’re really lucky to live in New Zealand and Australia and this trip has been a great reminder of that.

“It’s also great to see that as we’ve progressed through the trip we are making a difference and engaging with our regional partners.” ND

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news.navy.gov.au

Queen’s Birthday 2019 Honours List announced

Royal Australian Navy

6-8 minutes

The Governor-General and Chancellor of the Order of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), today announced 1214 awards in the Queen’s Birthday 2019 Honours List, including 26 members of the Royal Australian Navy.

“On behalf of all Australians I congratulate today’s recipients. They have made an enormous contribution to their local communities and to the entire nation and deserve our thanks, admiration and to be celebrated,” the Governor-General said.

“This is my last honours list as Governor-General. Over the last five years, it has been the greatest honour and privilege to recognise and celebrate over 80,000 recipients through the Honours and Awards System.

“These awards are our opportunity to say to fellow Australians, ‘thank you – without you and your tireless service we wouldn’t be the community or nation that we are’.

“Some names on today’s list are well known. Many more are known only to those they help and serve day-in-day-out. They are all wonderful people and are all worthy of recognition and celebration.

“This is the greatest part of our system; it doesn’t matter who you are, where you are from or whether you’re known to millions or just a few. If you have constantly put others ahead of yourself, served tirelessly and made a difference you can be nominated and recognised by a grateful nation.

“I encourage all Australians, if ever you see someone with an Order of Australia lapel badge, or see an Order of Australia post nominal after their name, to recognise that the person is extraordinary and has served their community and nation.

“And if, in doing so, you think of someone you know that is similar then consider nominating them for an award so that they too can be celebrated.”

“It is great that the overall number of nominations and upward trend of Australian women being acknowledged through the Honours system continues to grow. We would all welcome higher recognition of magnificent Australian women.”

The Royal Australian Navy wishes to congratulate all of our members, as well as those serving in the Army and Air Force, who have been recognised in today’s Honours List.

Published on 10 June 2019 Department of Defence (author)

Topic(s): Queen's Birthday Honours

Medals awarded to Navy personnel in the Queen's Birthday 2019 Honours List. From left: Officer (AO) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia; Member (AM) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia; Medal (OAM) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia; Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC); Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM).

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OFFICER (AO) IN THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

Rear Admiral Gregory John SAMMUT AM CSC RAN, NSW For distinguished service as the Head Future Submarine Program, and the General Manager Submarines.

MEMBER (AM) IN THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

Commodore Darron John KAVANAGH CSC RAN, ACT For exceptional performance of duty in the field of Navy Capability Management.

Rear Admiral the Honourable Justice Michael John SLATTERY RAN, NSW For exceptional service in the field of military law, particularly as Judge Advocate General of the Australian Defence Force.

Warrant Officer Gary William WIGHT, ACT For exceptional service to the Royal Australian Navy in the field of Navy People leadership and management.

Commodore Malcolm Kenneth WISE OAM RAN, NSW For exceptional service as the Commander Combined Task Force 150 while deployed on Operation MANITOU from November 2017 to May 2018.

MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE MILITARY DIVISION

Warrant Officer Dennis BENTLEY CSM, NSW For meritorious performance of duty in the field of personnel management in the Royal Australian Navy.

Warrant Officer James Retif DEW, NSW For meritorious service to the Navy during the development and introduction into service of the Canberra Class Amphibious Ship capability.

Commander Robert Douglas EAMES RAN, Qld For meritorious service in the fields of international engagement and capability management.

Warrant Officer Arthur Charles MITCHERSON CSM, NT For meritorious performance of duty in the fields of Marine Engineering and technician training.

CONSPICUOUS SERVICE CROSS (CSC)

Commander Dugald Wallace CLELLAND RAN, USA For outstanding achievement, leadership and tactical employment while in Command of HMAS Warramunga supporting Operation MANITOU, during the period November 2017 to June 2018.

Commander Jason John CUPPLES RAN, USA For outstanding devotion to duty in the Royal Australian Navy Submarine Force.

Captain James Riley LYBRAND RAN, ACT For outstanding achievement as Director Submarine Operations and Commander Task Group 627.0 in the planning and execution of submarine operations from December 2014 to August 2018.

Commander Viktor PILICIC RAN, ACT For outstanding achievement as Commanding Officer HMAS Coonawarra and Senior Australian Defence Force Officer Larrakeyah Defence Precinct.

Captain John STAVRIDIS RAN, NSW For outstanding achievement as the Commanding Officer of HMAS Hobart.

CONSPICUOUS SERVICE MEDAL (CSM)

Warrant Officer Johansel AVERY, ACT For meritorious devotion to duty as the Catering Manager and Logistics Departmental Regulator in HMAS Adelaide.

Lieutenant Lachlan James BLAIR RAN, ACT For meritorious devotion to duty as the Operational Intelligence Analyst whilst deployed in the Middle East for Combined Task Force 150 as part of Operation MANITOU from November 2017 to May 2018.

Petty Officer Lauren Rachel CARRUTHERS, NSW For meritorious achievement in the field of aviation technician training.

Lieutenant Commander Laurence Earl CHOATE RAN, NT For meritorious devotion to duty as the Regional Manager Fleet Support Unit - North East.

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Commander Nicholas Robert FIELD RAN, NSW For meritorious achievement in the field of Navy Cyber.

Lieutenant Commander Belinda Ann FINLAY RAN, NSW For meritorious devotion to duty as the First Lieutenant, HMAS Albatross.

Commander Steven James McCRACKEN RAN, NSW For meritorious achievement as Deputy Director Maritime Commitments in Maritime Operations Branch.

Chief Petty Officer Lyndon Montgomery QUIRKE, Qld For meritorious achievement as a senior technician and his efforts to prevent further significant damage to Australian Border Force Cutter Roebuck Bay in 2017.

Lieutenant Commander Sarah Susan RHYS­JONES RAN, NSW For meritorious achievement as a Principal Warfare Officer in HMAS Warramunga during Operation MANITOU Rotation 66 from October 2017 to July 2018.

Captain Damien Lyle SCULLY­O'SHEA RAN, NSW For meritorious devotion to duty as Executive Officer of HMAS Canberra.

Chief Petty Officer Anthony John SHERBURD, NSW For meritorious devotion to duty in the field of Navy Information Warfare.

Commander Samuel Robert WOOLRYCH RAN, ACT For meritorious achievement as Deputy Director Maritime Plans in Maritime Operations Branch. ND

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news.navy.gov.au

NT Navy members among Queen’s Birthday honourees

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 10 June 2019 LEUT Todd Fitzgerald (author), POIS Peter Thompson (photographer)

Topic(s): Queen's Birthday Honours, Order of Australia, Conspicuous Service Medal

Queen's Birthday 2019 Honours recipients, left, Lieutenant Commander Laurie Choate, CSM, and right, Warrant Officer Arthur Mitcherson, OAM.

Two members of the Royal Australian Navy in the Northern Territory have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday 2019 Honours List.

Lieutenant Commander Laurie Choate received a Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) and Warrant Officer Arthur Mitcherson was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

Warrant Officer Mitcherson of the Minor War Vessel Sea Training Unit said he was “very humbled but also extremely appreciative that the people I work alongside considered me for the medal.”

“I have had exceptional support from everyone I have worked alongside over the years, so I feel a little embarrassed but also very honoured to be singled out,” he said.

Warrant Officer Mitcherson received the OAM for ‘Meritorious performance of duty in the fields of Marine Engineering and technician training’.

The award reads, ‘Warrant Officer Mitcherson’s leadership, deep technical knowledge and experience left an enduring legacy by improving Navy’s technical workforce mastery and operational outcomes of the minor warship force over an extended period...His ability to coach, train and mentor provided results that will greatly enhance the culture and reputation of the Navy’.

Warrant Officer Mitcherson received a CSM in 2011 for services to engineering while working in the Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving System’s Program Office.

Marine Engineering Officer Lieutenant Commander Choate said he had to share the medal with his family for their support over 33 years in the Navy.

“I never thought I would receive an honour like this and I’m humbled to be recognised for what felt like simply doing my job. It was a challenging role but it was with a part of Navy I have been involved in and believed in for a long time,” he said.

“My wife is really pleased that I have been recognised but I also see the medal as recognition of her support during my career, not just for this position but many postings at sea and ashore that came with their own challenges and tough times.”

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Lieutenant Commander Choate received the medal for ‘Meritorious devotion to duty as the Regional Manager Fleet Support Unit -North East’.

His award reads, ‘Lieutenant Commander Choate’s dedication to duty enabled Fleet Support Unit-North East to upskill its workforce, rebuild local engineering capability, and foster the talent of junior sailors’.

Lieutenant Commander Choate is currently the lead engineer at Patrol Boat Headquarters in Darwin.

The Queen’s Birthday Honours List are annual awards which seek to define, encourage and reinforce Australian goals and values. Honourees are nominated by members of the community for their work in supporting others and their acts of selflessness.

The full Queen’s Birthday 2019 Honours List is available at https://www.gg.gov.au/queens-birthday-2019-honours-list. ND

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NSW-based Navy personnel shine in Queen's Birthday 2019 Honours

Royal Australian Navy

5-7 minutes

Published on 10 June 2019 LEUT Andrew Herring (author), Lauren Larking (photographer), LSIS Ronnie Baltoft(photographer), LSIS Tara Byrne (photographer), LSIS Kayla Jackson (photographer), LSIS Nicolas Gonzalez (photographer),LSIS Steven Thomson (photographer), LSIS Tom Gibson (photographer)

Topic(s): Queen's Birthday Honours, Order of Australia, Conspicuous Service Medal, Conspicuous Service Cross

Some of the NSW­based Navy personnel recognised in the 2019 Queen's Birthday Honours List, from left, WO James Dew, LCDR Belinda Finlay, CAPT Damien Scully­O'Shea, LCDR Sarah Rhys­Jones, and CAPT John Stavridis.

Exceptional dedication, leadership, technical knowledge and achievement were the hallmarks of the NSW-based Navy personal recognised in the Queen’s Birthday 2019 Honours List.

A total of 13 NSW-resident officers and sailors were recognised with admission to the Military Division of the Order of Australia or with military awards.

Rear Admiral Greg Sammut AM CSC was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for exceptional performance and superior leadership resulting in successful completion of the Competition Evaluation Process that selected Australia next generation submarine.

Rear Admiral the Hon. Justice Michael Slattery and Commodore Malcolm Wise OAM were appointed as Members of the Order of Australia for exceptional leadership, respectively as Judge Advocate General of the Australian Defence Force, and as head of an international taskforce that seized around $2.8 billion worth of hashish and heroin across the Middle East and western Indian Ocean regions.

Order of Australia Medals were awarded to Warrant Officer Dennis Bentley CSM, for dedication, leadership and professionalism in Navy human resource management, and Warrant Officer James Dew for his technical knowledge and leadership while introducing the Navy’s new Canberra Class amphibious ships.

Captain John Stavridis RAN was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross for outstanding achievement as the first commanding officer of HMAS Hobart, a crucial role in introducing the new Hobart class air warfare destroyer. The culture instilled in personnel operating these complex warships by Captain Stavridis’ leadership has significantly improved Navy’s maritime and joint warfighting capability.

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Seven NSW-based navy personnel were awarded Conspicuous Service Medals for outstanding service and achievement in various roles. Among them were three remarkable women.

Petty Officer Aviation Technician Avionics Lauren Carruthers, based at HMAS Albatross on the NSW South Coast, was recognised for superior knowledge and skills developing and delivering technical training for Navy’s new MH-60R Seahawk‘Romeo’ Helicopter. The training system Petty Officer Carruthers helped create has not only increased the competency and operational proficiency of the maritime combat helicopter force, but also established Navy’s Training Authority – Aviation among Australia’s foremost technical training organisations.

Lieutenant Commander Belinda Finlay was recognised for “inspirational” commitment while serving as First Lieutenant at HMAS Albatross, particularly for developing constructive relationships across the base and with the local community and compassionately supporting personnel under her command.

“I am honoured and humbled to receive this award, it was completely unexpected. I was just doing my job,” Lieutenant Commander Finlay said.

“I’m especially touched to be recognised for compassionate support for sailors because taking a compassionate approach to leadership was a key objective for me as I strived to apply my personal Christian values to the role.”

Lieutenant Commander Sarah Rhys­Jones was recognised for meritorious achievement as Principal Warfare Officer (PWO) in HMAS Warramunga while serving alongside the United States Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Operation MANITOU in the Middle East from October 2017 until July 2018.

Lieutenant Commander Rhys-Jones’ tactical and operational understanding, along with her expert intelligence analysis and collaborative approach to planning, enabled Warramunga to successfully detect, interdict and board suspect vessels across a wide area of operations.

Other NSW-based Navy Conspicuous Service Medal recipients were: Captain Damien Scully­O’Shea for meritorious devotion to duty as Executive Officer of HMAS Canberra; Commander Nicholas Field for meritorious achievement in the field of Navy Cyber; Commander Steven McCracken for meritorious achievement as Deputy Director Maritime Commitments in the Maritime Operations Branch; and Chief Petty Officer Anthony Sherburd for meritorious devotion to duty in the field of Navy Information Warfare.

The full Queen’s Birthday 2019 Honours List is available at https://www.gg.gov.au/queens-birthday-2019-honours-list. ND

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Toowoomba team puts to work in Thailand

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 11 June 2019 LEUT Anthony Martin (author), LSIS Tara Byrne (photographer)

Location(s): Patong, Thailand

Topic(s): HMAS Toowoomba (F156)

Members of HMAS Toowoomba pitch in to paint the local public school, Kalim School, during a visit to Phuket, Thailand.

A team of dedicated volunteers from HMAS Toowoomba lent a hand to support a local charity and public school in Patong, during a port visit to Phuket, Thailand, recently.

The 25 personnel from HMAS Toowoomba teamed up with the local charity ‘Phuket Has Been Good To Us’ to provide skill and a little elbow grease to Kalim School in Patong.

The school staff and students were very appreciative that officers and sailors from Toowoomba took time to help with maintenance, to play games and provide a fun and memorable experience for all involved.

The HMAS Toowoomba team leader, Lieutenant Sebastian Chee, was most impressed with the hospitality of the school, the fun and enthusiasm of the students and the work achieved by his team.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to visit Thailand and provide assistance to the local community here in Patong,” Lieutenant Chee said.

Although the Toowoomba team was a little tired after a full day of hard work in the Asian heat, they had a sense of pride in the job they had completed.

The efforts of the crew were on display for all to see - not just the physical work but also the positive impact they had on the staff and students at Kalim School.

In a speech at the end of the day’s work, Lieutenant Chee thanked the school staff and students for their hospitality.

“From all the team here today, we know we have shown you how much we appreciate your hospitality and warm welcome.

“We hope that the work here today remains as a symbol of our ongoing support, not only to Kalim School but also to Thailand,” Lieutenant Chee said.

HMAS Toowoomba was visiting Phuket in Thailand as part of an East Asian deployment.

Additional imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery at http://images.defence.gov.au/ S20191404. ND

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Navy trainers support Philippines in maritime patrol mission

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 11 June 2019 PO Peter Coates (author), LSBM Leigh Newlan (photographer)

Location(s): Zamboanga, Philippines

Topic(s): Training, Operations, Sea Training Group

Royal Australian Navy Sea Trainers and Philippine Navy and Marine Participants in the Maritime Interoperability Training May 2019.

Members of the Defence Cooperation Program Sea Training Group have recently completed their sixth rotation conducting Maritime Interoperability Training at Naval Forces Western Mindanao in Zamboanga, Philippines.

Lead by Commander Mitchell Edwards, a small team of Australian Sea Trainers have been deployed to various locations throughout the Operation AUGURY-PHILIPPINES area of operation under Joint Task Force 629.

As part of an Australian Defence Joint Task Force and with air, land and maritime activities simultaneously taking place, the Sea Trainers worked alongside the Philippine Navy Training Team to enhance cooperation, interoperability and strengthen relationships between the Philippines and Australia.

The interoperability training has been focussed on command and control, tactical communications and manoeuvring, picture compilation, seamanship and boarding operations.

The training, which has been attended by numerous Philippine Navy and Marine units, is conducted prior to commencing joint Security and Training Patrols by Armidale Class Patrol Boats in company with Philippine Navy Patrol Boats and Patrol Craft.

Leading Seaman Leigh Newlan of the Defence Cooperation Sea Training Group has undertaken all six rotations.

“It‘s great to be able to impart my knowledge on my counterparts from the Philippine Navy and also to learn from them.

“Working alongside the great guys from the Philippine Navy Sea Training Team was a real buzz and a rewarding experience,” Leading Seaman Newlan said.

Royal Australian Navy ships and personnel are assisting the Philippine Navy, helping them train and helping to develop their capacity to secure their maritime boundaries in the southern Philippines.

It sends a strong message that the Philippine Navy does not work alone but enjoys the support of regional states, and that Australia is a committed security partner in the fight against terrorism and transnational crime.

Qualifying Australian Defence Force members supporting Operation AUGURY-PHILIPPINES have been awarded the Military Merit Medal by the Armed Forced of the Philippines in recognition of their achievements and services rendered. ND

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Fighting fit for important mission

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 12 June 2019 FLTLT Bel Scott (author), ABIS Kieren Whiteley (photographer)

Topic(s): HMAS Canberra (L02), Health, Fitness and Wellbeing, Indo-Pacific Endeavour, Physical Training Instructor

Royal Australian Navy sailor Petty Officer Physical Training Instructor Kerryn Seaborn takes a group physical training session on board HMAS Canberra during INDO­PACIFIC ENDEAVOUR 2019.

Burpees, push-ups and sit-ups strengthen more than just muscle; physical fitness improves resilience and sharpens mental capacity to deliver a force that is ‘fit to fight’.

Maintaining the mental and physical fitness of the ship’s company and embarked forces on board the Landing Helicopter Dock HMAS Canberra during INDO-PACIFIC ENDEAVOUR 2019 was crucial to achieving the mission.

Petty Officer Kerryn Seaborn, one of the physical training instructors (PTIs) in Canberra, brought humour, variety and a little fun to every training session she delivered, even though space on the ship was limited.

“The biggest difference from land facilities are the disruptions due to the operational requirements of the ship, such as flying operations and whole-ship activities.

“The LHDs are incredible for physical training - the space, the training areas and the equipment available is far better than any other platform in the Navy,” Petty Officer Seaborn said.

During the three-month deployment, Petty Officer Seaborn facilitated 15 physical fitness tests or basic fitness assessments, and 94 physical training classes to keep the sailors, soldiers and airmen fit and strong.

“The best thing has been the people I’ve met and the appreciation I have received for providing them the service of physical training. I have the best job on board,” she said.

“The port visits have been great, experiencing the different cultures, engaging with the other militaries and competing against them in sport.

“The biggest thing I can take away from a joint task force environment is that all three services may operate differently, but all contribute to achieving the same goal.

“A healthy force is a happy one.” ND

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Partnership opens doors to STEM careers for Top End students

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 12 June 2019 Kim Parkinson (author), CPO Tony Thomas (author)

Location(s): HMAS Coonawarra. NT

Topic(s): HMAS Coonawarra, Work Experience Program

(L­R) Saba Malese, Dray Thompson, Jonathon Sattler, Daniel Thomson and Don James of Casuarina Senior College with Able Seaman Boatswains Mate Kaumi Bon.

Six high school students got a hands-on understanding of what life is like in the Royal Australian Navy during a week of work experience at HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin.

Highlights of the week for the Year 11 and 12 students from Casuarina Senior College included visiting Navy patrol boats to learn how they operate at sea, and observing a ship undock from the hardstand to the water. The students also used a laser cutter and computer technology to create nameplates for some of the patrol boats.

Student Daniel Thomson said he hadn’t considered a career in the Navy – until now. He’d taken part in the week of work experience just hoping to “learn new things, meet new people and get an insight into what happens in the Navy.”

“The experience has changed my mind in a positive way, because now I have an insight into what goes on. I learnt about the different types of careers and different skills in the Navy, such as being reliable and respectful,” Daniel said.

The work experience program is part of a partnership between Navy, Northern Territory industry and the College, to encourage young people to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) fields.

The partnership focuses on high achieving young people as well as those from groups under-represented in STEM, such as Indigenous youth, those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and women.

Fleet Support Unit–North’s Regional Manager, Lieutenant Commander Sarah Eddes, supports activities for the students during their week of work experience at HMAS Coonawarra.

The Weapons Electrical Engineering Officer said the partnership gives participants the opportunity to discover an interest they may never knew they had.

“We allow the students to get away from their textbooks and involve them in practical, hands-on jobs that show them how fun and rewarding a career in the STEM fields can be,” Lieutenant Commander Eddes said. ND

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Hobart steps up in expeditionary strike group

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 13 June 2019 LEUT Anthony Martin (author), ABIS Shane Cameron (photographer), ABIS Steven Thomson (photographer)

Topic(s): Exercises, HMAS Stuart (F153), HMAS Hobart (D39)

File image: HMAS Hobart conducts officer of the watch manoeuvres with HMAS Toowoomba enroute to South East Asia, 2018.

HMA Ships Hobart and Stuart have participated in a real-time, simulated exercise with American forces, with Hobart showcasing her AEGIS Combat System while assigned Air Defence Commander duties.

Fleet Synthetic Training – Joint, under the banner of Exercise PACIFIC THUNDER, is an annual certification exercise for the United States Navy’s Japan-based Task Force 76.

The five-day exercise saw Hobart protect amphibious assault ships USS Essex and USS Wasp from airborne attack.

Hobart and Stuart’s operations teams used Royal Australian Navy Bridge Simulators at HMAS Watson in New South Wales and HMAS Stirling and Western Australian respectively, joined by networked elements from the Royal Australian Air Force and United States Navy and Air Force, geographically spread from Newcastle to San Diego and Sasebo in Japan.

Hobart’s Commanding Officer, Commander Ryan Gaskin, said the synthetic exercise was vital to preparing his crew ahead of the ship’s Task Group deployment later this year, working through scenarios and achieving training outcomes that may not be achievable in a real-world training environment.

“This synthetic exercise highlights Hobart’s capability and facilitates high level campaign planning and operations, proving our interoperability with the United States Navy,” he said.

“The combat team was outstanding in matching the tempo of the exercise, and for the first time Hobart held Air Defence Commander duties.”

“This was an exciting opportunity for us, as the AEGIS combat system and the ship’s Combat Information Centre are specifically designed for these battle functions.

“I am very proud of the team and their outstanding performance in contributing to the certification of United States Navy Commander Task Force 76.”

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From left, Director Fleet Force Generation Division Captain Pete Bartlett, RAN, Commodore Flotillas, Commodore Ivan Ingham, AM, RAN, Lieutenant Commander Jayson Larson, USN and Executive Officer HMAS Hobart, Lieutenant Commander Ben Weller, RAN, outside the DDG Command trainer HMAS Watson, Sydney.

HMAS Hobart is the first of three air warfare destroyers built for the Royal Australian Navy and is based in Sydney while HMAS Stuart is an Anzac Class Frigate based at Fleet Base West near Rockingham. ND

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Four successful drug interdictions by HMAS Ballarat

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 13 June 2019 Department of Defence (author), LSIS Bradley Darvill (photographer)

Topic(s): Operation MANITOU, HMAS Ballarat (F155), Drug interdiction

Able Seaman Electronic Warfare Justin Springer, left, and Leading Seaman Marine Technician Daniel Colliver remove sacks containing suspected narcotics during a search of a suspicious dhow by HMAS Ballarat's boarding party.

Royal Australian Navy Frigate HMAS Ballarat has seized another four illicit drug shipments in three days while deployed to the Middle East region.

The four boardings took place over the period 2-5 June 2019, as Ballarat conducted a routine patrol in the Arabian Sea in support of the Combined Maritime Forces.

The drug seizures included a large quantity of hashish and illegal narcotics weighing a combined total of 5.8 tonnes or a haul similar in size to five family-sized motor vehicles.

The suspicious vessels, known as a dhows, were believed to be engaging in illegal activity when Ballarat conducted the boardings under the authority of the Combined Task Force 150.

Commanding Officer, HMAS Ballarat, Commander Paul Johnson, said the routine boardings are essential to achieving maritime security in the region.

“Our goal is to disrupt the sources of funding for terrorism and deny the narcotics trade in the Middle East.” he said.

“In support of the Combined Maritime Forces we aggressively pursued a number of vessels, which had shown signs of smuggling illegal narcotics.

“The team have been working hard to track, intercept and board these vessels in some difficult conditions.

The recent hauls now brings the total number of seizures by HMAS Ballarat to 14 during her nine-month deployment to the region since October 2018.

Operation MANITOU is the Australian Government's contribution to support international efforts to promote maritime security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East.

An enhanced security environment ensures Australia's safe and open access to the region while fostering trade and commerce and a rules based global order. ND

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Task Group Commander says thanks with a visit

Royal Australian Navy

3-3 minutes

Published on 14 June 2019 LEUT Anthony Martin (author), LSIS Tara Byrne (photographer), MTS Audrey Agostinelli (FrenchNavy) (photographer)

Topic(s): Exercises, HMAS Toowoomba (F156), HMAS Collins (S73)

HMAS Toowoomba supports French Navy Ship (FNS) Charles De Gaulle as a Rafale F3 aircraft launches during Exercise LA PEROUSE.

As Exercise LA PEROUSE drew to a close in the Indian Ocean, the Commander Task Force for the exercise, Rear Admiral Olivier Lebas of the French Navy, visited the two Australian units that participated in the exercise - the Anzac class Frigate HMAS Toowoomba and the submarine HMAS Collins.

Centred on the French led Charles de Gaulle Carrier Task Group, the exercise included vessels and aircraft from France, Japan and the United States, as well as the two Australian units.

Rear Admiral Lebas paid tribute to the performance of the Australian units in the exercise and thanked them for their involvement.

The multi-national maritime exercise included Air Defence drills, anti-submarine warfare training, navigation and replenishment at sea.

Toowoomba’s Commanding Officer, Commander Mitchell Livingstone, was grateful for the opportunity to have the Task Force Commander visit and get a personal tour of the ship and the chance to interact with ship’s company.

“Exercise LA PEROUSE has been an outstanding training environment for all the units involved,” Commander Livingstone said.

“We are very happy to have Rear Admiral Lebas visit us and provide an opportunity to show him firsthand how we operate.”

Following Exercise LA PEROUSE, Toowoomba and Collins will continue on with their East Asian deployments. ND

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news.navy.gov.au

Navy celebrates 190 years on Garden Island, WA

Royal Australian Navy

4-4 minutes

One hundred and ninety years of Navy presence on the unique shores of Garden Island, Western Australia was celebrated recently at HMAS Stirling.

The event, which was attended by a number of dignitaries including the Governor of Western Australia, The Honourable Kim Beazley AC; previous commanding officers, and serving members and families, took place at the Sir James Stirling Mess, named after the Royal Navy officer who first landed on the island on 7 June 1829.

Stirling's Commanding Officer Captain Ainsley Morthorpe said he was still coming to terms with the amazing history and biodiversity of Garden Island after recently taking command of the base.

“Having resisted a posting to Western Australia for various reasons over the past 27 years, it is only now that I have come to realise what I’ve been missing,” he said.

“This island has everything that I love - an amazing history, staggeringly beautiful natural wonders, supportive neighbours in the City of Rockingham, and a dedicated workforce.”

Captain Morthorpe said since the island broke away from the mainland approximately 6000 years ago, it remained uninhabited until Captain Stirling established a settlement at Cliff Head.

“As such, it's an amazing ark sitting off the coast of Western Australia with many unique species of flora and fauna,” he said.

Captain Morthorpe also referred to the island’s significance to the local Indigenous people of the area, the Nyungar People.

“Garden Island features strongly in Aboriginal mythology, with the most significant Dreaming stories being associated with the Crocodile and Waugul Dreaming,” he said.

Published on 14 June 2019 LEUT Gary McHugh (author), LSIS Richard Cordell (photographer)

Location(s): Garden Island, WA

Topic(s): HMAS Stirling

L-R: Governor of Western Australia, The Hon Kim Beazley, AC; Chief Petty Officer Naval Police Coxswain Bill Prince; and Seaman Gap Year Isaac Crook use a ceremonial sword to cut a cake made to celebrate the 190th anniversary of Navy on Garden Island, WA in the Sir James Stirling Mess on HMAS Stirling.

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“What we now call Garden Island was known as Meandip Yondock, meaning ‘Crocodile with Tail Missing’ – the crocodile is the island, and the missing tail is the northern part of the island with the exposed cliffs representing the wounds suffered by the crocodile in its battle with the Rainbow Serpent.”

Following Captain Morthorpe’s address, Chief Petty Officer Naval Police Coxswain Bill Prince, a member of the HMAS Stirling Commissioning Guard in 1978, spoke about his association with the base.

“Before Stirling was commissioned I was posted to HMAS Leeuwin as a young Able Seaman Quarter Master Gunner, but spent 14 months at the Western Australian Naval Support Facility which later became HMAS Stirling,” he said.

“In those days only a small number of the buildings we have now were constructed, and there was still an old general shop from the days the island was used as a holiday destination.

“On the day of the commissioning, Stirling had a ship’s company of 15 officers, two warrant officers, 13 chief petty officers, 18 petty officers, 32 leading seamen and 73 able seamen.”

A few days after Stirling was commissioned, Chief Petty Officer Prince joined the former survey vessel HMAS Moresby, one of the first Navy ships to be posted to what was to become Fleet Base West.

After the formal component of the birthday event, attendees were invited to a winter buffet lunch, followed by the ceremonial cutting of the 190th birthday cake.

Guests were then treated to a Navy-style ‘horse race’ organised by Stirling’s physical training instructors, representing the very first horse race to take place in Western Australia which occurred on the beaches of Garden Island 190 years ago.

Imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20191476. ND

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Diver hopefuls return historic dive helmet and pump to former glory

Royal Australian Navy

4-4 minutes

Published on 15 June 2019 Royal Australian Navy (author), ABIS Leo Baumgartner (photographer)

Location(s): HMAS Penguin, NSW

Topic(s): Training, HMAS Penguin

Members of the ADF Diving School’s Initial Employment Trainee intake 005 with the Siebe Gorman diving pump and brass helmet they refurbished.

Initial Employment Trainee (IET) intake 005 posted to HMAS Penguin in January 2019 in preparation for the Basic Clearance Diver Course.

During IET with the ADF Diving School, IET 005 had the privilege of refurbishing an old Siebe Gorman diving pump and brass standard diving helmet.

Over a six week period, the group worked as a team to completely strip apart the pump, sand it, replace the broken timber, polish, repaint, varnish and reconstruct it for display.

The Siebe Gorman pump design was used by the first trainee divers in the 1920s, who conducted diving operations off Hann’s Inlet wharf, HMAS Cerberus.

In order for this pump to work, it required two operators to pump air through an umbilical cord to the diving helmet, which enabled the diver to conduct their task safely.

Unlike any design before it, this equipment significantly increased the safety and reliability of diving.

Thereafter, it was used extensively by the Navy and Army in a variety of operations, such as maritime Explosive Ordinance Disposal, salvage operations and Underwater Damage Repair.

This technique, along with the closed diving dress, diving helmet and pump served useful for the Australian Defence Force until engine and electric driven pumps replaced them.

Now polished and revamped, the diving apparatus is displayed at the entrance of the ADF Diving School, where it gives people an idea of how far diving equipment and techniques have advanced.

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Warrant Officer Diver Darren Smith from the ADF Diving School said the refurbished nod to the past also speaks to the trust and teamwork required in a clearance diving unit.

“The operation of the apparatus captures the interests of people, because the critical task of hand pumping air to a diver highlights a connection between team members that encompasses the importance of professionalism, loyalty, integrity, courage, innovation and teamwork.

“This task has given the intake members an opportunity to complete something together as a team while they prepare for diving course, and then proudly return the heritage items back to the ADF Diving School,” Warrant Officer Diver Smith said.

IET 005 are busy developing military skills, learning how to scuba dive and increase their fitness in preparation for Clearance Diver Aptitude Assessment in July.

Once successful they will continue their specialist training together as Basic Clearance Divers 88. ND

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Navy sails into remote communities

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 16 June 2019 LEUT Todd Fitzgerald (author)

Location(s): Derby, WA, HMAS Coonawarra, NT, Kununurra, WA, Gibb River, WA

Topic(s): HMAS Coonawarra, Community Engagement

Navy Community Engagement Coordinator Chief Petty Officer Tony Thomas with HMAS Coonawarra sailors, and staff and students from St Joseph’s Primary School in Kununurra.

Six Northern Territory-based sailors recently ventured into the heart of Australia on a 17-day mission to engage with remote communities and strengthen Navy’s reputation.

The sailors from HMAS Coonawarra drove more than 4000km between Darwin and Broome, visiting 10 outback communities and 10 schools along the way.

They also volunteered at the Gibb River Road Mountain Bike Challenge, a charity event in which participants raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Coordinator, Chief Petty Officer Tony Thomas, said the program aimed to educate communities, which would never otherwise come into contact with the Navy, about the service. However, he said it was often the sailors selected to accompany him that learn the most.

“Navy personnel visiting these remote communities gain an insight into their day-to-day life and into the varied challenges the locals face,” he said.

“They are given the opportunity to stand strong and proud of what they are and what they represent. Being involved, and in some way responsible for this, creates a great sense of pride.”

Seaman Kali Rattenbury said she felt “incredibly fortunate” to take part in the trip.

“Perhaps the most vivid memory for me was visiting a remote primary school and interacting with the pre-schoolers.

"When shown a promotional video, the kids were in complete awe and erupted in cheers.

"This really drove home how influential and important a force like the Navy is to everyone, right down to a pre-schooler.

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“I’m so grateful for this experience and can’t wait to see where the Navy takes me,” Seaman Rattenbury said.

Seaman Sarah West visited her former high school in Derby, Western Australia during the trip. She said the program was important because it showed kids in remote communities that good career and lifestyle options existed outside their towns.

Deputy Principal of Derby District High School, Jacqueline Brown, agreed with her former student.

‘It was excellent to see a former student return to the community and share her career pathway and journey. She is a credit to herself and has encouraged others to follow in her footsteps,” Ms Brown said. ND

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Navy Emerging Leaders Forum invests in our future

Royal Australian Navy

4-6 minutes

Published on 17 June 2019 LEUT Claire Baldwin (author), POIS Justin Brown (photographer)

RAN Senior Leadership Group ­ Deputy Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Mark Hammond, AM, RAN (third from left); Warrant Officer of the Navy Gary Wight (second from left); and Command Warrant Officer ­ Training Force, Warrant Officer Deb Butterworth (left); with attendees of the Navy Emerging Leaders Forum held at the Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney.

One hundred and fifteen participants attended the inaugural Navy Emerging Leaders Forum (NELF) held at the Australian National Maritime Museum on 22 May 2019.

Leading Seamen, Petty Officers, Sub Lieutenants and Lieutenants participated in table-top discussions, panel sessions, guest speakers, and facilitated conversation, focussed on the leadership challenges facing Navy’s emerging leaders today.

Deputy Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Mark Hammond, shared his leadership testimony from his enlistment as a junior sailor, through commissioning, to his journey to senior officer.

“Achieve results with and through our people, not at their expense,” Rear Admiral Hammond said.

“This is not always easy when conducting operations that place our people in harm’s way, but it should always be the priority goal.”

Victoria Cross recipient Corporal Mark Donaldson shared his experiences on various Australian Defence Force Operations, highlighting the importance of the team and leadership that puts others first.

“Fear is normal, but you can’t let it overtake you, or govern you to make a bad decision. Regardless of whether you are a leader or a follower, your job is to be an enabler,” Corporal Donaldson said.

Forum participants embraced the opportunity to speak candidly with the Senior Leadership Team regarding leadership and teamwork matters that they face daily, as well as hear from others of their own rank level who are navigating the same challenges.

Lieutenant Matthew Norris, from the Australian Maritime Warfare Centre, indicated the appreciation for the contribution of both Rear Admiral Hammond and Mark Donaldson, remarking that, he really valued the opportunity to learn from Rear Admiral Hammond.

“Rear Admiral Hammond’s presentation put a real ‘human touch’ on the senior role he provides to us all, while his humility and humour displayed a level of leadership that I can aspire to,” Lieutenant Norris said.

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“I can see it is an exciting future ahead for the Royal Australian Navy. The investment in forums such as NELF highlights that the support is there for everyone to ‘own’ the continued building and development of the Royal Australian Navy, regardless of rank.”

Leading Seaman Zac Davis, of HMAS Hobart, indicated his interest in joining the Navy Leadership Coaching Program as a result of his experience at the NELF.

“I recently attended the Navy Emerging Leaders Forum which was a great success and it has inspired me to seek further career development,” Leading Seaman Davis said.

Eight more NELF will be held across the country throughout 2019.

The forums are organised and coordinated by the Directorate of Navy Culture and represent Chief of Navy’s commitment to the investment in, and empowerment of, the next generation of Navy leaders.

Leading Seaman, Petty Officer, Sub Lieutenant and Lieutenant ranks are encouraged to participate in one of the remaining eight NELF scheduled for 2019, as follows:

Perth 26 June (allocation exhausted)Darwin 23 JulyCairns 06 AugustNowra 20 AugustMelbourne 26 SeptemberCanberra 17 October NDPerth 27 November

Applications can be made via the ‘Emerging Leaders’ link on the Directorate of Navy Culture homepage on the DRN. ND

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news.navy.gov.au

HMAS Newcastle visits namesake city for final time

Royal Australian Navy

5-6 minutes

HMAS Newcastle has sailed into her namesake city for the final time after 25 years of faithful service, steaming more than 900,000 miles and gaining battle honours in East Timor, the Solomon Islands and the Persian Gulf.

Newcastle’s arrival also marks the completion of the final overseas deployment by an Adelaide class guided missile frigate, which have formed the backbone of Navy operations for almost 40 years.

Newcastle was the last of the Adelaide Class frigates commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy and was the last of her type to be built in Australia.

For Newcastle’s Commanding Officer, Commander Anita Sellick, sailing into Newcastle was both a proud and a reflective moment.

“As a Novocastrian myself, it is a great experience to be here but also a little sad knowing it is the last time the ship will visit,” Commander Sellick said.

“For me it is a once in a lifetime opportunity and it is hard to put into words just how special that is.

“This is similar for the entire crew and in particular the 21 other Novocastrians in the ship’s company.”

Following her arrival, Newcastle hosted an official reception, the highlight being a charity auction to raise the final funds for the ship’s charity, the Newcastle Senior School. Recent fund raising efforts conducted by crew, including The Great Race and the charity auction have raised almost $20,000.

Published on 17 June 2019 LEUT Anthony Martin (author), SGT Guy Young (photographer), POIS Nina Fogliani (photographer)

Location(s): Newcastle, NSW

Topic(s): Freedom of Entry, HMAS Newcastle (F06)

HMAS Newcastle enters the Port of Newcastle, NSW, prior to the ship's final visit to her namesake city.

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The City of Newcastle’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Nuatali Nelmes, said at the reception she was very honoured to represent the City and be involved in Newcastle’s final visit, highlighting how impressed she was with the fund raising efforts of the ship and how supportive the ship has been to the local charity’s over the last 25 years.

“I am so proud of the long and enduring friendship HMAS Newcastle has had with Newcastle and the Hunter region,” the Lord Mayor said.

“The ship has had a positive impact on city and will always be remembered.”

Newcastle’s final visit will also provide an opportunity to host visits and tours for local groups, attend a final community engagement with the Newcastle Senior School, and conduct a Freedom of Entry through the City’s town centre.

After departing Newcastle for the final time, Newcastle will return to Fleet Base East in Sydney and prepare for de-commissioning in late June.

Freedom of Entry

With pride and enthusiasm, 180 officers and sailors from HMAS Newcastle exercised Freedom of Entry into the City of Newcastle for the final time.

The time honoured tradition was held in celebration of Newcastle’s last visit to her namesake city prior to decommissioning in late June 2019.

Newcastle’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Nuatali Nelmes, said the Freedom of Entry is conferred in recognition of the friendship and diligent service the Royal Australian Navy has extended to the City of Newcastle and the Hunter region.

“HMAS Newcastle has had a long and enduring friendship with the people of Newcastle for more than a quarter of a century,” Councillor Nelmes said.

“The event has been a great opportunity for the community to show their support for a final time to HMAS Newcastle, the crew and those men and women who have served on the ship over the last 25 years.”

Newcastle’s Commanding Officer, Commander Anita Sellick, said the ship’s company were proud of their connection to Newcastle and the Hunter.

“As a fellow Novocastrian I am proud of our close links with the region,” Commander Sellick said.

“We are honoured to have the support of the local community, both here in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.

“Today’s event is bittersweet considering it is the last Freedom of Entry.”

Commanding Officer HMAS Newcastle, Commander Anita Sellick, CSM, RAN, and the commissioning lady Mrs Margaret McNaughton AM, with all the Novocastrian members of the ship's company.

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Since commissioning in 1993, Newcastle has deployed in support of peacekeeping operations in East Timor and the Solomon Islands and Operation CATALYST in the Persian Gulf.

“Newcastle has been very active in the local community, regularly supporting charity events including fund raising events, build days and community engagement.

“For more than 25 years, the ship has had many visits to the City of Newcastle, conducting Freedom of Entry marches, official receptions, community events and supporting the Hunter Senior School,” Commander Sellick said.

The tradition of Freedom of Entry originates in medieval times, when a city would show its trust in a group of men-at-arms by allowing them to enter their walls without being disarmed. Nowadays the right of Freedom of Entry is a symbolic mark of honour and support from a city to a military unit.

Information about HMAS Newcastle is available at http://www.navy.gov.au/hmas-newcastle. ND

Commanding Officer HMAS Newcastle, Commander Anita Sellick, CSM, RAN was presented the key to the city of Newcastle by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Nuatali Nelmes, and Senator for NSW, the Hon Arthur Sinodinos AO, during the ship’s Freedom of Entry march through the city.

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Leadership matters ­ Deputy Chief of Navy talks culture and capability

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 18 June 2019 CMDR Fenn Kemp (author), LSIS James McDougall (photographer)

Topic(s): Strategy, Plan Pelorus

Deputy Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Mark Hammond, AM, RAN, discusses the outcomes of Plan Pelorus Navy Strategy 2022.

The Deputy Chief of Navy says increasing the size of the Royal Australian Navy and maintaining a healthy workplace culture will be critical to achieving Navy’s Strategy for 2022.

Rear Admiral Mark Hammond is leading key ‘outcomes’ for Plan Pelorus 2022.

The three-year plan is focused on developing Navy into a force capable of conducting sustained combat operations as part of a joint force.

Since the launch of Pelorus 2022 earlier this year, recruitment has begun to improve.

“The 2016 Defence White Paper required us to grow to a force of about 15,500 in the coming years,” Rear Admiral Hammond said.

“We've grown Navy by approximately 700 people over the last 15 months.

“We've also developed a number of initiatives which have had a very positive impact on retention.

“About 18 months ago, our separation rate was around 10.5% and that's now come down to 8.2% and decreasing, which is wonderful news,” Rear Admiral Hammond said.

The Deputy Chief warns that cultural and leadership development must continue in order to ensure Navy capitalises on the recruiting surge and professionally sustains its high operational output in an increasingly complex and congested maritime environment.

“The operating environment is highly charged and often demanding, but achieving our mission at the expense of our people undermines capability.

“We must strive to balance these pressures,” DCN said.

As part of Pelorus 2022, significant work is being channelled into developing leadership programs for sailors.

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The Navy Emerging Leaders Forum is proving very popular with the focus less on doctrine and more on individuals and how they behave under pressure.

“It’s our job as leaders to remain calm in that environment and to ensure that at all times we treat our people with dignity and respect while discharging our duties with complete professionalism.

“Ultimately our platforms are just objects of steel and wire that are animated and brought to life by our people.

“Our true capability is resident in our people,” Rear Admiral Hammond said. ND

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HMAS Arunta re­joins fleet with traditional smoking ceremony

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 18 June 2019 LEUT Gary McHugh (author), POIS James Whittle (photographer), SBLT Samantha Brandstater(photographer)

Location(s): Fleet Base West, WA

Topic(s): HMAS Arunta (F151)

Connie Craig, with fellow Arrernte tribal group members, Kumalie and Nari, addresses members of ship's company and guests during a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony held onboard HMAS Arunta at HMAS Stirling, Western Australia.

A cold, wet day didn’t spoil the feeling of optimism that surrounded the Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony that marked the recent return of HMAS Arunta to Fleet Base West after a 20-month Anzac Midlife Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP) upgrade.

Arunta is the first ship to undergo the program which provides significant improvements to the ship’s key sensor and communications systems.

To mark the occasion, a number of elders from the Arrernte Tribe, that the ship takes its name from, travelled from the Northern Territory to Western Australia to undertake the traditional smoking ceremony, while a Welcome to Country was provided by local Noongar elders.

Arunta’s Commanding Officer, Commander Troy Duggan, said the ship was proud to re-establish its connection with the Arrernte people, as it was important to give the crew a sense of the rich cultural heritage they are now a part of.

“The presence of tribal representatives from both the Arrernte and Noongar people at the ceremony was greatly appreciated by the entire ship’s company,” he said.

“Our long connection with our Indigenous namesake tribe remains an internationally unique and precious link – no matter what challenges and difficulties we face, I am sure we will face them with the same strength and resilience that our namesake people have done for the past 30,000 years.

“Re-joining the fleet marks an incredible achievement by the ship’s company, our support organisations, and our Australian defence industry partners in the Warship Asset Management Agreement Alliance.

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“We have worked hard together to deliver one of the world’s most advanced warships, and are looking forward to getting underway for sea trials very soon.”

The AMCAP upgrade includes a platform systems remediation program to improve platform reliability and maintainability.

A key component of the upgrade improves the Anzac class Air Search capability by replacing the legacy long range air search radar with a new digital phased array radar developed by Australian company CEA Technologies. This radar complements the existing anti-ship missile defence system.

AMCAP also includes an upgrade to the ship’s communications systems, enhancing the communications capabilities of the Anzac class since the platform was introduced approximately 20 years ago.

Work was also carried out improve the ship’s habitability for the crew, while ensuring through-life supportability and reduced total cost of ownership into the future.

Arunta will soon proceed to sea to complete extensive testing and sea trials as part of the AMCAP upgrade.

Arunta is the second Australian warship to carry the name – HMAS Arunta (I) was a Tribal class Destroyer commissioned in 1942, serving with distinction in New Guinea and the Pacific between 1942–1944, and at the Battle of Leyte Gulf in 1944 and Lingayen Gulf in 1945.

Imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery at https://images.defence.gov.au/S20191510. ND

William Craig, an Elder from Arrernte performs a Smoking Ceremony in HMAS Arunta's hangar at HMAS Stirling, WA.

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VC recipient visits Stirling

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 19 June 2019 LEUT Gary McHugh (author)

Location(s): HMAS Stirling, WA

Topic(s): Naval Heritage and History

Victoria Cross recipient Warrant Officer Class 2 (Ret'd) Keith Payne VC, AM, with Commanding Officer HMAS Stirling Captain Ainsley Morthorpe, RAN, at the Collie Battery historic site at Garden Island, WA.

A Victoria Cross recipient was recently treated to a personal tour of HMAS Stirling.

Warrant Officer Class 2 (Ret'd) Keith Payne, accompanied by Florence - his wife of 65 years, was visiting Western Australia to attend various events.

Stirling’s Commanding Officer, Captain Ainsley Morthorpe, hosted the couple during their visit to Navy’s West Australian base.

Captain Morthorpe said Warrant Officer Payne was given an operational briefing about Stirling before he was taken to visit the more historic sites of Garden Island.

“After driving around the base, we took Warrant Officer Payne to visit the two most intact examples of the island’s World War Two heritage.

“The Collie Battery, which had two four-inch guns at the southern tip of the island, and the enormous 9.2-inch guns at Scriven Battery on the western side are still evident by the concrete gun pits and associated support infrastructure,” Captain Morthorpe said.

Although the guns themselves are long gone and the sites are in various states of decay, Warrant Officer Payne was still able to see how it had all worked.

“And with his old soldier’s eye, he was soon looking for evidence of where the ground water might have been obtained for the hundreds of soldiers living on the island.

“Despite not finding a source of fresh water on the day, Warrant Officer Payne was convinced of its existence under the island’s rocks and sand.

“He promised to come back with his water divining rod in order to prove there was fresh water in the vicinity,” Captain Morthorpe said.

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Accompanying Warrant Officer Payne on his tour was Able Seaman Maritime Logistics – Support Timothy Boyd, who said the VC winner was an inspirational figure.

“I read his biography and was inspired not only by his bravery in winning the VC, but also by the story of his life and how he rose to every challenge with honour,” Able Seaman Boyd said.

Warrant Officer Payne left a lasting impression on the young sailor, and graciously signed Able Seaman Boyd’s copy of his biography.

Warrant Officer Payne was awarded the Victoria Cross for his outstanding bravery while serving with the Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam in 1969.

During an intense action with enemy forces, he covered the withdrawal of Australian and South Vietnamese troops, and spent hours searching the area for wounded soldiers who he then evacuated to safety.

Garden Island has a long and significant military history, having been the landing site of Captain James Stirling, RN in 1829.

The island itself has outstanding natural beauty and is home to hundreds of varieties of plants and animals, many of which are now either rare or extinct on the mainland. ND

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Remembering the lost submarines of WWII

Royal Australian Navy

4-4 minutes

Published on 19 June 2019 US Navy FT1 (SS) Derek Hammerstad (author)

Location(s): Albany, WA

Topic(s): Submarines (SSG), Naval Heritage and History, Memorial Service

Trumpets sounded out the anthems of Australia and the United States at Albany's National Anzac Centre on 26 May, as all in attendance stood to attention - remembering 52 US submarines lost during the Second World War.

The audience included cadets from TS Vancouver, retired and active duty sailors from the United States Navy, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Navy, as well as their families and two WWII veterans.

All had gathered in the West Australian town to pay their respects to the brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice, remaining on an eternal patrol and forever watching over American and Australian submariners.

US Navy Commander William Dull delivered a moving speech that encompassed how the events of the past affected the relationship of the two countries and the traditions their militaries still abide by today.

“We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.

“In the United States submarine force we have an expression, “you earn your dolphins everyday”, which refers to the submarine insignia worn on the chest and means to never be satisfied and constantly strive to improve,” Commander Dull told the crowd.

The tolling of the bells is a remembrance service in which each submarine and lost crew member is remembered one by one, as the bells toll. This year the names were read by Senior Chief Sonar Technician Submarines Kirk J Wright and the bell tolled by Petty Officer 1st Class Fire Control Technician Derek Hammerstad.

The names they read and their sacrifices are forever etched in history.

More than 75 years have passed since the brave sailors lost their lives. On 27 December 1941, just three weeks after the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor, the Australian Prime Minister John Curtin put out a call for help “without any inhibitions of any kind, I make it quite clear that Australia looks to America, free of any pangs as to our traditional links or kinship with the United Kingdom.”

SUBFOR Members, both USN and RAN, join with local Naval Cadets from TS Vancouver for a unified photo.

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Fremantle and Albany were safe havens for the American submarines which played a vital role in the overall success during the war. American submarines launched 521 patrols from Australia, sinking over 1.7 million tons of shipping, but sadly lost 52 submarines totalling 374 officers and 3131 sailors.

Lest we forget. ND

The memorial service was carried out next to the National Anzac Centre, Albany, WA, overlooking King George Sound.

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Veteran PTI inspires next generation of Navy officers

Royal Australian Navy

5-6 minutes

Leading Seaman Jan Gilmour encapsulates perseverance.

She joined the Royal Australian Navy way back in 1979, years before the decision was made to permit women to serve at sea.

But it wasn’t until May 2019 that she got her first opportunity to serve in an Australian warship.

Having experienced both the past and present Navy, the 58 year old is a role model who inspires serving and non-serving women alike.

She first joined the Navy as a dental nurse on 30 October 1979 then later transferred into the Physical Training Instructor (PTI) branch in 1983, for want of a “more active role”. She was one of the first females to ever be accepted as a PTI.

Even so, getting there wasn’t an easy feat. Jan found the PTI course extremely challenging, particularly because she was the only female and had no emotional support.

Furthermore, she said there were a lot of physical challenges that she felt she was “unable to live up to”, so as a consequence she concentrated on excelling in other areas such as academics.

Despite finding the course extremely demanding, she said it was an amazing experience as she had the opportunity to be involved with incredible charities such as the wheelchair marathon.

Leading Seaman Gilmour was then posted to HMAS Cerberus where she trained new recruits.

Even though she had a dream to go to sea, when she applied to do so in 1983 there were no positions on a ship that could accommodate women of her rank.

As a result, after completing 10 years in the Navy, she fully resigned in 1989 and returned to civilian life.

Jan re-joined the Navy again in 2007 as a reservist.

She performed a variety of roles at HMAS Albatross including working as a PTI in the gym, being the lead instructor in the HUET (Helicopter Underwater Escape Training) course, and jobs with the Defence work experience program, Naval Aviation Prospects Scheme and Naval Community Engagement.

Published on 20 June 2019 MIDN Amy Luke-Paredi (author)

Topic(s): Physical Training Instructor

Leading Seaman Physical Training Instructor Jan Gilmour with Midshipman Amy Luke-Paredi on the beach at HMAS Creswell during New Entry Officers’ Course 60.

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She also played a key role in maintaining the base’s relationship with the local community in order to encourage recruitment and inspire the younger generation.

She ran a Women in Aviation camp which involved Year 10 and 11 girls from all over Australia, using her unique experiences to motivate other females to fulfil their true potential.

Throughout her time in the Navy, Leading Seaman Gilmour has seen and experienced many changes with respect to the treatment of women.

These experiences have allowed her to enrich the lives of new generations of Navy personnel.

She says the simple act of passing on her knowledge and expertise fills her with a sense of real accomplishment.

“I feel accomplished to know I’ve contributed to the new Royal Australian Navy - one in which all women are empowered and encouraged to reach new heights,” she said.

Jan never dreamed that she would actually get the opportunity to go to sea and gave up on her seagoing aspirations long ago.

But, in April 2019 she was given the opportunity to join the Australian warship HMAS Adelaide, accompanying New Entry Officers’ Course 60 on their sea training deployment.

“This has been the highlight of my career - fulfilling my lifelong dream to serve at sea,” she said.

Each day of the sea training deployment, the veteran Physical Training Instructor ran multiple PT sessions for the NEOCs, varying each through her creativity and sense of fun.

Her innovative skills enabled her to adapt to a changed environment and overcome challenges that do not arise ashore.

While on board, Leading Seaman Gilmour was able to get to know all the New Entry Officers personally.

She said she loved training NEOCs.

“Because they have a vision greater than themselves and that is to render service to humanity by being a member of the defence force. They’re meritorious,” she said.

She also praised the NEOC’s enthusiasm and energy.

“I love seeing the transformation in individual confidence and everyone’s ability to work effectively in a team environment,” Leading Seaman Gilmour said.

NEOC 60 greatly benefited from Jan’s leadership and earned the trainees respect – with many acknowledging her positive impact on their individual growth.

Notably, the female trainees got a sense of what trailblazers like Jan Gilmour had done in the past to smooth the way for other women to have successful careers in the Australian Defence Force.

And, she inspired them to throw the ladder down for other women making the climb behind them. ND

Leading Seaman Jan Gilmour runs through the drill manoeuvres with students undertaking ditching scenarios in the Modular Egress Training System at the Helicopter Underwater Escape Training pool, HMAS Albatross, in 2012.

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HMAS Melbourne breeds new crop on last overseas deployment

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 20 June 2019 LEUT James McPherson (author), LSIS Kieran Dempsey (photographer)

Topic(s): HMAS Melbourne (F05), Exercises, Soccer

From left, Seaman Electronic Warfare Brady Miller, Seaman Marine Technician Jack Everett, Able Seaman Maritime Logistics ­ Personnel Bethany East, and Seaman Marine Technician Jason Sneath on the flight deck of HMAS Melbourne during their first deployment at sea.

In her 27th year of faithful service, HMAS Melbourne has completed her final overseas deployment, returning last week to her home port of Sydney after a successful mission.

As the ship approaches the end of her career, a number of young sailors are at the start of theirs. The final mission off the Australian station for a mainstay of the Australian fleet still achieved a number of firsts.

Able Seaman Maritime Logistics - Personnel Operations Bethany East, Seaman Marine Technician Jason Sneath, Seaman Marine Technician Jack Everett and Seaman Electronic Warfare Brady Miller, were on their first overseas deployment and relished the opportunities these trips present.

“We are lucky to have had such an extensive trip early in our careers,” Seaman Everett said.

“We had lots of experiences that you can only get when you’re on a large warship.”

Melbourne’s duties across the North West Pacific and East Asia ranged from diplomatic engagements, attending China’s International Fleet Review, to high-end multi-national exercises and operations.

Melbourne continued her strong tradition of representing Australia and its interests on the global stage, visiting China, Japan and Guam over the last two months. Able Seaman East said it was an eye-opening experience.

“Seeing other parts of the world really makes you appreciate where you’re from,” Able Seaman East said.

“We’re all proud to have played our part in taking our ship so far from home and demonstrating what Australia can do.”

For Seaman Sneath, the highlight of the deployment was showing off Melbourne’s sporting prowess. The sports competition held as part of the Chinese International Fleet Review was an opportunity for less formal international relations.

“It was exciting to play against Russians, Chinese, Malaysians and get some good wins.

“It’s exciting when so many sailors from around the world come together and we get to show what we’re made of,” Seaman Sneath said.

Melbourne now has a busy domestic program before being decommissioned later in the year to make way for Navy’s future capabilities. ND

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Moreton unites the Port of Brisbane for TS19

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 21 June 2019 LCDR Anne Mena (author), LEUT Monzon (photographer)

Topic(s): Exercise TALISMAN SABRE

Representatives of the Royal Australian Navy, the Port of Brisbane and other key stakeholders meet to discussberthing arrangements for Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 2019.

The Port of Brisbane will host more than twenty-five warships for Exercise TALISMAN SABRE this year.

TALISMAN SABRE a major bilateral Australian and United States training activity designed to practice the military services and associated agencies of the two nations in planning and conducting Combined and Joint Task Force operations.

The exercise scenario is also designed to improve combat readiness and interoperability between Australian and US Forces.

The exercise is due start on 11 July and will take place in the existing Australian Defence Force Shoalwater Bay Training Area and surrounding state forests, near Rockhampton in Central Queensland.

The Commanding Officer of the Royal Australian Navy’s Brisbane base HMAS Moreton, Commander Gerry Savvakis, said TALISMAN SABRE would bring the largest number of warships to visit Brisbane in over three decades.

“Never before has Brisbane been asked to accommodate such a large number of warships in such a short period of time.

“It is very important for Navy to take the lead on berthing arrangements for TALISMAN SABRE 2019,” Commander Savvakis said.

Lieutenant Russ Benham, HMAS Moreton’s First Lieutenant and Visiting Ships Liaison Officer, recently marked a significant milestone for TALISMAN SABRE 2019 by facilitating a meeting between the Australian Defence Force and the Port of Brisbane’s key stakeholders.

The intent was to bring key stakeholders from the Port of Brisbane, associated Contractors and Defence representatives together to confirm movements and berthing arrangements for both Australian and international ships during the exercise.

“It was the first time all the stakeholders had ever been together in the same room and it certainly shows that Australia, as the host nation, is ready to accommodate the visiting ships into Brisbane,” Lieutenant Benham said.

TALISMAN SABRE 2019 will involve up to 25,000 personnel operating across the maritime, land and air domains.

More information can be found at http://www.defence.gov.au/Exercises/TS19. ND

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HMAS Newcastle makes final entry into Sydney Harbour

Royal Australian Navy

3-3 minutes

Published on 21 June 2019 LEUT Anthony Martin (author), LSIS Steven Thomson (photographer), SMNGX Alex Samuel(photographer)

Location(s): Fleet Base East, NSW

Topic(s): HMAS Newcastle (F06)

It was a happy occasion tinged with a hint of sadness as HMAS Newcastle arrived alongside Fleet Base East after entering Sydney Harbour for the final time with her ‘paying off’ pennant flying.

Family and friends waited patiently alongside, welcoming the ship’s company home from their four month deployment.

Signs on the wharf ranged from ‘welcome home’ banners to birthday wishes.

For many of the crew it felt good to be home, but for some it was also a sad moment -knowing this was the last time the ship would arrive in port.

Following a brief period of downtime, the ship and her crew will prepare for decommissioning later this month.

HMAS Newcastle is the last of the Adelaide class frigates commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy and the last of her type to be built in Australia - in Williamstown, Victoria.

For the Commanding Officer, Commander Anita Sellick, the return to Sydney was a momentous occasion.

“I am so proud of the ship and crew for all that has been achieved over the last few months.

“I know, like the rest of the crew, I’m looking forward to spending some time with my family,” Commander Sellick said.

After more than 25 years’ of service, HMAS Newcastle will be decommissioned in a ceremony at Fleet Base East on June 30.

Information about HMAS Newcastle is available at http://www.navy.gov.au/hmas-newcastle. ND

Family and friends wait on the wharf at Fleet Base East as HMAS Newcastle returns after a four month deployment to the Pacific.

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First Lady’s CO reflects on successful mission

Royal Australian Navy

4-4 minutes

Published on 21 June 2019 LEUT Dave Devlin (author), LSIS Steven Thomson (photographer), CPOIS Kelvin Hockey(photographer)

Location(s): Fleet Base East, NSW

Topic(s): HMAS Success (OR 304)

Families and friends gather to meet HMAS Success as it returns to Fleet Base East after a four month deploymentto South East Asia and the Pacific.

HMAS Success is now alongside in Sydney, preparing for her decommissioning, having returned from her last overseas deployment last week.

After four months away as part of the Indo-Pacific Endeavour Task Group, looking out the bridge window at Sydney’s Centrepoint Tower as HMAS Success crossed ‘line Zulu’ one last time was a wonderous sight to behold for her ship’s company.

As part of the Task Group, Success again performed the important role of providing fuel and stores to the other ships and submarines.

As Success prepared for her final entry into Sydney Harbour, her Commanding Officer, Captain Darren Grogan, took the opportunity to reflect on the achievements’ of the retiring first lady of the fleet.

“There are always the statistics - 33 years of service to the fleet, 3424 replenishments conducted, 997,000 nautical miles steamed.

“But, in my thoughts are other reflective moments this great ship has given,” Captain Grogan said.

“I think one of the most amazing facts is that we have nearly passed 500 million litres of fuel to our many customers over the years.

“Amazingly, the ship is still performing very well, which is a credit to the many people who have invested in her – to the point that during this deployment of 4.5 months we did not miss a single day or have to delay a Replenishment at Sea because of a major defect or personnel deficiency.

“Perhaps the old girl is resisting retirement!”

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“Arriving home is a bit of an emotional roller coaster. Having been away for more than four months it’s a very happy occasion to be reunited with our families, friends, and loved ones, but when the fan fare is over a touch of sadness creeps in as we realise it’s the end of the road of this ole’ girl.

“But they say all good things must come to an end, and we always look to the future.

“I’m in the fortunate position of not only decommissioning Success, but I also get to be the commissioning Commanding Officer of her replacement, NUSHIP Supply, which is finalising her fit out in Spain and will shortly start sea trials,” Captain Grogan said.

HMAS Success will decommission on 29 June at Sydney’s Fleet Base East. ND

HMAS Success approaches Fleet Base East, Garden Island, Sydney for the final time as a commissioned ship in the Royal Australian Navy.

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news.navy.gov.au

NorestfortheDemons

RoyalAustralianNavy

3-4minutes

Publishedon22June2019LEUTJamesMcPherson(author),LSISKieranDempsey(photographer)

Topic(s):Training,HMASMelbourne(F05)

RoyalAustralianNavysailorSeamanMarineTechnicianJackEverettdemonstratestheequipmentusedin damagecontroltothecrewmembersandtheirguestsinHMASMelbourneduringafamiliescruisefrom GladstonetoSydney.

Itiseasytoimagineafteranumberofmonthsatseaaship’scompanywouldtaketheirlastdayprettyeasy.Notsoforthecrewof HMASMelbourne.

TheStandingSeaFireandEmergencyPartycontinuedtoputtheirtrainingtothetestundertakingdamagecontrolexercisesand showingfamilymemberswhohadembarkedforthefinalleghowtheyhandlepotentiallylethalsituations.

A simulated fire in the trash-compacting compartment presents one of the most dangerous scenarios for a ship, but Melbourne demonstrated why they deserve the Duke of Gloucester’s Cup for being the most effective and efficient fleet unit.

Tony May, who is the uncle of the ship’s buffer Chief Petty Officer Matthew May, was onboard to see the damage control exercise unfold.

“I was impressed with the systematic approach to evaluating the fire and how it would be handled,” Mr May said.

“There is an intricacy, but the systems and processes are so well drilled that the ‘fire’ was put out in minutes.”

Mr May got the chance to try on the fire-fighting equipment and got a feel for what is an almost daily training routine for a warship.

“You don’t realise until you see it just how complex fighting a fire at sea can be. It’s a testament to the people and how well they go about their jobs.”

Melbourne has returned from her final overseas deployment before decommissioning later in the year. The ship’s company will take the training they’ve received on the frigate and apply it across the fleet. ND

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RoyalAustralianNavysailorChiefPettyOfficerBoatswainMathewMay,left,assistshisuncleTonytodonthefireensembleworn bysailorsinHMASMelbourneduringafamiliescruisefromGladstonetoSydney.

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news.navy.gov.au

NewpowerboatforTSDarwin

RoyalAustralianNavy

3-4minutes

Publishedon22June2019CadetLeadingSeamanAdamChristensen(author)

Topic(s):AustralianNavyCadets

TheAustralianNavyCadetsTrainingShipTSDarwinwasrecentlyfortunatetoreceiveabrandnewpowerboatfromthe departmentofDefence.

TheAttackFlotillaCommander,NavyCadetsLieutenantCommanderAlanKnightscalledTrainingShipCommandingOfficer, NavyCadetsLieutenantJaneReptikon27Maytogiveherthegoodnews.

Theboatwasdeliveredtotheunitthenextday.

Thecadetswereveryexcitedabouttheirnewboatandquicklyre-arrangedtheboatshedtoaccommodateit.

Thevesseldoublesthenumberofoperationalpowerboatsattheunitandwillthereforeenablemorecadetstoundergotheir powerboatingcertifications.

Priortothedelivery,thecadetsatTSDarwinhadn’tconductedonwateractivitiesforthreeyearsbecausetheydidn’thaveenough operationalpowervessels.

Thatwillchangeassoonasthenewpropellerguardisfitted,withthecadetsplanningtogetoutontothewatertoearntheirSailing 1and2Certificates.

ThenamingceremonywillbeheldinAugust–withthenewboattobenamedPhoenixafterthesymbolicbirdadoptedasasymbol bybothHMASDarwinandTSDarwin.

Theunit’ssecondboat,whichhasrecentlybeenrepaired,willalsofeatureinthenamingceremonyandwillbenamedArrowafter HMASArrow,whichsunkatStokesHillWharfduringCycloneTracyin1974.

TrainingShipCommander,NavyCadetsLieutenantJaneReptiksaidthedeliverywasanicesurprise.

“Wewereverysurprisedtobegivenanewboat.

“When I first took over command of the unit in August last year, the cadets had not been on the water in Darwin for years, although some were fortunate to attend camps in other states to learn sailing and powerboating,” she said.

Cadets from TS Darwin with their new powerboat.

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“OneofourpowerboatswasquicklyrepairedandwecommencedourfirstpowerboathandlingcourseinMarchthisyear.

“Thecadetnumbersaregrowingrapidlyattheunit,soitverydifficulttohaveover30cadetslearningskillsinonepowerboat.

“TheadditionalvesselwillenableallcadetstocommencetheiryachtingAustraliapowerboating&sailingcertificates-notto mentionhaveawholeheapoffunonthewater!”CadetsLieutenantReptiksaid.

FormoreinformationontheAustralianNavyCadets,gotohttp://www.navycadets.gov.au. ND

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news.navy.gov.au

NavyskipperleadsADFteamatAustralianWomen'sKeelboatRegatta

RoyalAustralianNavy

3-3minutes

Publishedon23June2019LSISJakeBadior(author),ABISBonnyGassner(photographer)

Location(s):StKilda,Vic

Topic(s):Sailing

MembersoftheAustralianDefenceSailingAssociationonboard'Godzilla'priortocompetinginAustralian Women'sKeelboatRegattaheldattheRoyalMelbourneYachtSquadron,StKilda,Victoria.

DefencecompetedintheAustralianWomen’sKeelboatRegattaforthefirsttimeon6June.

Thetri-servicecrewbattleditoutagainst40teamsfromacrossAustraliaintheannualeventattheRoyalMelbourneYacht SquadroninStKilda.

LieutenantCommanderKirstinNorris,SkipperoftheADFSailingAssociationteam,saiditwasafantasticopportunitytobring womentogetherinacompetitiveenvironment.

“Themostimpressivethingwasthateveryonewasdoingaroletheywereunfamiliarwithandwerestillabletocometogetherto raceagainstsomeofthebestsailorsinAustralia,”shesaid.

“Wesharedalotduringtheevent;notjustaboutsailing,butalsoourrespectiverolesinthemilitary,givingusagreater understandingofourorganisation.

“Itwasalsoagreatopportunitytofostersomeofourcoremilitaryskillslikeresilience,teamworkandcommunication,”Lieutenant CommanderNorrissaid.

Theteamfinishedeighthoverallinitsdivisionandreceivedasportsmanshipawardforhelpingateaminneedbylendingthema crewmember.

“SailingagainstaprofessionalAustralianracingteamwastough,butoverallagreatexperience,”LieutenantCommanderNorris said.

Theregattaisaimedatencouragingwomentogetinvolvedinsailing. ND

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news.navy.gov.au

Melbournefamiliesgetatasteoflifeatsea

RoyalAustralianNavy

3-3minutes

Publishedon23June2019LEUTJamesMcPherson(author),LSISKieranDempsey(photographer)

Topic(s):HMASMelbourne(F05)

RoyalAustralianNavysailorLeadingSeamanMarineTechnicianAdamHope,left,givesfamilyandfriendsof crewmembersaguidedtourofthemachineryspacesofHMASMelbourneduringafamiliescruisefromGladstone toSydney.

OnHMASMelbourne’sfinalstretchofherlatestandlastoverseasdeployment,anumberoffamilymembershadtheunique chancetoexperiencelifeatsea.

Withsomemembersoftheship’scompanyonleaveoroncourses,spaceopeneduptobeabletotakeselectnext-of-kinonatrip downtheeastcoast.

Able Seaman Marine Technician Ben Macaulay had his father join the ship in Gladstone, Queensland.

“This was dad’s first time onboard the ship. It’s great to be able to show him what I do,” Able Seaman Macaulay said.

Able Seaman Macaulay works in the Marine Engineering department looking after all of the refrigeration on board the ship. Learning about it was all new to Ben’s father, Ian.

“It’s a little bit different from a cruise ship,” Mr Macaulay said.

“I’ve really enjoyed hearing all about the job and getting context and understanding for what Ben does on daily basis.

“It’s full-on. Between his technical roles, watchkeeping, looking after yourself and trying to get a little bit of sleep, there isn’t much time left in a day.”

When asked what his favourite part of the trip was, Able Seaman Macaulay emphatically said “coming home”. It was a sentiment shared by all of the families onboard. ND

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news.navy.gov.au

Navyprojectsfromeasttowest

RoyalAustralianNavy

4-5minutes

Publishedon24June2019LCDRDesParoz(author),ClarisseDupont(FrenchNavy)(photographer),LSISRonnieBaltoft(photographer),LSISKieranDempsey(photographer),LSISTaraByrne(photographer),CPLKylieGibson(photographer),ABISKierenWhiteley(photographer)

Topic(s):Exercises

HMASToowoomba,HMASCollins,theUSSWilliamPLawrence,FrenchshipsCharlesdeGaulle,Provence, Forbin,Latouche-Tréville,MarneandtheJFDFShipsIzumoandMurasameintheBayofBengalduringExercise LAPEROUSE.

ThemonthofMaysawtheRoyalAustralianNavyengageandprovethecapabilitytosustainmultipletaskgroupsfromeasttowest acrosstheIndo-Pacific,withthreetaskgroupssimultaneouslyoperatingintheIndianOcean,thePacificOceanandSouthEast Asia.

WhiletheINDO-PACIFICENDEAVOURmaritimetaskgroupwasundertakingthefinallegsoftheirIPE19deployment,other RANfleetunitswereengagedinExerciseLAPEROUSEintheNortheastIndianOceanandExercisePACIFICVANGUARDinthe PacificOceannearGuam.

Navy’sDirectorGeneralMaritimeOperations,CommodoreMattBuckley,saidthatthesimultaneousinternationaldeploymentof sixmajorsurfaceshipsandtwosubmarinesinjointandcombinedtaskgroupsacrossawidetheatreofoperationswasastrong demonstrationofNavy’scapabilitytocontributetostabilityandsecurityacrosstheregion.

“ThethreesimultaneoustaskgroupactivitiesunderscoretherangeofscenariosthattheAustralianDefenceForcemustbe preparedtocontributetoinsupportoftheGovernment’scommitmenttoaprosperousandstableIndo-Pacific,”Commodore Buckleysaid.

“TheMaritimeTaskGroupconsistingofHMAShipsCanberra,SuccessandNewcastle,servedasthecoreoftheJointIPE19Task ForceanddeliveredonabroadremitofengagementandcapacitybuildingwithregionalpartnersSriLanka,India,Malaysia, Thailand,Vietnam,SingaporeandIndonesia.

“Meanwhiletothewest,HMASToowoombaandthesubmarineHMASCollinsparticipatedinaFrench-ledmultinationalexercise centredontheaircraftcarrierFNSCharlesdeGaulleinacombinedTaskForcethatalsoincludedshipsandaircraftfromthe UnitedStatesNavyandJapaneseMaritimeSelfDefenseForce.TheTaskForceexerciseconductedintheNortheastIndianOcean, demonstratedthetruepowerofinternationalpartnershipsandimportanceofmaritimeinteroperability.

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“FurthertotheeastinthevicinityofGuam,HMAShipsMelbourneandParramatta,andthesubmarineHMASFarncomb participatedintheUS-ledExercisePACIFICVANGUARD,togetherwiththenaviesofJapanandSouthKorea,workingthrougha rangeofcomplexmaritimetaskgroupscenarios.”

Thediversityoftheseactivities,distributedacrossawideregion,demonstratestheRAN’sabilitytosustainmaritimetaskgroup presenceintheregioninsupportofmaintainingglobalrulesandnorms.

Thetaskgroupsarereadytorespondifrequiredtoarangeofcontingencies acrosstheregion,eitheraspartofanADFjointtask force,oraselementsinacombinedresponsewithkeyinternationalpartners.

“ItisverypleasingtoseealongtermNavyplantogenerateandsustainmultiplemaritimetaskgroupdeploymentsisbeing realised,”CommodoreBuckleysaid.

“While all this was happening, Navy continued its operational contribution tomaritime security in theMiddle East, withHMAS Ballarat,sustainedanincreasedmaritimepresenceofhydrographicandpatrolvesselsinsupportofourPacificIslandpartners, andmaintainedtheongoingcommitmenttothesecurityofAustralia’sdomesticmaritimedomain.” ND

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news.navy.gov.au

TongareceivesnewGuardian-classPatrolBoat

RoyalAustralianNavy

4-5minutes

Publishedon24June2019DepartmentofDefence(author),LSISRichardCordell(photographer)

Location(s):Henderson,WA

Topic(s):PatrolVessels(PB&PSO),PacificMaritimeSecurityProgram(PMSP)

HeadofNavyEngineering,RearAdmiralColinLawrence,RAN,co-signsthehandovercontractwithDeputyChief ofDefenceStaffforTonga,CaptainSioneUlakaiforthethirdGuardian-classPatrolBoat,NgahauKoula,at AustalShipyardsinHenderson,WesternAustralia.

AustraliahasofficiallyhandedoveranewGuardian-classPatrolBoattotheKingdomofTonga.

TheTonganRoyalNavy’sNgahauKoulawasreceivedbyHisRoyalHighness,CrownPrinceTupouto'a'UlukalalaandCaptain SioneUlakai,DeputyChiefofDefenceStafftoHisMajesty’sArmedForces,ataceremonyinWesternAustralialastFriday.

ThevesselwassignedovertoCaptainUlakaibyHeadofNavyEngineering,RearAdmiralColinLawrenceattheAustalShipyards atHenderson.

MinisterforDefence,SenatorLindaReynoldssaidthereplacementofthePacificPatrolBoatswasanimportantpartofthe Government’s$2billion30-yearcommitmenttothePacificregionunderthePacificMaritimeSecurityProgram.

“TheAustralianGovernmentisdelivering21newGuardian-classPatrolBoatsto12PacificIslandnationsandTimor-Leste,aswell asdeliveringimprovedmaritimesurveillancecapabilitytoourPacificpartners,”MinisterReynoldssaid.

Assistant Defence Minister and Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Alex Hawke said the Guardian-class Patrol Boats make an important contribution to regional security.

“Tonga is one of Australia’s key partners in the Pacific region and we work closely together to address regional maritime security threats,” Minister Hawke said.

“Tonga’s military plays an important and active role in the security of the region.

“The enhanced capabilities of the Ngahau Koula, together with other maritime surveillance and law enforcement operations, contribute to the Pacific community’s efforts in securing the sea.”

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MinisterforDefenceIndustry,MelissaPricesaidthePacificMaritimeSecurityProgramdemonstratedtheGovernment’s commitmenttodeliveringmorejobsandopportunitiesintheAustraliandefenceindustry.

“TheGuardian-classPatrolBoatProjectsupportsaround400directandindirectAustralianjobsthroughthesupplychainandis partofourGovernment’swidercommitmenttoincreasingopportunitiesforsmallandmediumenterprisesintheAustralian defenceindustry,”MinisterPricesaid.

ThefirstGuardian-classPatrolBoatwasgiftedtoPapuaNewGuineain2018andthesecondtoTuvaluinAprilthisyear.

ImageryisavailableontheDefenceImageGallery at https://images.defence.gov.au/S20191521. ND

Front, from left: Assistant Minister for Defence, The Hon Alex Hawke, MP; His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala; and Minister for Defence Industry, The Hon. Melissa Price, MP, are joined by VIPs on the quarterdeck of the third Guardian Patrol Boat, Ngahau Koula, after a handover ceremony at Austal Shipyards in Henderson, Western Australia.

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news.navy.gov.au

NewNavyinitiativeprovidesexpandingcareeropportunities

RoyalAustralianNavy

3-4minutes

Publishedon25June2019MrAndrewBujdegan(author),LSISRichardCordell(photographer)

Topic(s):Training

L-R:CommanderMattButcherandnewlypromotedLieutenantBrettSouthfromSUBFORHQ,andCommander DylanFindlaterfromtheCollinsSystemProgramOffice.

ItwasasignificantdayfortwosubmarinerWarrantOfficersastheyprogressedtothecommissionedranksundertheNavy’s AssociateEngineersDirectEntry(AEDE)scheme.

Partofarecentinitiativetoprovideasignificantopportunityfortechnicalcategoryseniorsailorstoadvancetheircareers,the AEDEschemedrawsontheexperienceandtechnicalmasteryalreadyachievedbythemembers,andallowsthemtofurther contributetoNavyintheirchosenfield.

With27yearsofNavyexperience–predominantlyinsubmarines,WarrantOfficerMarineTechnicianBrettSouthislooking forwardtohiscommissioning,achievingthenextgoalinhiscareerandalsogettingbacktoseaasaMarineEngineeringOfficer Submariner(MESM).

WarrantOfficerMarineTechnicianMarkLaytonisalsolookingforwardtothenextstageofhisNavalcareer,enablinghimtomeet newanddifferentchallengesandfurtheradvanceinwhatalreadyhasbeenanexcitinganddiversecareer.

Collins Lifecycle Engineering Officer, Commander Matthew Butcher, congratulated the new engineering officers on behalf of the Submarine Enterprise for achieving a significant and well-earned milestone.

“The promotion from Warrant Officer to Lieutenant demonstrates an attractive alternative career path for senior sailors that enables them to continue with a valuable and rewarding career within Navy.

“I look forward to seeing both officers engage this new opportunity to lose the spanners and rise to the challenge of becoming Heads of Departments of major combatants and potentially progress to become senior officers,” he said.

The AEDE Scheme is just one of the opportunities Navy people have to advance in their chosen careers and continue to do what they love. ND

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L-R: Mrs Tracy Layton with her husband, newly promoted LEUT Mark Layton, Commander Dylan Findlater and Director Submarine Sustainment Captain John Sammons all from the Collins System Program Office.

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HMASDechaineux'sExmouthexpeditionRoyalAustralianNavy

3-4minutes

Publishedon25June2019LCDRDanMcCall(author) Location(s):Exmouth,WATopic(s):HMASDechaineux(S76)

PersonnelfromHMASDechaineuxvisittheNavalCommunicationStationHaroldEHolt,atExmouth,Western Australia.

TheWeaponsElectricalEngineeringandCommunicationsInformationSystemsdepartmentsofHMASDechaineuxrecently participatedinaweeklongexpeditiontoExmouth,WesternAustralia.

BeinganestablishmentofsignificancetotheSubmarineForce,theprimaryaimoftheexpeditionwasfortheElectronic TechniciansandCommunicationssubmarinerstoparticipateinaneducationaltouroftheverylowfrequency(VLF)transmitter siteatNavalCommunicationStationHaroldEHolt,located1300kmsnorthofPerth.

Secondaryaimsweretofosterinterdepartmentalmateship,conductoutdoorteambuildingactivitiesandpromotecommunity engagement.

TheVLFantennafarmatHaroldEHoltcanbeseenonapproachtoExmouth.

Astheteamgotcloser,memberswereinaweofthemagnitudeoftheengineeringfeat,whichwasbuiltbetween1963and1967.

TheVLFantennafarmconsistsof13talltowers-thetallestofwhichisnamedTowerZeroandis387mtall.Itwasoncethetallest man-madestructureintheSouthernHemisphere.

DuringatourofthefacilityledbybasemanagerMrRussellLevien,heinformedtheintriguedsubmarinersaboutthecomplex workingsofsuchanimmensesite,aswellasthemaintenancerequirementstokeepsuchanimportantcapabilityinareliableand availablestate.

Theexpeditioncoveredseveraladditionalstopsalongtheway,enablingmemberstoexperiencethelandscapeandsurrounding areasalongWesternAustralia'sCoralCoast.

CoralBayandTurquoiseBaypresentedagreatopportunityformemberstosnorkelandobservethecoralmarinelife.Another outdoorhighlightwasatrektovisitNature’sWindowwithintheKalbarriNationalParkandthePinnaclesDesert.

Commanding Officer of HMAS Dechaineux, Commander Brad Francis said the team thoroughly enjoyed the experience while providing a productive break from the daily routine.

“Visiting sites like Harold E Holt provides a better understanding of how various elements work together in support of the Australian Defence Force.

“It provides a greater appreciation of all that goes into supporting the submarines at sea,” he said.

The expedition team expressed its thanks for the assistance provided by Defence depots throughout the Pilbara Regiment, who provided accommodation and local region guidance. ND

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news.navy.gov.au

NavyHealthdonationhelpsNavykeepwatchoversailorsinneed

RoyalAustralianNavy

3-4minutes

Publishedon26June2019CMDRFennKemp(author),LSISJamesMcDougall(photographer)

Topic(s):KeepingWatch,RANReliefTrustFund

L-R:WarrantOfficeroftheNavy,WarrantOfficerGaryWight,AM;ChiefofNavy,ViceAdmiralMichaelNoonan, AO,RAN;ChiefExecutiveOfficeNavyHealth,RonWilson;ChairmanNavyHealth,CommodoreSydLemon, Ret'd;RearAdmiralLeeGoddard,CSC,RAN;andCommanderChristinaWeen,RAN;withthe$15,000cheque presentedtoKeepingWatchfromNavyHealth,duringaceremonyheldatRussellOffices,Canberra.

RoyalAustralianNavymembersinneedhavebeengivenaboostwithadonationof$15,000totheKeepingWatchNavy benevolentfund.

ThedonationbyNavyHealthwasgratefullyreceivedbytheChiefofNavy,ViceAdmiralMichaelNoonan,andWarrantOfficerof theNavy,WarrantOfficerGaryWight,whosaysthemoneywillheputtogooduse.

“KeepingWatchisincreasinglybeingusedbyourpeoplewhorunintounexpecteddifficulty.

“It’sveryencouragingtoseeorganisationssuchasNavyHealthstepuptohelpourpeopleinthisway,”WarrantOfficerWight said.

KeepingWatchwasestablishedbytheTrusteesoftheRANReliefTrustFundin2013asanadditionalmechanismthroughwhich theTrusteescouldprovideforthecomfort,recreationorwelfareofapersonwhoiscurrentlyamemberoftheRoyalAustralian Navy,whetherpermanentorreserve.

DeputyChairofKeepingWatch,CommanderChristinaWeensaidthemoneyhandedoutwaspaidasagifttosuccessfulrecipients.

“TheRANReliefTrustFundwhichrunsKeepingWatchisregularlycalledupontohelpourpeople.

“We’vefundedeverythingfrommedicalexpensesforlifethreateningillnesses,toemergencywelfareformembersandtheir familiesescapingdomesticabuse,”CommanderWeensaid.

WhilesailorsandtheirfamiliesmakeupthebulkofKeepingWatchrecipients,thefundisavailabletomembersofeveryrank.

“KeepingWatchprovidessuchanimportantservice,anddonationsshouldn’tbelimitedtothebusinesscommunity,”Warrant OfficerWightsaid.

“There are many worthy organisations out there, but I would like to see more ships consider making Keeping Watch their official charity – I can think of no better cause,” he said.

For more information about Keeping Watch or to make a donation, go to https://www.keepingwatch.org.au. ND

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news.navy.gov.au

Risingstar,aboveandbeyond

RoyalAustralianNavy

4-4minutes

Nowinitssecondyear,AustralianDefenceMagazine’sWomeninDefenceAwardswillholdtheirawardceremonyinCanberrain July2019.

TheawardsrecognisewomeninsevencategoriesincludingCommunications,Legal/Contracting,ProjectManagement, Engineering,TechnicalTrade,PeopleandCulture,andtheRisingStar.

Nomineesinthe2019awardscomefromallthreeDefenceservices,aswellastheAustralianPublicService,DefenceIndustryand veteransupportbodies.

Forty-twoRoyalAustralianNavynominationsweresubmittedwithsixNavymembersshortlistedinfivecategories.

The Royal Australian Navy’s own Petty Officer Communications Information Systems sailor Emily Dorey is in the running for the rising star award.

Petty Officer Dorey, who works at the Defence Force School of Signals Maritime Communications Information Systems Wing at HMAS Cerberus has progressed quickly through the ranks due to her level of professionalism, devotion to her duties, mentoring of others and commitment to external activities to the highest order.

Not happy with just doing her job, Petty Officer Dorey constantly strives to perform above and beyond what’s expected of her, immersing herself into additional roles and training in areas such as Alcohol and Drugs advisor, Equity, and Diversity & Inclusion in the workplace.

She consistently volunteers at HMAS Cerberus to perform a variety of roles that sit outside of her day-to day job responsibilities. These have included working at Recruit School quiz nights, supporting the Women’s AFL team, and being a visible supporter of both Women in Defence and Youth Leadership activities.

With respect to mentoring others, Petty Officer Dorey said that there was no better feeling than helping somebody else succeed.

Published on 26 June 2019 LS James McDougall (author), POIS Nina Fogliani (photographer) Topic(s): Honours, Awards and Trophies

Seaman Communications and Information Systems Rhiannon Cadogan and Petty Officer Communications and Information Systems Emily Dorey conducting lights and signals training at the Defence Force School of Signals - Maritime Wing in HMAS Cerberus, Victoria.

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“You can work hard for your own successes, but it’s just a different feeling working hard for somebody else to be able to achieve something that they thought they couldn’t,” she said.

“As an instructor at the Defence Force School of Signals, I have worked with Able Seamen that were convinced the level of knowledge required was out of their reach.

“You know it’s worth the effort and extra work when at the completion of this course you see someone who is not just competent, but who is actually confident in their own abilities,” Petty Officer Dorey said.

Notcontentwithjustbeingarolemodelforjuniorsailors,Emilyisalsoavolunteer‘EmergencyResponder’fortheVictorianState EmergencyServices(SES)–atimeconsumingandchallengingrole.

PettyOfficerDoreysaidthemotivationforvolunteeringfortheSEScamewhenherbestfriendlostherlittleboyonBoxingDay 2013.

Feelingextremelystressed,theysearchedfortheboy.Therewasalso

SESvolunteerslookingforhim.

“Completestrangersgivinguptheirtime,timewithfamilyonBoxing

Day,tohelpus.

“Ithoughttomyself:Iamcompletelycapableandable,sowhynot,whyamInothelpingmycommunity?”PettyOfficerDorey said.

Thenshevolunteeredtodojustthat.

Petty Officer Communications Information Systems Emily Dorey.

The Australian Defence Magazine - Women in Defence Awards will be presented during a Gala Awards Dinner at the National Arboretum, Canberra, on 11 July 2019. Secure your tickets at http://admwomenindefenceawards.com.au. ND

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news.navy.gov.au

MoretoncrewputtheirbacksintopreservingNavyhistory

RoyalAustralianNavy

3-4minutes

Publishedon27June2019LSHaydenEyles(authorandphotographer)

Location(s):Brisbane,QLD

Topic(s):CommunityEngagement,HMASMoreton,NavalHeritageandHistory

PersonnelfromHMASMoretonlendahandattheQueenslandMaritimeMuseum,Brisbane.

HMASMoretonjoinedforceswiththeincrediblevolunteersattheQueenslandMaritimeMuseumonabeautifulwinter’sdayin June.

Theircombinedtaskwastocarefullyreconfigureandrestoreseveralheritagebuildingstohelpbringnewcapabilityandlifetothe captivatingmuseum.

TheMaritimeMuseumwasestablishedintheheartofBrisbanein1971andhasbeenthequietretirementhomeoftheWorldWar IIfrigateHMASDiamantina (I)since1980.

Recently,alargesupportgroupofformerservingmembersandvolunteersjoinedforcestobringnewpurposetotheMaritime Museum.Theprojectwasstartedtoconvertanoldstorageandtoolbuildingintoatoiletblockandfunctionfacilitytomakeit moredesirableforthecommunitytoshareBrisbane’srichRoyalAustralianNavyhistory.

InthespiritofNavyfellowshipandCommunityEngagement,Moretonsentateamof12sailorsto‘lendtheirbacks’toassistwith theproject.

Whilesomedidthe‘heavylifting’,othermoreexperiencedhandstookchargeofthereconstructiontasks.

Itprovidedagreatopportunityforcurrentservingmemberstoshowthatsailorsareadaptive,resourcefulandwillingtolenda handregardlessoftheirgeneration.

ChiefPettyOfficerRegGrundy,whohasapassionforcarpentryandexperiencewithtimber,wasimpressedwiththewaythe variousgenerationswereabletoworktogetherseamlesslytoexecutethetask.

“We’reallgettingintoittogetthejobdone. It’sbeenagreatdaywithgreatcompany,”hesaid.

Meanwhile, Seaman Boatswains Mate Abbey Tidswell couldn’t help but praise the hospitality of the hosts.

“I can’t believe how much effort they’ve gone to to prepare a lunch for us and welcome us to this fantastic spot.

“I hope we get to come out here again,” she said.

The Moreton team returned to base after forging new friendships, trading warries with the ‘old timers’ and having helped start a new chapter for the Queensland Maritime Museum. ND

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news.navy.gov.au

Newhomefor‘fangbosuns’atHMASAlbatross

RoyalAustralianNavy

3-3minutes

Publishedon27June2019LEUTMaxBanavar(author),POISLee-AnneCooper(photographer)

Location(s):HMASAlbatross,NSW

Topic(s):HMASAlbatross,Health,FitnessandWellbeing

TheDentalDepartmentstandsproudlyinfrontoftheentrancetothenewdentalfacilityduringitsopeningatthe HMASAlbatrossHealthCentre,NSW.

CommandingOfficerCaptainFionaSneathwassurroundedbygleamingsmilesattherecentopeningoftheimpressivenewdental facilityatHMASAlbatross.

Thesmilesbelongedtoawidecross-sectionofAlbatrosspersonnel,thebuildersDuratecandEstateandInfrastructuregroup representatives,whoallfoundtimeintheirbusyschedulestoinspectthestate-of-theartfacility.

ItboastsfourdentalsurgeriesadjoiningtheAlbatrossHealthCentreandcost$2.8milliontobuild.

Whilesomelong-termemployeesexpressedfeelingsofsadnesswhenthepreviousdentalofficewasdemolishedafter47yearsof service,guestsonthedayagreedthatthenewcentrewasbright,andmostimportantly,welcoming.

HealthCentreManagerLieutenantCommanderCazHackersaidthenewfacilitywasa“labouroflove”bypreviousandcurrent healthcentrepersonnel.

CaptainSneathsaidwhiletheideaofthenewfacilitywasconceivedfiveyearsago,itwasonlyinAugustlastyearthatconstruction began.

“ThecurrentstaffareexcitedwitheverythingthenewfacilityhastoofferandarelookingforwardtoservingAustralianDefence Forcepersonnelfordecadestocome,”shesaid. ND

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news.navy.gov.au

CollectivecogsturnatannualNavalEngineeringconference

RoyalAustralianNavy

4-5minutes

Publishedon28June2019MsKerrieMoore(author)

Topic(s):NavalEngineering

DirectorGeneralEngineering,CommodoreColinDaggspeaksatthe2019NavalEngineeringCommunity Conference.

Morethan300membersoftheNavyEngineeringCommunitycametogetherinJunefortheannualNavalEngineering CommunityConference.

AttendeeswerefromacrosstheRoyalAustralianNavy,DefenceAustralianPublicServiceandIndustry.

Inanodtoitsgrowingreputation,thisyearsawtheeventheldintwolocations–firstinPerthandtheninSydneyaweeklater.

Anumberofspeakersgavepresentationsacrossarangeofsubjects,whileaseriesofpaneldiscussionsgavethoseinattendancean insightintoNavyEngineeringin2019.

Presentationscoveredavarietyofsubjects,including:

‘ActingtogetherwithPurpose’–deliveredbyCommanderSurfaceForce,CommodoreStephenHughes.

‘EngineeringintheRoyalNewZealandNavy’–deliveredbyChiefEngineeroftheRoyalNewZealandNavy,Captain RichardWalker.

‘LuerssenandtheContinuousShipbuildingPartnership’–deliveredbyMrPeterCroserandMrJensNeilson.

‘AThinkingApproachtoRemediation’–deliveredbyMrBobLoveandMrPhilBaldwin.

‘FleetSupportUnitUpdateandHowLeadersInspire’–deliveredbyCaptainGregLaxton.

BrendonAndersonandWarrenSmithfromtheDefenceScienceandTechnologyGroupandDrAhmedSwidanfromtheUniversity ofNewSouthWalesalsospoke.

CaptainWalkersaiditwasavaluableopportunitytogettogetheranddiscusscommonissuesandbetterunderstandhowothers withintheengineeringcommunityweredealingwiththem.

“The conversations and relationships are critical to us,” Captain Walker said.

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TheAssistantSecretaryShipAcquisition-SpecialistShips,MrPeterCrosersaidtheconferencepresentedtheopportunityto presentamoreuniformNavyEngineeringapproachtoSeaworthiness,lookingattheengineeringfunctionnotjustfroman acquisitionorsustainmentsense,butalsofromwholeoflifeperspective.

“RollingintolessonslearntfromprojectssuchasLandingHelicopterDocksandnowOffshorePatrolVesselsmeanswecanhavea discussiononhowtobemorecollaborativeacrosstheenterprise(Industry,NavyandCapabilityAcquisitionandSustainment Group)andtofocusonbeingagile.

“Adaptingthewaytodobusinesstoachievetheoutcomeofkeepingourshipsandsailorsatseawithmorereliabilityonentryinto serviceandthroughlife.

“Tomeetrealisticusageandupkeepcyclesmatchedtothedesignintentformissionandsupportsystems,”MrCrossersaid.

CommodoreHughessaidhismainmotivationforattendingandpresentingattheconferencewastotelltheNavyEngineering Communityhowvaluedtheyareandtothankthemforallthehardworktheydo.

“Youcan’thaveanEngineeringCommunityConferencewithoutknowingwhytheCommunityexists,”hesaid.

Formoreinformationabouttheconferenceandthepresentationscontacttheeventcoordinatoratengdiv.corro@defence.gov.au. ND

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news.navy.gov.au

Returningtoourislandhome

RoyalAustralianNavy

3-4minutes

Publishedon28June2019LCDRGlennBlizzard(author)

Location(s):Hobart,TAS

Topic(s):HMASSirius(A266)

AshortportvisittoHobartovertheperiod18-20June2019providedsixmembersofHMASSiriustheopportunitytovisitfriends andfamilyandshowofftheirhomestatetotheirshipmates.

DespitehavingthelargestdisplacementofanyshipintheRoyalAustralianNavyandarelativelysmallcomplementofjust73, SiriushasasurprisinglyalargepercentageofTasmaniansonboard.

TheAppleIslecontingentincludesCommandingOfficerCommanderMelanieVerho,CommandWarrantOfficerScottBrown, LieutenantCommanderGlennBlizzard,LieutenantTomVeit,SubLieutenantBonnieGalbraithandAbleSeamanSimone McDonald.AbleSeamanMcDonaldwasparticularlyexcitedaboutseeingherfamilyandfriendsafteralengthyperiodaway.

“Itwassogoodbeingabletoseemyfriendsandfamily-andespeciallycominghereinSirius.

“WinterissuchabeautifultimetovisitTasmania,”shesaid.

And Hobart did not disappoint the ship’s company, with a light dusting of snow falling on Kunanyi (Mt Wellington) during the visit.

Lieutenant Veit took the opportunity to provide a tour of the ship to his parents.

“This was my first port visit to Hobart while serving in Sirius and it was a fantastic opportunity to have Mum and Dad come on board to see my home on the sea, and for me to be able to provide them with some insight into what we do,” he said.

Despite the crisp temperatures and short period alongside, Sirius’s ship’s company enjoyed the hospitality and sights of Hobart, with many attending the annual ‘Dark Mofo’ Winter Feast and Festival.

Reminiscing on 40 years of service in the Royal Australian Navy, Warrant Officer Brown said Hobart was a favourite port visit for a lot of Navy people.

Hobart natives from the ship’s company of HMAS Sirius.

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“VisitingmyhomestateastheCommandWarrantOfficerinSiriusisarealhonourandIlookforwardtoanyfuturevisits,” WarrantOfficerBrownsaid.

ForCommanderVerhohowever,itwasmoreacaseofbeingabletoshowoffherbigshiptoherfamilyandhome.

“There’ssomethingveryspecialabouttakingoneofthebiggestshipsintheFleet,theshipthatyouareincommandof,intoyour homestate-especiallywhenit’sassmallasTasmania.

“ItwasgreattoseemyfamilyandbeabletoshowthemSirius,”CommanderVerhosaid.

Thesnow-cappedmountainsweresoonadistantmemoryasSiriussetsailthewarmerclimatesoftheSouthWestPacific. ND

Hobart from the deck of HMAS Sirius.

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news.navy.gov.au

NavyduounlocksstoriesofshipwrecksalongAustralianeastcoast

RoyalAustralianNavy

4-5minutes

TherearesomeincrediblepeopleintheRoyalAustralianNavy,doingsomeincrediblethings.Anofficerandasailorarehelpingto mapshipwrecksalongtheAustralianeastcoast,divingtosignificantdepthstodocumentvesselssunkinbothwarandpeace.

SubLieutenantRuslanPnevskiandAbleSeamanTomGowerarepartofaciviliandivinggroupcalledthe‘SydneyProject’,which hasamissionto“find,filmanddocumentthewrecksoflostships,solvingmysteriesofunfinishedvoyagesandwritingtheiruntold stories.”

Inmid-June,theNavypairandtheirSydneyProjectteammatesconductedtwodivesonshipssunkduringtheSecondWorldWar.

ThefirstdivewasonthewreckoftheSSWilliamDawes,whichlaysatadepthof135metres–makingherthethirddeepest diveablewreckinAustraliaandthe17thdeepestintheworld.

Duetothedepth,theteamonlyhad15minutesonthebottomtoinspectthewreck,andthenhadtospendthreehours decompressingwhilefloatingnearthesurface.

TheSSWilliamDaweswasaUnitedStates‘liberty’shiponwartimeconvoyduty.ShewasdestinedforthePacifictheatreand perhapsNewCaledoniaandwasoperatingaloneoffthecoastofTathra,NewSouthWales,whenshewasstruckbytorpedosfired fromaJapaneseImperialNavysubmarine.

Fiveliveswerelostwhenshesunk.

TheseconddiveconductedbytheSydneyProjectteamonthesameweekendwasonawrecknowthoughttobetheSSCoast Farmer–aUnitedStatescargoshipthatwasalsosunkbyaJapanesesubmarineduringtheSecondWorldWar.

The wreck, which sits in 125 metres of water, approximately eight miles off the coast of the New South Wales town of Bermagui, was originally thought to be the ship Iron Knight, however evidence collected by the Sydney Project during a series of dives suggests the wreck is in fact that of the Coast Farmer.

Published on 29 June 2019 LEUT Sarah West (author), ABMT Tom Gower (photographer)

Location(s): Bermagui, NSW

Topic(s): Naval Heritage and History

SBLT Ruslan Pnevski (background) and John Wooden (non-Defence) light up the stern of the SS Coastal Farmer at a depth of 125 metres.

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The Coast Farmer is the 24th deepest diveable shipwreck in the world and the fourth deepest in Australia.

Sub Lieutenant Pnevski, a Maritime Warfare Officer Trainee undertaking the Junior Warfare Application Course at HMAS Watson, said the equipment used to conduct the dives far exceeded the normal and conventional techniques used in recreational diving.

“This included using closed circuit rebreathers, exotic gas mixes with small amounts of oxygen and high amounts of helium, scooters, floating decompression stations and support teams,” he said.

“It was amazing to finally see months of preparation pay off with a successful dive, with absolutely breathtaking conditions, visibility of up to 40 metres and no current – conditions rarely experienced off the coast of Bermagui.

“Dropping over these wrecks and seeing them 40 metres below me, looking down as I descended to the bottom and being able to see the entirety of the wrecks and all the divers already on the bottom, is something that will stay with me for the rest of mylife,” Sub Lieutenant Pnevski said.

Able Seaman Gower, a Marine Technician posted to HMAS Hobart, said the dives left him with a significant sense of achievement.

“This has been on my bucket list for about five years, because it’s really pushing the limits of deep diving and is a huge achievement.

“It was also really meaningful because naval history for non-naval wrecks really interests me,” he said.

Both divers hold the highest civilian diving qualifications and have been diving together for a number of years, with experience ranging from cave diving in Mount Gambier to deep wrecks in Bass Strait and off the coast of Sydney.

The deepest scuba dive ever conducted by a human being was to an astonishing depth of 332.2 metres, with the record set by 41-year old Egyptian Ahmed Gabr 2014. ND

SBLT Ruslan Pnevski (left) and ABMT Tom Gower (right) sit on the wharf behind their rebreathers and emergency bailout gases (cylinders behind) after the successful second dive.

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news.navy.gov.au

SeaSeriesdeliversaseriesoffirsts

RoyalAustralianNavy

4-5minutes

Publishedon29June2019LEUTTonyWhite(author),LSISNicolasGonzalez(photographer)

Location(s):Townsville,QLD,Cairns,QLD

Topic(s):HMASCanberra(L02),HMASAdelaide(L01),ExerciseTALISMANSABRE,ExerciseSEAEXPLORER, ExerciseSEA RAIDER

HMAShipsCanberraandAdelaideinformationwithamphibiouslandingcraftsduringExerciseSEAEXPLORER 2019.

In2005,thethenChiefofNavy,ViceAdmiralRussShalders,describedamphibiouswarfareas“themostcomplexpropositionfor thefutureofAustralianDefenceForcecombatpowerdevelopmentto2025.”FourteenyearslaterinExercisesSEAEXPLORER andSEARAIDER,NavyandthebroaderAustralianDefenceForcehavedemonstratedhowthey’vesteppeduptothechallenge.

TheseamphibiousexerciseswereheldinlittoralareasbetweenTownsvilleandCairnsintheleadupthemulti-nationalexercise TALISMANSABRE,tobeheldinJuly.

TheactivitiesdemonstratedthecapacityoftheJointAmphibiousTaskGrouptodeliveranarrayofcapabilitiesprojectedfrom HMAShipsCanberraandAdelaide:thefirsttimethatthetwoLandingHelicopterDockshaveconductedcoordinatedamphibious operationstogether.

Exercises SEAEXPLORERand SEARAIDERtestedtheAustralianDefenceForce’scapacitytoexecutecomplexamphibious warfare,aswellasstabilityandsecurityoperations,andtheevacuationofciviliansfromuncertainenvironments.

Almost2000 full timeand reservepersonnel from theRoyalAustralianNavy,AustralianArmy,RoyalAustralianAirForce,Royal NewZealandNavy,UnitedStatesMarineCorps,USNavy,USArmyandtheRoyalMarineswerecoordinatedacrosstheland,sea, airandbeachesduringtheactivities,whichincludedmanyfirstsfortheAustralianDefenceForce.

CommanderoftheAmphibiousTaskForce,CaptainPaulO'Gradysaidtheactivitieswereakeypartofbuildinganddeliveringa highlycapableamphibiousforce,readytodeployasrequiredbyGovernment.

“TheSeaSeriesdemonstratesourgrowingcapabilitiesandbuildsconfidencethatwecanoperateeffectivelyacrossthefull spectrumofamphibiousoperations,uptoandincludinghighendwarfighting.

“Everyyearourcapabilitiesaredevelopingbyleapsandbounds.

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“ThisyearsawnotonlythetwoLandingHelicopterDocksoperatingtogetherforthefirsttime,butalsotheseabasingofArmy's ArmedReconnaissanceHelicoptersfromCanberra-addingpotentfirepowerthatcanbebroughttobearagainstlandand maritimetargetsalike.

“Wealsodemonstratedacapabilitytocoordinatecomplexaviationanddockoperationsfrombothships,includinganightvertical replenishmentoftheArmy’sM777Howitzers,”CaptainO'Gradysaid.

CommanderLandingForces,AustralianArmyColonelKimGilfillan,saidthetempooftheexerciseshadacceleratedeverydayand manypeoplewereworkingtogetherforthefirsttime.

“Thecooperativeandprofessionalapproachofourpeople,respondingtochallenges,puttingpeopleatthecentreofourdecision makingandsupportinginnovationmeantthatwereabletoovercomemanyofthefrictionsandchallengesthattheexercises offered.

“WegointotheTALISMANSABREserieswitharobustandconfidentcapability,readytotestourinteroperabilityandensuring wearepreparedtointegrateintobroadermultinationaloperations,”ColonelGilfillansaid.

TheSeaSeriesexerciseswillconcludeon5July. ND

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news.navy.gov.au

SouthcoastbeckonsNavyfootballers

RoyalAustralianNavy

3-4minutes

Publishedon30June2019LEUTSarahWest(author)

Location(s):Gerringong,NSW

Topic(s):Soccer

NavyFootballFederationAustraliaislookingfornewtalenttorepresentNavyatthisyear’sSouthCoastSevenstournamentat Gerringong.

NavypartneredwiththeGerringongBreakersFootballClublastyeartohostthetournament,withaviewtostrengtheningitsties withthebroaderfootballcommunity.

DirectorofFootball,LieutenantCommanderJimFordsaidtheeventwasanoutstandingsuccess,spurringNavytocontinuethe partnershipin2019.

“Morethan300footballersfromacrosstheSouthCoastregionandasfarasSydneyandCanberraparticipatedinthetwo-day event,whichresultedinsomethrillingfinalsthatdelightedthecrowdsthatstayedontowatchuntilthefinalwhistle.

“Navynotonlyenteredfourteamsthatachievedvariouslevelsofsuccessonthepitch,butourNavyplayerspitchedintosetupthe fields,workinthecanteenanddemonstratetheircommitmenttothebroaderAustralian‘footballfamily’.

“SouthCoastSevensisalsoagreatwayfornewplayerstogetinvolvedinNavyFootballbeforecommittingtocomingalongand trailingforaspotinourrepresentativeteamsthatwesendtonationalseachyear,”LieutenantCommanderFordsaid.

The 2019 South Coast Sevens football tournament will be held at the Gerringong Breakers Football Club in Gerringong, New South Wales, from 27-29 September.

As well as helping to run the tournament, Navy Football Federation Australia will enter four teams in the men’s, women’s and over 35s men’s competitions.

Interested players and volunteers should email Leading Seaman Jason Barutha at NavyFFA@drn.mil.au

The South Coast 7s is the premier community event on the Navy Football Federation Australia calendar and serves as a great lead-in activity to the Navy Training and Development Camp and Australian Defence Force National Football Championships in October. ND

Navy footballers at the 2018 South Coast Sevens tournament at Gerringong, New South Wales.

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news.navy.gov.au

Podcasts-theportofcalltoa‘ThinkingNavy’

RoyalAustralianNavy

3-4minutes

Publishedon30June2019LEUTWillSinger(author),POISYuriRamsey(photographer)

Topic(s):SeaPowerCentre-Australia,NavalHistory

RoyalAustralianNavysailorLeadingSeamanCombatSystemsOperatorTravisOnley,right,showsRoyal AustralianNavyChaplainFrancoSianiwheretofindthenewpodcastsonNavyhistory.

AseriesofpodcaststhatstudyAustralia'snavalhistory,featuringavarietyofhistoryexperts,isnowavailableforNavymembersto enjoy-whetherthey’reatseaorashore.

ThroughDefenceLibraryServices,SeaPowerCentre-AustraliahasreleasedaseriesofpodcaststopromoteAustraliannaval historywithinherentadvantages.

DeputyDirectoroftheSeaPowerCentre,CommanderAlastairCoopersaidfeedbackfromNavyofficersandsailorssuggested podcastswereusefulinprofessionalandpersonalgrowth.

“OfficersandsailorsshouldhearaboutourNavy’shistoryandpodcastsenablethemtodothatwheneveritsuitsthem,” CommanderCoopersaid.

“TheycansimplydownloadtheirfavouriteNavyhistoricalpodcastsbeforetheysail,andlistentothemwhileatseawithout affectingtheship’scommunicationsystems.

“UserscanpullaudiofilesfromtheOverdriveapptolistentoontheircomputersorpersonaldigitalaudioplayers-allforfree.

“Additionally,podcastingisausefulwaytocontinuelearningaboutourhistoryandahelpfultooltowardsour‘ThinkingNavy’,”he said.

Navy’sSubmarineForceChaplainFrancoSianiisanavidlistenerofpodcasts.

“Everybody,everywhereseemstobebusyandalsofacingsomesortofchallengeinourNavy,withtime-scarcityproblem,andthe matterhasonlygrownmoreacuteinrecentyears,”ChaplainSianisaid.

“Snippetsfrompodcastscoveringtopicslikemotivation,leadershipandcharacterdevelopmentarelittlegoldnuggetscanhelpus copeinourbusylives.

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“ItwouldbegreatiffutureNavypodcastswouldhaveexpertssharingtipsonhealthywork-lifestylebalance,fitness,nutritionand well-being.

TheAustralianNavalHistoryPodcastsfeaturesavarietyofhistoryexpertsdiscussingtopicsfromTheCreationoftheRoyal AustralianNavytoCodeBreakinginWorldWarIIandNavalIngenuity.

TheAustralianNavalHistoryPodcastSerieswasproducedbytheNavalStudiesGroupinconjunctionwiththeSubmarine InstituteofAustralia,theAustralianNavalInstitute,NavalHistoricalSocietyandtheSeaPowerCentre-Australia.

ThepodcastscanbeaccesseddirectlyviatheDefenceOverdrivewebsite, viatheOverdriveMediaConsoleMobileApp or via the UNSW/ADFA website at https://www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/acsacs/naval-studies-group. ND

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Category Index The articles listed below hyperlink to the original article in the Navy Daily website. Requires an internet connection.

Fleet • Podcasts - the port of call to a ‘Thinking Navy’ June 30, 2019 • Sea Series delivers a series of firsts June 29, 2019 • Returning to our island home June 28, 2019 • Collective cogs turn at annual Naval Engineering conference June 28, 2019 • New home for ‘fang bosuns’ at HMAS Albatross June 27, 2019 • HMAS Dechaineux's Exmouth expedition June 25, 2019 • Tonga receives new Guardian-class Patrol Boat June 24, 2019 • Navy projects from east to west June 24, 2019 • Melbourne families get a taste of life at sea June 23, 2019 • No rest for the Demons June 22, 2019 • HMAS Newcastle makes final entry into Sydney Harbour June 21, 2019 • First Lady’s CO reflects on successful mission June 21, 2019 • Moreton unites the Port of Brisbane for TS19 June 21, 2019 • HMAS Melbourne breeds new crop on last overseas deployment June 20, 2019 • HMAS Arunta re-joins fleet with traditional smoking ceremony June 18, 2019 • HMAS Newcastle visits namesake city for final time June 17, 2019 • Diver hopefuls return historic dive helmet and pump to former glory June 15, 2019 • Task Group Commander says thanks with a visit June 14, 2019 • Hobart steps up in expeditionary strike group June 13, 2019 • Fighting fit for important mission June 12, 2019 • Toowoomba team puts to work in Thailand June 11, 2019 • Fond memories of Canberra as NZ sailors return home June 9, 2019 • MV Sycamore takes training to new heights June 5, 2019 • Starter something good on Success June 4, 2019 • Success completes her last overseas port visit June 3, 2019 • The Fighting Stallion has wings June 3, 2019 • Beach clean up yields big results in the west June 2, 2019 • Melbourne visits Land of the Rising Sun for last time June 1, 2019 • An international exercise supported by an international team June 1, 2019

Operations • Four successful drug interdictions by HMAS Ballarat June 13, 2019 • Navy trainers support Philippines in maritime patrol mission June 11, 2019

People • Navy duo unlocks stories of shipwrecks along Australian east coast June 29, 2019 • Rising star, above and beyond June 26, 2019 • New Navy initiative provides expanding career opportunities June 25, 2019 • Veteran PTI inspires next generation of Navy officers June 20, 2019 • VC recipient visits Stirling June 19, 2019 • Leadership matters - Deputy Chief of Navy talks culture and capability June 18, 2019 • Navy Emerging Leaders Forum invests in our future June 17, 2019 • Queen’s Birthday 2019 Honours List announced June 10, 2019 • NSW-based Navy personnel shine in Queen's Birthday 2019 Honours June 10, 2019 • NT Navy members among Queen’s Birthday honourees June 10, 2019 • CO Penguin passes the weight June 6, 2019 • Canberra’s padres offer counsel and support to all June 4, 2019

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Community • Moreton crew put their backs into preserving Navy history June 27, 2019 • Navy Health donation helps Navy keep watch over sailors in need June 26, 2019 • New powerboat for TS Darwin June 22, 2019 • Navy sails into remote communities June 16, 2019 • Partnership opens doors to STEM careers for Top End students June 12, 2019 • HMAS Penguin civic virtue at 2019 Balmoral Burn June 8, 2019

Events • Remembering the lost submarines of WWII June 19, 2019 • Navy celebrates 190 years on Garden Island, WA June 14, 2019 • Friends remember the fallen from 77 years ago June 8, 2019 • Navy at 'D-Day 3D: Normandy 1944' IMAX experience June 7, 2019 • Perth pauses to reflect on Indigenous sacrifice and service June 7, 2019 • Defence personnel unite in the NT for Reconciliation Week June 6, 2019 • Allies remember collision of HMAS Melbourne and USS Frank E Evans June 5, 2019

Sport • South coast beckons Navy footballers June 30, 2019 • Navy skipper leads ADF team at Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta June 23, 2019 • Soccer brings Australian and Thai Navy teams together June 9, 2019 • ADF Running and Athletics Association supports Navy trail runners at gruelling ultra running event June 8,

2019 • Navy Rugby makes intentions clear with spirited win over Army June 2, 2019

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