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Friday, 2 October 2015


Damen deliver third Fast Ferry of the year to South Korean operators

 


2 October 2015
Success of high-speed catamaran passenger ferry
All good things come in threes as Damen delivers the third vessel of the year, from the Damen Fast Ferry (DFFe) series to South Korean operators. Having already delivered the SeaStar 5 to existing customer Seaspovill earlier this year, two additional DFFe deliveries to new customers highlight the success of the series as well as Damen's broad portfolio directly available from stock.
In May 2015, operator Daezer Shipping took delivery of a DFFe 4212 named Sunrise from Damen Shipyards Singapore (DSSi). Delivered within three months of ordering, the vessel is powered by four MTU main engines (16V2000 M72) reaching a speed of over 40 knots. The Sunrise is currently operating a route of very popular tourist destinations on Koreas East-coast from the island of Ulleung to Dokdo. As a relatively new ferry operator and new customer to Damen, this recent acquisition has seen Daezer increase their service offering in the region.
The third delivery of the year took place in late August to Seaworld Express Ferry Co. Ltd. the Queen Star 2 was delivered to the established operator and will be sailing a three-hour route commencing from Usuyoung Port to the popular tourist destination of Jeju Island via Chujado Island. This is the first delivery of the newly designed DFFe 4010 with a Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP), which allows the vessel to have a higher top speed and increased fuel efficiency at different speeds and loading conditions.
Although slightly smaller than the DFFe 4212, the DFFe 4010 can accommodate to the same amount of 450 maximum passengers and with two engines instead of four; the vessel can still reach a top speed of 35 knots. “This is a unique delivery with the first DFFe 4010 going into operation which is expected to be a successful model for the future,” according to Damen sales manager Michiel Hendrikx
The popularity of the DFFe series is due to the vessels low fuel consumption and excellent sailing performance on the occasionally rough Korean East Sea. An additional contributing factor and clear advantage is Damen’s stock profile, which allowed for the vessels to be delivered quickly with slight modifications to the passenger areas. According to Damen, both vessels were built with the highest applicable standards for this type of vessel. They were delivered within three months of contract signing. With a global spread of strategic stock available, Damen can consistently ensure short delivery times of these popular stock vessels.

Source: Damen.

Seychelles Coast Guard intercepts two foreign fishing vessels suspected of illegal fishing

 Victoria, Seychelles | October 2, 2015, Friday @ 11:42 in National

 

Seychelles Coast Guard intercepts two foreign fishing vessels suspected of illegal fishingFile Photo: Coast Guard Vessel 'Etoile' out at sea. Etoile (Seychelles Coast Guard)

 (Seychelles News Agency) - Two foreign fishing vessels will be escorted to the Seychelles Port of Victoria in the coming days, after they were intercepted by the island nation’s Coast Guard on suspicion of conducting unlicensed fishing activities within Seychelles waters.

According to a statement issued Thursday afternoon, the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) said the the two boats were spotted by one of its patrol vessels ‘Etoile’, late on Wednesday.

They were positioned some 561 nautical miles South-West of the main Seychelles island of Mahé, in the vicinity of the Cosmoledo Atoll.
“PS Etoile came across two vessels while on a routine patrol around the outer islands. A Coast Guard boarding team was subsequently sent on board to carry out a search and to question the crew,” adds the statement.
The two vessels reported to have sailed from Madagascar to Seychelles, are said to be carrying a combined crew of 29 Malagasy nationals.
The Public Relations Officer of the SPDF, Major Jean Attala told SNA that the authorities are waiting for the boats to be escorted to Port Victoria to confirm where exactly they are registered.
Officials of the Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA) and the police have been dispatched to where the vessels are located to conduct more detailed search and collect necessary evidence.
The Seychelles archipelago consists of 115 widely-spread coral and granitic islands, and the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) covers a vast 1.3 million square kilometres of ocean, an area which is often difficult to police for illegal fishing activities. 

Source: Seychelles News Agency.

HMS Duncan helps injured fisherman

 HMS Duncan helps injured fisherman

 HMS Duncan

Royal Navy warship HMS Duncan has come to the aid of an injured Iranian fisherman injured in the central Gulf.
The Type 45 destroyer was on a routine day at sea when crew heard a ‘Mayday’ call and immediately turned to help the dhow OLI-1.
Less than an hour after the emergency request was made, the ship’s doctor was transferred to the dhow using one of HMS Duncan’s sea boats.
The doctor and a trained medical first-aider were able to treat the man’s head injuries as well as provide medical assistance to another sick fisherman.  

Source: Royal Navy, UK.

Cross-decking during AUSINDEX 15

Published on LEUT Darryl Wagstaff (author), LEUT Jake Leonard (photographer), LEUT Arthur Jagiello (photographer), LSML-S Joshua Matthews (photographer)
Location(s): Visakhapatnam, India
Topic(s): HMAS Sirius (O266), Exercise AUSINDEX
Lieutenant Aravird Bhat stands on the bridge wing of HMAS Sirius as INS Shivalik approaches for a practice replenishment. Lieutenant Bhat was embarked in HMAS Sirius as a liaision officer during AUSINDEX 15.  (photo: LEUT Jake Leonard)
Lieutenant Aravird Bhat stands on the bridge wing of HMAS Sirius as INS Shivalik approaches for a practice replenishment. Lieutenant Bhat was embarked in HMAS Sirius as a liaision officer during AUSINDEX 15.
The inaugural maritime exercise between Australia and India, AUSINDEX15, recently held off India, provided an exciting opportunity for a select few to sample life in the others' Navy.
Cross-decking is a custom practised by navies all over the world; it provides both personal and professional development for those fortunate enough to be selected and a great sign of diplomacy and trust between countries.
HMAS Sirius had the pleasure of accommodating Lieutenant Aravirnd Bhat of the Indian Navy, and in return Lieutenant Arthur Jagiello, the Signals Communications Officer was embarked in Indian Navy Ship Shakti. 
Reflecting on his time on India’s newest battle tanker, Lieutenant Jagiello said it was a opportunity to experience first-hand what life is like on an Indian warship.
"The cross deck allowed us to act as liaison officers and helped to breakdown the language barrier so that both navies were able to effectively overcome difficulties and differences in interpretation and get the most out of the exercise," he said.
On board Sirius, Lieutenant Bhat proved a valuable member of the team. During Replenishment at Sea he provided advice to the Sirius team on what the Indian warship would be expecting, which ensured that the evolution ran smoothly.
Indian sweets were sent over during the evolution as a gift and Lieutenant Bhat educated the ship’s company about the local treat; namely gulab jamoon, a sweet, coconut covered Indian pastry. Lieutenant Bhat was also a handy tour guide to the local port of Visakhapatnam, by providing advice on Indian culture, language, politics, and customs.
The cross-decking activity not only provided the individuals themselves with a memorable experience of life in another Navy but was also a key contributor to the overall success of the inaugural exercise. A significant milestone for both countries, the exercise strengthened relationships and furthered the ability to undertake regional joint and combined operations such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the future.


Fuerza de Paz Conjunta Combinada
Se desarrolló la fase naval del Cruz del Sur IIIFuerza de Paz Conjunta
2-10-2015 | Fue entre el lunes y el miércoles con la participación de la corbeta ARA “Gómez Roca” y el multipropósito ARA “Ciudad de Punta Alta” de la Armada Argentina y el patrullero de zona marítima “Marinero Fuentealba” de la Armada de Chile.
 
Puerto Belgrano – Desde las primeras horas del lunes y hasta la tarde del miércoles se desarrolló la fase naval del ejercicio conjunto combinado Cruz del Sur III en la zona de El Rincón de la ría de Bahía Blanca. Del mismo participaron la corbeta ARA “Gómez Roca” y el buque multipropósito ARA “Ciudad de Punta Alta” por la Armada Argentina y el buque patrullero de zona marítima “Marinero Fuentealba” de la Armada de Chile, el cual operó con un helicóptero Dauphin.

Al mando del grupo de tareas embarcaron en la corbeta argentina el comandante del mismo, Capitán de Navío Walter Doná de la Armada Argentina, y su jefe de Estado Mayor, Capitán de Fragata Christian Cardemil Borst de la Armada de Chile.

La hipótesis del ejercicio planteó que las unidades navales se desplegaran simulando ser destacadas en cumplimiento de un Mandato de Naciones Unidas sobre un país en crisis, como parte componente de la Fuerza de Paz Conjunta Combinada Cruz del Sur, donde los buques desarrollaron operaciones de interdicción marítima: control del tráfico marítimo y escolta para asegurar el arribo de suministros de ayuda humanitaria a sus terminales portuarias.

Luego de zarpar de la dársena de la Base Naval de Puerto Belgrano, las unidades del grupo de tareas combinada desarrollaron adiestramientos individuales en lucha contra incendios, control de averías, roles de abandono y estaciones de combate.

Ya en la zona de El Rincón, la “Gómez Roca” y el “Fuentealba” fondearon para efectuar ejercicios de evacuación aeromédica (médevac). Para ello el helicóptero Dauphin de la Armada de Chile decoló de la cubierta de vuelo del “Fuentealba” hacia el buque argentino, donde se mantuvo “colgado” sobre la cubierta de vuelo al tiempo que personal de la aeronave con una camilla descendía por guinche. Allí el equipo de sanidad de la “Gómez Roca” esperaba listo para cargar al herido quien luego era izado desde la aeronave y transportado al patrullero chileno.

El teniente de fragata médico Mauro Caramelli que embarcó por primera vez en un ejercicio internacional, destacó que “hubo mucha organización y precisión. La experiencia fue muy buena porque uno comprende la dinámica de una operación así en el mar”, y agregó, sobre el ejercicio puntual de médevac, que “me llamó mucho la atención la velocidad con la que se hizo; fue en muy corto tiempo lo cual es muy importante en caso de tener que evacuar un herido real. La sincronización de helicóptero, botes y equipo médico fue muy buena”.

Por la tarde y parte de la noche, con condiciones climáticas adversas que se traducían en vientos de más de 35 nudos con alturas de ola significativas, los buques desarrollaron diversas formaciones en navegación con maniobras de pasaje al habla entre ellos, para luego fondear en la propia zona de El Rincón.

El jefe de Operaciones del componente naval por parte de la Armada Argentina, Teniente de Navío Guillermo Donadío, expresó que “la actividad realizada permitió profundizar el conocimiento mutuo y la integración, incrementando la interoperabilidad entre las Armadas y el Componente Terrestre y Aéreo Conjunto Combinado para que esta fuerza de paz pueda responder con mayor eficiencia en caso de un requerimiento de la ONU”.

Registro y captura

Ya en la mañana del martes las unidades se trasladaron al fondeadero Charlie de la ría de Bahía Blanca donde desarrollaron operaciones contribuyentes de la interdicción marítima simulada para la práctica desde el buque chileno al argentino, que oficiaba de buque capturado. Esta vez el helicóptero Dauphin decoló trasladando al Grupo de Abordaje y Registro de la Armada de Chile (GARA), compuesto por 12 hombres, los que efectuaron un descenso en la modalidad “fast rope” (descenso rápido por cuerda) sobre la cubierta de vuelo de la corbeta “Gómez Roca”, apoyados de dos embarcaciones menores con una segunda fracción de asalto del GARA. 
 

El buque argentino tomó una postura colaborativa --sin oposición-- por lo que el personal chileno pudo recorrer parte de las instalaciones y el puente de comando, solicitando a los navegantes las autorizaciones e información correspondiente, logrando así el control de la unidad. Este tipo de operaciones requieren de una minuciosa planificación para desarrollar acciones sincronizadas que profundicen el conocimiento mutuo. Una vez finalizada, el grupo de Abordaje y Registro chileno retornó al patrullero “Fuentealba” empleando las embarcaciones menores.

El Capitán de Navío Walter Doná, comandante del componente naval del ejercicio, expresó que “los resultados fueron altamente positivos dado que se cumplió con la premisa de la interoperabilidad, se estandarizaron los procedimientos de Visita, Registro y Captura; los de médevac de respuesta médica, y el control de aeronaves realizado tanto por controladores aéreos argentinos como chilenos. Al mismo tiempo se incrementó la integración y el conocimiento mutuo entre ambas Armadas”.


Por su parte, el Capitán de Fragata Christian Cardemil Borst de la Armada de Chile, jefe de Estado Mayor del componente naval del ejercicio, agregó que “se ha podido comprobar en la práctica que ambas Armadas tienen un estilo de trabajo similar. Esto es muy importante dado que no sólo se trata de trabajar en forma paralela, sino de generar la sinergia suficiente para que uno más uno no sume dos, sino tres o más. Así nuestros Estados tendrán más seguridad y confianza a la hora de responder a un llamado de Naciones Unidas, sabiendo que sus fuerzas están preparadas para interactuar e interoperar”.


Cada una de estas operaciones, efectuadas por separado durante la fase naval, se combinaron en una sola operación durante el miércoles, donde el ejercicio conjunto combinado Cruz del Sur III previó la práctica final para los tres componentes para la evaluación y análisis por parte de autoridades civiles de ambos países, entre las que se destacaron los ministros de Defensa. 


Sobre el mediodía del miércoles, las unidades navales retomaron el canal de acceso para retornar a la dársena de la Base Naval de Puerto Belgrano, dando por finalizada la fase naval del ejercicio Cruz del Sur III.
 
Fuente: Gaceta Marinera, Armada Argentina.

Thursday, 1 October 2015

River cruise ship review: Tauck Inspire

A review of the Tauck Inspiration-class Inspire river cruise ship, with details on cabins, facilities, food and drink, and value for money






























Tauck's Inspire, moored at Koblenz 
 

Overall rating 9/10

One of two new Inspiration-class river ships (there are also five Jewel-class vessels) Inspire is on a par with most European river ships in terms of size. However she has fewer, larger cabins and one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios on Europe’s rivers.

Style/character 10/10

Plush and polished the ship delivers a luxe hotel ambience. Cruising is all-inclusive, staff are attentive, fellow (mostly American) passengers were friendly and the dress code is relaxed. Cruise directors deliver a carefully curated experience on board and ashore, which removes any potential wrinkles.
The ship's reception area

Cabins 10/10

Contemporary and elegant, all suites and cabins have mood and task lighting, generous storage, TV on demand, a minibar and coffee-maker, plus robes and fresh flowers. Beds have hypoallergenic pillows and bathrooms feature fittings by Grohe and Villeroy & Boch, heated floors and wall cabinets with doors mirrored inside and out. There are 22 suites measuring 300 sq-ft, which can accommodate three people. Those on the two uppermost decks have French balconies. The lowest deck has both smaller cabins, each with a high-set, shallow window, and innovative split-level light-filled loft cabins, with extensive windows stretching the full height of the deck above. A lift serves all decks except the sun deck.

At your leisure 9/10

A resident pianist plays in the Panorama lounge/bar which has a small dance floor. Facilities run to a small library (more destination books would increase guests’ enjoyment of towns and sites with rich history and culture), a spa with steam room and sauna, a small fitness centre and massage room and a salon. There’s also a putting green and Jacuzzi, plus bikes for use ashore.

Excursions 9/10

Pre-tour “discovery briefings” provide background detail for expert-led small-group shore excursions. Exclusive events, such as dinner at Reichenstein Castle in the Rhine valley, are also organised.

Food and drink 9/10

Imaginative canapés are served with drinks during cocktail hour. Food was outstanding and beautifully presented. Excellent wines are offered with lunch and dinner. The open-seating Compass Rose restaurant serves an extensive breakfast buffet and lunch, complemented by menu options. Dinners begin with an amuse-bouche and run to four courses. Arthur’s, a relaxed alternative lunch and dinner venue, with limited indoor and outdoor seating, also serves an early risers’ breakfast and has a 24-hour hot-drinks station. Room-service breakfast is available in suites; all guests can order room-service snacks.
Compass Rose restaurant

Value for money 9/10

Wi-Fi is complimentary. At some ports, free buses shuttle guided and independent explorers back to the ship at staggered times.
MS Inspire is cruising the Rhine and Moselle between Amsterdam and Basel from April to October 2016. From £2,830pp for a seven-night itinerary and from £3,155pp for 12 nights (0800 810 8020; tauck.co.uk). 

Source: The Telegraph, UK.
  

USS Ronald Reagan Arrives in Japan to Support Security, Stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region


Story Number: NNS151001-01Release Date: 10/1/2015 8:02:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nathan Burke, USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs
 
Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus speaks with media during a press conference after arriving to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). YOKOSUKA, Japan (Oct. 1, 2015) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus speaks with media during a press conference after arriving to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Paolo Bayas/Released)
 
 
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) arrived at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) for the first time as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, Oct. 1.

Ronald Reagan's arrival to CFAY highlights her role as the fifth U.S. carrier forward deployed to the 7th Fleet area of responsibility following USS George Washington (CVN 73), USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), USS Independence (CV 62) and USS Midway (CV 41).

"Deploying our most capable units forward enhances the Navy's ability to contribute to the defense of Japan and meet our commitments under the terms of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between Japan and the United States of America," said Rear Adm. John Alexander, commander, Battle Force 7th Fleet.

Ronald Reagan departed Naval Base North Island in Coronado, California, Aug. 3 after completing a hull swap with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier George Washington. During her transit across the Pacific Ocean, Ronald Reagan completed a blue water certification, replenishment at sea, day and night flight operations and damage control and medical drills.

Ronald Reagan arrived in Yokosuka equipped with the U.S. Navy's newest technological upgrades including a new local area computer network, The Consolidated Afloat Networking Enterprise Services (CANES).

"Ronald Reagan is 11 years newer than George Washington, which means the [Ronald Reagan] has benefited from 11 years of evolving technology," said Capt. Christopher Bolt, Ronald Reagan's commanding officer.

Although Ronald Reagan newly arrived to Yokosuka, the carrier brings about two-thirds of the George Washington crew who cross decked to Ronald Reagan during the hull swap.

"The Sailors aboard Ronald Reagan embody the spirit of the ship's namesake as President Ronald Reagan had a strong personal friendship with Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone," said Bolt. "In the same way, Ronald Reagan Sailors will continue to strengthen ties between the United States and Japan."

In 2011 Ronald Reagan served as a refueling station for Japanese coast guard and U.S. military helicopters, providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief off the Sendai Coast of Japan during Operation Tomodachi, after the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami.

"The United States values Japan's contributions to the peace, security and stability of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and its long-term commitment and hospitality in hosting U.S. forces forward deployed there," said Alexander. "These forces, along with their counterparts in the Japan Self-Defense Forces, make up the core capabilities needed by the alliance to meet our common strategic objectives."

Ronald Reagan and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. 
 
Source: US Navy.

Carnival announces ports of call for planned Cuba cruises

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Carnival unveiled itineraries for its anticipated cruises to Cuba. (iStock)
Carnival's proposed cruises to Cuba will include two colonial cities outside Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba, in addition to the Cuban capital, the cruise company said Wednesday.
Carnival is working to finalize approval from the Cuban government for the planned seven-day trips from Miami on a ship from the new Carnival brand, Fathom.
The cruises have already been approved by the United States. Americans cannot travel as ordinary tourists to Cuba under current U.S. regulations, but they may participate in certain types of trips, including people-to-people trips that foster cultural exchanges.
Carnival said the trips will "focus on supporting cultural exchange and economic development for the Cuban people and include a variety of artistic, educational and humanitarian activities."
The preliminary itinerary includes meetings with artists, entrepreneurs, schoolchildren and others in settings ranging from the Afro-Cuban community in Havana's Muraleando neighborhood to an organic farm to colonial heritage sites.
Carnival says the Cuba cruises will begin in May.
All trips offered by the Fathom brand will have a focus on volunteering in a destination. The brand is also selling service trips to the Dominican Republic.

Source: Fox News.
Hurricane Joaquin scatters cruise ships in the Bahamas

 

A satellite image of Hurricane Joaquin in the Western Atlantic Ocean on Sept. 30, 2015.(Photo: NOAA, EPA)

 A growing Hurricane Joaquin has forced cruise ships carrying more than 20,000 vacationers to alter course as it barrels through the Bahamas.
Cruise giant Carnival said the 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride will skip a call Thursday at Half Moon Cay, a private island in the Bahamas. The Baltimore-based ship instead will remain at sea.
Also shifting course is the 2,974-passenger Carnival Valor, which will skip a port call Thursday at Grand Turk. The Port Canaveral, Fla.-based ship also will remain at sea.
A single ship from Norwegian Cruise Line, the 4,000-passenger, Miami-based Norwegian Getaway, will forgo a port call planned for Nassau, Bahamas on Friday.

The storm also is affecting several ships from Disney Cruise Line. The 1,754-passenger Disney Magic has been re-routed to the Western Caribbean instead of the Bahamas. The ship will visit Key West, Fla. and Cozumel, Mexico on Thursday and Friday, respectively, instead of Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the Bahamas, and Nassau. The 2,500-passenger Disney Dream will skip a call in Nassau scheduled for Friday, while the 2,500-passenger Disney Fantasy skips a call at Castaway Cay.
Princess Cruises' 3,600-passenger Royal Princess missed a call Wednesday at the line's private island in the Bahamas, Princess Cays, due to the storm and will miss a second call at the island scheduled for Friday.
Also operating ships calling in the Bahamas this week is Royal Caribbean. Spokeswoman Cynthia Martinez tells USA TODAY the line is monitoring the situation but has not made changes to itineraries.
As of 8:00 AM EDT Thursday, Joaquin was about 75 miles southeast of San Salvador, Bahamas and moving to the west-southwest at five miles per hour. The Category 3 storm has maximum sustained winds of 120 miles per hour.
The National Hurricane Center says Joaquin could strengthen over the next 24 hours as it lingers in the Bahamas. The Center forecasts the storm eventually will turn northward towards the East Coast of the United States, where it could make landfall.
For a deck-by-deck tour of the biggest of the ships affected by the storm, Norwegian Getaway, click through the carousel below.

 Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship, the 4.028-passenger Norwegian Getaway, set sail with passengers for the first time on Jan. 11, 2014. What's the vessel like? USA TODAY's Gene Sloan offers a photo tour.

Source: USA TODAY.

Exercise JOINT STRIKE brings services closer

Published on SGT Dave Morley (author), CPL David Cotton (photographer)
Location(s): Beecroft Weapons Range
Topic(s): SEA SERIES, Exercise JOINT STRIKE, HMAS Stuart (F153)
HMAS Stuart fires the Mark 45 Mod II five-inch gun towards a target at Beecroft Weapons Range, New South Wales, during Exercise JOINT STRIKE. (photo: CPL David Cotton)
HMAS Stuart fires the Mark 45 Mod II five-inch gun towards a target at Beecroft Weapons Range, New South Wales, during Exercise JOINT STRIKE.
All three branches of the Australian Defence Force showed each other what they were made of during Exercise JOINT STRIKE held at Beecroft Weapons Range, Jervis Bay from 31 August to 4 September.
JOINT STRIKE was part of the SEA SERIES of exercises being held off North Queensland.

Commanding Officer HMAS Stuart, Commander Aaron Nye said Stuart was playing an important role in JOINT STRIKE.

“Today we will be providing counter-battery sustained fire ashore in support of troops on the ground, which is an important aspect in support of amphibious operations,” he said.

According to Commander Nye, the activity was a great experience for all the ship’s company.

“We took members of the ship’s company ashore to spend time with both Air Force and Army personnel,” he said.

“I think the biggest thing for this exercise is the fact we are working together as a team to improve our amphibious capabilities into the future.

“In terms of us conducting joint operations and joint exercises with the Army and Air Force, it has been a fulfilling experience and I think it shows us how important the other two services are in terms of fulfilling what we need to achieve.”

Commander Nye said the ship had three diggers on board and they enjoyed the experience.

“We gave them some sea sickness tablets when they got on board yesterday and they are doing fine,” he said.

“It’s important they integrate with the crew on board and they will also be able to observe what we do and how we support the troops on the ground.

Stuart’s ship’s company is enjoying participating in this exercise and it’s important we work with the Army and Air Force.”
Royal Australian Navy officer Lieutenant Joshua Cowell (left), a gunnery officer, talks with Australian Army soldiers from 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, Lance Bombardier Kynan Onekawa (centre) and Private Tautau Peleseuma on the bridge of HMAS Stuart during Exercise Joint Strike.
Royal Australian Navy officer Lieutenant Joshua Cowell (left), a gunnery officer, talks with Australian Army soldiers from 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, Lance Bombardier Kynan Onekawa (centre) and Private Tautau Peleseuma on the bridge of HMAS Stuart during Exercise Joint Strike.

Gunnery officer Lieutenant Joshua Cowell hosted the Army visitors and said it was great having them onboard.

“They’re really keen to learn, which is good, so I hope we’ve imparted some sort of understanding of what it’s like on our end with the calls for fire,” he said.

“It’s also good for the guys we’ve sent ashore.

“They’ll get an understanding of what happens when a target’s been discovered and designated for a strike or surface fires.”

Lieutenant Cowell said it was important all services learnt to work together.

“With the new LHDs it’s important we have interoperability between the services because the direction the Australian Defence Force is taking is of one joint force,” he said.

“So an understanding of how each of the services operates, and what our specific roles are in the bigger picture, is going to allow us to do our job in the best way possible and to provide the best service to those who are relying on us ashore.”

Able Seaman Combat Systems Operators Patrick Dalton and Daniel Graham were two members of Stuart’s ship’s company who took the opportunity to work alongside the Army ashore.

They spent a morning on the mortar line with members of 2nd Batallion Royal Australian Regiment’s mortar section.

Able Seaman Dalton, who works in the operations room, said he put up his hand to come ashore because in a ship there was rarely any chance to experience what happens on land.

He was on the mortar line during a fire mission.

“It was exhilarating because I was that close to the action, with Stuart’s 5-inch gun firing at the same time,” he said.

“Having tri-service cooperation builds a better Defence force.”

Australian Army soldiers from 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, man the command post and mortar line, at Beecroft Weapons Range, New South Wales, during Exercise Joint Strike.
Australian Army soldiers from 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, man the command post and mortar line, at Beecroft Weapons Range, New South Wales, during Exercise Joint Strike.

Able Seaman Graham said it was good to see how naval gunfire support was coordinated with mortars.

“We’re all working toward one goal and using all the Australian Defence Force’s resources to achieve one objective is a good thing,” he said.

“It was a good experience being on the other end of the comms to see how it works from the Army’s side.”

2nd Batallion Royal Australian Regiment mortarman, Private Trent Clark, said Able Seamen Dalton and Graham went really well on the mortar line.

“They did everything that was asked of them,” he said.

“They looked like they were enjoying it and it was a big change from what they do on their ship as radar operators.

“It’s always good to work in a triservice environment, and with 2nd Batallion Royal Australian Regiment going amphibious, we should all know what each other can do.”


Source: Royal Australian Navy.