BATHURST ON BATHURST Published on 28 October 2013 MIDN Jocelynne Booth Millichamp (author)

The ship's company of HMAS Bathurst, crewed by Aware Three line the deck of the Armidale Class Patrol Boat for a photo opportunity, before the start of the Bathurst 1000 Race. (photo: )

The ship’s company of HMAS Bathurst, crewed by Aware Three line the deck of the Armidale Class Patrol Boat for a photo opportunity, before the start of the Bathurst 1000 Race.

The crew of HMAS Bathurst were able to take a break from patrolling the line at Christmas Island for Operation RESOLUTE recently so they could enjoy the Bathurst 1000 Race.

With a number of motoring enthusiasts part of Aware 3’s crew, there was excitement when Bathurst received her relief as Christmas Island Response Vessel and the Commanding Officer authorised the technical department to prepare a suitable TV antenna.

“Everyone was in high spirits when the CO gave the all clear for the antenna to be rigged to so that we could get the best TV reception for the race,” said Able Seaman Zak Critsilis one of the ET sailors onboard.

“A lot of the crew made sure they woke up early, even those who’d just come off the middle watch, to catch the start of the race at 0630 local time. Well actually, a lot of the motorheads stared watching it earlier for all of the preliminaries,” said the Navigator, Lieutenant Rachael McCann.

The junior sailor’s mess was filled with off watch crew enjoying the 161 lap race, with excitement building during the last 20 laps.

“It was great to be able to take some time out and watch the race with my mates.  It was definitely one of the most exciting Bathurst 1000 runs to date.” said Able Seaman Chef Travis Porter.

The crew were in good spirits after watching the 8 hour event, and were grateful for the change in operational tempo.

After the excitement, Bathurst’s crew were ready face the challenges that lay ahead during the rest of their time on Operation RESOLUTE.

USS George Washington Reaches out to Partners in Pacific

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USS George Washington Reaches out to Partners in Pacific

USS George Washington Reaches out to Partners in Pacific

 

Distinguished visitors and representatives from Singapore embarked aboard the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), Oct. 24.

 

The purpose of the visit was to receive a general orientation of an underway aircraft carrier and enhance partnerships in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).

“The purpose was to fly distinguished visitors aboard the George Washington to educate them on what a strike group does and how and aircraft carrier functions,” said Rear Adm. Cindy Thebaud, commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific. “They also learned what the George Washington’s purpose is in the U.S. 7th Fleet AOR.”

Ambassador Kirk Wagar, U.S. ambassador to Singapore, Blair Hall, deputy chief of mission, and Thebaud were three of the 19 visitors to embark for the day.

“I think the U.S. Navy plays a very big global role,” said Soh Poh Theen, Singapore Civil Aviation director. “Coming to the carrier helps us to understand how they fulfill that global role with how efficient and ready they always are.”

U.S. Navy ships have conducted exercises and supported Singapore as an ally in the Western Pacific ocean since the 1800s.

“This really was an educational trip for me,” said Wagar. “This was tremendous because it showed the best of America working together. It doesn’t matter where you are from, we are all here for the same dream, which is to ensure our assets are protected and our values are projected. Everything the George Washington does out here is incredibly important.”

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Press Release, October 27, 2013; Image: US Navy

Dibby Goes Home – HMAS Mermaid

Dibby Goes Home

Published on 27 October 2013 LSHSO Lawrence McLean (author and photographer)

LSBM Barth Tiro conducts a Tide Camp, during a survey of the Dawson Strait, Papua New Guinea. HMA Ships Mermaid and Paluma deployed to the region in August 2013 to conduct a hydrographic survey of the Dawson Strait. (photo: LSHSO Lawrence McLean)

LSBM Barth Tiro conducts a Tide Camp, during a survey of the Dawson Strait, Papua New Guinea. HMA Ships Mermaid and Paluma deployed to the region in August 2013 to conduct a hydrographic survey of the Dawson Strait.

A chance to deploy as part of HMAS Mermaid’s ship’s company to conduct soundings in Dawson Strait, Papua New Guinea, was too good an opportunity for former Papua New Guinea native, Leading Seaman Bart Tiro to pass up.

LS Tiro, was born in Kimbe in Papua New Guinea and joined the Hydrographic Survey ship as an officer of the watch and liaison officer for the deployment.

“Before I joined the Royal Australian Navy six years ago, I was a sailor in the Papua New Guinea Navy.   I spent ten years serving my homeland, before I came to Australia,” said LS Tiro.

“The deployment was a great opportunity for me to visit my place of birth and put my local knowledge to good use.  Best of all we are doing important work, that will help the local people in the future.”

Mermaid sailed in-company with HMAS Paluma and during August conducted soundings and collected data along on the coastline.  The information gathered will determine under keel clearances for merchant and tourism vessels and will later be transformed into charts by the Australian Hydrographic Office in Wollongong.   By providing mariners with safe navigation tools, it is hoped tourism and trade will be boosted in the region.

Commanding Officer of Mermaid, LCDR Sara Lambden, says LS Tiro’s expertise was a big asset.

“LS Tiro has been an invaluable member of the ships company during this deployment; not just for his officer of the watch skills but as a cuff rate” Droggie” and liaison officer.”

“As part of our data collection, we deploy a variety of instruments and gauges, before establishing a shore camp from which to read equipment.  LS Tiro was able to explain to the local residents what the Hydrographic vessels were doing, what all of the equipment did, how long it was going to be there, reassure them that it would cause no harm, and how important it was that the equipment not be interfered with,” said LCDR Lambden.

“Thanks to LS Tiro’s efforts, the local people were extremely supportive of us being there.  We in turn enjoyed learning a lot about the area and the people during our visit.”

While in Papua New Guinea, Mermaid and Paluma attended the opening of the Uni Centre at Esa’ Ala Station and took part in the Independence Day celebrations. Mermaid also donated a small portion of the ships library to one of the villages when they expressed an interest in reading, which they appreciated enormously.

LSBM Barth Tiro leads personnel from HMA Ships Mermaid and Paluma in a parade during Independence Day celebrations at Esa' Ala Station, Papua New Guinea. HMA Ships Mermaid and Paluma deployed to the region in August 2013 to conduct a hydrographic survey

LSBM Barth Tiro leads personnel from HMA Ships Mermaid and Paluma in a parade during Independence Day celebrations at Esa’ Ala Station, Papua New Guinea. HMA Ships Mermaid and Paluma deployed to the region in August 2013 to conduct a hydrographic survey

New Zealand Issues RFI for Littoral Support Ship

New Zealand Issues RFI for Littoral Support Ship

Oct. 24, 2013 – 03:45AM   |
By NICK LEE-FRAMPTON   |   Comments
The HMNZS Manawanui, originally commissioned as an oil rig tender in 1979, is still in service for the New Zealand Navy.

The HMNZS Manawanui, originally commissioned as an oil rig tender in 1979, is still in service for the New Zealand Navy. (New Zealand Navy)
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WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND — The New Zealand Defence Force wants to replace its mine countermeasures and diving support vessel, HMNZS Manawanui, and its hydrographic survey vessel, HMNZS Resolution, “as both approach their end of life,” says an Oct. 23 request for information.

The 2,282-ton Resolution, originally commissioned to the US Navy in 1989, was decommissioned from service with the Royal New Zealand Navy in April 2012.

Displacing 911 tons, Manawanui, originally commissioned as an oil rig tender in 1979, remains in Navy service. Rather than acquire two new vessels, the Navy wants “to consolidate the individual capabilities within a single Littoral Operations Support Capability (LOSC). The replacement capability will maintain the capability sets delivered by both HMNZS Manawanui & Resolution.”

The new ship has a target contract delivery date of mid-2017 and acceptance into naval service by mid-2018.

Described as a littoral operations support capability, the new vessel is envisioned as being able to remain at sea for 200 days a year with 165 days alongside and be capable of a speed of up to 18 knots.

USS Denver Changes Command

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USS Denver Changes Command

USS Denver Changes Command

 

USS Denver (LPD 9) held a change of command ceremony aboard the ship Oct. 24 while in its homeport of Sasebo.

 

Capt. Michael Donnelly relieved Capt. Kevin P. Lenox as commanding officer, becoming the 31st commanding officer of Denver since the ship’s commissioning in 1968.

“I am extremely humbled to have the opportunity to lead Denver through the opportunities and challenges ahead,” said Donnelly. “As part of America’s forward deployed forces, Denver and her crew-with the U.S. Marine Corps-play a unique role in maintaining a constant national presence with demonstrated military capability and seamless interoperability with our regional allies. She has over 45 years of bold legacy, with a current crew that has achieved a multitude of recent accomplishments. I look forward to continuing this great tradition with Denver.”

Capt. Michael “Buzz” Donnelly is a native of Kent Island, Md. In 1989, he graduated with a bachelor of mechanical engineering degree from Villanova University and was commissioned via the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC). He holds a master of arts in national security studies and strategic affairs from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

The ceremony brought to a close a successful 12-month command tour for Lenox. During that time Denver completed a seven-month maintenance availability period and steamed to Okinawa, the coast of Australia, and Timor-Leste (East Timor) in support of joint-force exercises and operations with the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Readiness Group and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Denver conducted exercise Koolendong, the 31st MEU’s certification exercise (CERTEX), and Talisman Saber 2013.

“I am incredibly proud of the success of this crew,” said Lenox. “Every challenge [the crew] faced on this patrol, from material challenges to long hours to schedule uncertainty; they met each with resolve and high spirits. It’s humbling to have led such a capable crew and I’m proud I brought every single one of them home to Sasebo after our successes this year.”

Lenox’s next assignment will be as Director, Missile Warning Center at the USSTRATCOM Combat Operation Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Denver reports to Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Hugh D. Wetherald and is part of the Bonhomme Richard ARG.

Press Release, October 25, 2013; Image: Wikimedia

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