Table of Contents Article Title Category Date Published Page

No.

Fleet Support Unit evolving to meet needs of future fleet Fleet 1 January 2020 5

Husband and wife make patrol boat history People 2 January 2020 7

Navy Task Group sails to support bushfire relief efforts Operations 2 January 2020 9

Patrol boats the guardians of regional security and stability Fleet 3 January 2020 11

Arunta celebrates two significant milestones Fleet 4 January 2020 13

Details of the Mallacoota evacuation by sea Operations 4 January 2020 14

Sycamore delivers first wave of evacuees to safety Operations 4 January 2020 16

Eighteen recruits graduate from Navy Indigenous Development Program People 5 January 2020 18

Choules makes first delivery of evacuees to Western Port Operations 5 January 2020 20

New era for Navy test and tactics development Fleet 6 January 2020 22

Choules prepares for return to Mallacoota Operations 6 January 2020 24

HMAS Adelaide demonstrates capability during crisis Operations 8 January 2020 26

Embarked medical team inspired by personal links to bushfire-affected communities Operations 9 January 2020 27

Young fire evacuee celebrates 12th birthday with new Navy family Operations 9 January 2020 28

Second evacuation by 'Mallacoota Ferry' complete Operations 9 January 2020 30

Multiagency collaboration at sea ensures success of evacuation mission Operations 10 January 2020 32

Dedication to family and community drives Navy’s volunteer firefighters Operations 10 January 2020 34

Royal Navy aviator supports ADF’s bushfire efforts Operations 13 January 2020 37

Toowoomba departs for sixth Middle East deployment Operations 13 January 2020 39

Teamwork key to helicopter recovery Operations 14 January 2020 41

Fire operations under threat of fire Operations 14 January 2020 42

HMAS Adelaide sailor’s commitment close to home Operations 14 January 2020 44

Bushfire response strikes a personal note with Choules’ ship’s company Operations 15 January 2020 46

ATG collaborates with regional authorities on bushfire relief op Operations 16 January 2020 48

Industry provides enabling support to bushfire task force at sea Operations 17 January 2020 49

Supply crew enthusiastic for service Fleet 18 January 2020 51

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Navy Medic’s local link to bushfire communities Operations 19 January 2020 53

Navy doctor deploys to support Kangaroo Island Operations 20 January 2020 54

A submariner's view from above People 21 January 2020 56

HMAS Adelaide prepared for any contingency during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST Operations 21 January 2020 57

WRANS writer remembers twin brother, lost in 1945 People 22 January 2020 59

Father and daughter on bushfire relief duty Operations 22 January 2020 61

Military-civilian partnerships crucial for BUSHFIRE ASSIST Operations 23 January 2020 63

Technical sailors rev up with Tickford Racing People 23 January 2020 64

MV Sycamore provides versatility to the fleet Operations 24 January 2020 66

Albatross under fire Operations 24 January 2020 68

Governor-General visits aerial bushfire responders Operations 24 January 2020 70

Duty and service in the family Operations 25 January 2020 72

Navy Doctor contributes to Defence bushfire response in the Adelaide Hills Operations 25 January 2020 73

Australia Day 2020 Honours List - Royal Australian Navy People 25 January 2020 74

Legal acumen earns logistics sailor the Conspicuous Service Medal People 26 January 2020 78

Former aviation sailor from Christmas Island awarded Conspicuous Service Medal People 26 January 2020 80

Canberra takes centre stage on Sydney Harbour Events 26 January 2020 82

Submarine engineer recognised for early attack design, capability transition planning People 27 January 2020 83

Fifty-year naval career culminates in Order of Australia People 27 January 2020 85

Navy One does senior service proud in Sydney to Hobart Sport 27 January 2020 87

Dechaineux strengthens ties with fellow submariners abroad Fleet 28 January 2020 89

WO-N: Bushfire relief capability possible thanks to engineering contributions Operations 28 January 2020 90

Australian Maritime Warfare Centre puts team building into practice at The Infants’ Home Community 29 January 2020 92

Sea trials demonstrate new capability to manage AUVs Fleet 29 January 2020 94

Innovation Unit brings 3D creativity to repairs in HMAS Parramatta Fleet 30 January 2020 96

New National Commander for Navy Cadets People 30 January 2020 97

Instructor’s efforts recognised at the ‘School of many Ss’ People 31 January 2020 98

An exemplary service career honoured People 31 January 2020 99

Article Title Category Date Published Page No.

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Index 101

Article Title Category Date Published Page No.

Cover Image: HMAS Adelaide operates off the coast of Eden, NSW as fires still burn out of control during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST.

Photographer: POIS Helen Frank

Image: MV Sycamore (background) conducts a rendezvous with HMAS Choules to transfer personnel posting onto the ship during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST.

Photographer: ABIS Jarrod Mulvihill

4

Fleet Support Unit evolving to meet needs of future fleet

Royal Australian Navy

5-6 minutes

Supporting the Royal Australian Navy Fleet by providing repair and maintenance services is the core function of the Fleet Support Unit and its regional hubs across Australia.

Fleet Support Unit (FSU) has more than 800 employees and represents over five per cent of the Navy’s uniformed workforce.

It has an important role to play, both in offsetting the cost of the Fleet’s sustainment and in providing meaningful work for sailors ashore, aiming to improve their skills and technical mastery.

Executive Director FSU, Captain Greg Laxton, said FSU had changed considerably over the years.

“It has an expanded services scope and is more customer oriented and data driven. 2019 has seen some remarkable achievements.

“Coming into this year, our workforce utilisation wasn’t where we wanted it to be, we didn’t have consistent, accurate data for planning and resourcing and we were suffering from extremely high staff churn, affecting our ability to provide consistently high quality maintenance outcomes.

“What’s really pleasing is that coming to the end of the year, we’ve made significant inroads on all fronts. It has been a great team effort to make that happen,” Captain Laxton said.

He said utilisation of FSU’s workforce has almost doubled from the start to the end of 2019.

“And FSU has provided a sustainment cost offset of $30m - funding that can be redirected where it is needed to keep the Fleet in peak condition,” he said.

This year, FSU has deployed regionally and around the world with 111 sailors delivering 10,800 hours of maintenance, representing $1.2m value.

Published on 01 January 2020 LEUT Dave Devlin (author), ABIS Jarrod Mulvihill (photographer), LSIS Kylie Jagiello (photographer)

Topic(s): Fleet Support Unit

Leading Seaman Boatswains Mate Krystal Carter spray painting in the spray booth and baking oven at the Surface Finishing workshop at Fleet Support Unit - West, HMAS Stirling, WA.

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“We have improved our processes and streamlined our project bids, working more collaboratively with the Ship Support Offices and our industry partners to take on more of the Fleet’s sustainment burden, as well as gaining insights to the ‘reasons why’ when FSU have not been allocated tasks,” Captain Laxton said.

“We’ve worked with the Navy People Career Management Agency (NPCMA) to provide longer postings for key positions, providing greater stability and keeping key skillsets we need within FSU.

“We’ve also introduced ways to better cope with staff churn, including a new induction and on boarding process for new starters,” he said.

A key initiative which has underpinned the changes at FSU has been the introduction of a tool called IMPPACT, developed in-house for FSU’s unique requirements and rolled out to all units at the beginning of 2019. This provides data for project planning and resourcing longer term.

IMPPACT allows FSU personnel to look at the productivity and utility of the workforce down to individual work centres, so they can work to proactivity plug the gaps.

The new IMPPACT dashboard allows both the National Office and the regions to view key FSU metrics against targets, real time.

Leading Seaman Electronics Technician Luke Oldham has had three postings to FSU-West throughout his career and has noticed the changes.

“Each time I have been back I have seen the new and exciting apparatus, machines and tools to help us complete tasks.

“The most rewarding part is seeing other sailors walk past a job on base that we have undertaken and hearing them say it looks really good,” Leading Seaman Oldham said.

Able Seaman Maritime Logistics-Supply Chain Kirk Harwood said working at FSU has allowed him to gain a diverse range of skills.

“Compared to working in a normal warehouse environment, I’ve been able to perform tasks such as helping with the procurement, planning for ship maintenance tasks and liaising with contractors.

“I would highly recommend this posting, I have learnt so much more about what goes on behind the scenes,” Able Seaman Hardwood said.

Able Seaman Brandon Mattsson agreed that FSU was a great place to work.

“It provides respite after long deployments, has enabled me to develop skills I require by completing multiple system courses and has allowed me to consolidate that knowledge by being part of the Fleet Support Team,” he said.

During 2020 the plan is to develop FSU further, with enhanced capabilities, further disseminating data to drive productivity and quality outcomes, and consolidating Ships Program Office and industry collaboration. The aim is to have consistent core maintenance activity locked in, as well as being able to respond with agility to ad hoc projects as they come up.

“We still have a way to go to truly optimise FSU, but we are on the right track. We need to make sure we do evolve and adapt, so FSU can work at its full potential and meet the needs of the future fleet,” Captain Laxton said. ND

6

Husband and wife make patrol boat history

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 02 January 2020 LEUT Todd Fitzgerald (author), Mr Glenn Campbell (photographer)

Location(s): HMAS Coonawarra, NT

Topic(s): HMAS Coonawarra, HMAS Maitland (P88), HMAS Ararat (P89)

Lieutenant Commander Julia Griffin and her husband, Lieutenant Commander Khan Beaumont, in the Coonawarra Basin at the Navy's patrol boat base, HMAS Coonawarra, Darwin.

A married couple in Darwin has become the first husband and wife in Royal Australian Navy history to command patrol boats at the same time.

Lieutenant Commander Julia Griffin assumed command of HMAS Maitland on 6 December, while Lieutenant Commander Khan Beaumont has led HMAS Ararat for the past 18 months.

Lieutenant Commander Beaumont said it was an honour to be selected for command and a bonus he could now share the experience with his wife.

“It’s awesome. I found my best mate and married her. To have Julia do what I do makes us stronger as a team. We know exactly what each other is going through and for such a unique job it is a very special partnership,” he said.

Lieutenant Commander Griffin said she had wanted to drive ships for the Navy since she was a young girl, and her selection to command was “a dream come true”.

However, while Lieutenant Commander Beaumont said he was proud to make Royal Australian Navy history with this “first”, Lieutenant Commander Griffin said the milestone was still trumped by the family’s pride in service.

“We are most proud to be part of a community that defends Australia and its assets,” she said.

HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin is the hub of Navy’s contribution to Operation RESOLUTE, a Whole-of-Government effort to protect Australia's borders and offshore maritime interests.

At any one time, up to 600 Australian Defence Force personnel work on the operation.

Lieutenant Commander Griffin joined the Navy as a Maritime Warfare Officer (MWO) in 2008. MWOs are responsible for the control and navigation of Navy ships.

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Lieutenant Commander Beaumont joined in 2000 as a Combat System Operator (CSO). He commissioned as an MWO eight years later. CSOs operate the ship’s sensors to provide commanders with information about potential threats.

They met at the New Entry Officers’ Course in HMAS Creswell and started dating a year later, after meeting again at a mutual friend’s wedding. Lieutenant Commander Beaumont and Lieutenant Commander Griffin married in 2010.

Lieutenant Commander Beaumont said he never imagined he would one day command a Navy vessel.

“Someone in the Navy saw some potential in me that I didn’t realise was there. Here I am 20 years later as the captain of a patrol boat.

“The Navy is one of those great workplaces that allows you to grow. It is such a unique environment. You just have to make the choices, you have to stand up and be counted for something. It makes you a leader,” he said.

Captain Patrol Boats, Captain Alex Hawes, said the patrol boat community was proud of Navy’s history-making duo.

“Lieutenant Commander Beaumont and Lieutenant Commander Beaumont-Griffin are an example of the truly outstanding officers and sailors that work within the patrol boat community and of Navy’s support to its people to achieve their potential,” Captain Hawes said.

“Navy is proud of both officers and of the entire patrol boat community, working to protect Australia's borders and offshore maritime interests,” he said. ND

8

Navy Task Group sails to support bushfire relief efforts

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 02 January 2020 LCDR Des Paroz (author), POIS Helen Frank (photographer), ABIS Benjamin Ricketts (photographer)

Topic(s): HMAS Choules (L100), MV Sycamore, Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

HMAS Choules' enhanced medical team disembarks a MRH-90 Taipan Maritime Support Helicopter as the ship prepares to provide support to the communities affected by bushfires.

A Navy task group departed from their Fleet Base East homeport early on New Year’s Day, in support of multi-agency efforts to provide assistance to communities affected by bushfires on the Australian east coast.

Consisting of the Landing Ship Dock HMAS Choules and the multi-role aviation training vessel MV Sycamore, the Task Group also includes an MRH-90 Taipan Maritime Support Helicopter from 808 Squadron and a specialised Aero Medical Evacuation (AME) capability from the Maritime Operational Health Unit.

In addition to the Navy personnel, the task group also includes Army personnel as well as Defence Contractors who operate Sycamore.

Choules’ Commanding Officer, Commander Scott Houlihan, noted the significant effort for many to re-join the ships at short notice for the response.

“As it is with all Australians, the New Year period is an important time for Defence personnel to spend time with their families and achieve some respite between two busy years,” Commander Houlihan said.

“When the call came out in the late afternoon of New Year’s Eve, the ships’ companies gladly stepped up to the challenge, and both ships were underway less than 17 hours later.

“People made their way back to Fleet Base East promptly from Western Australia, north Queensland, Tasmania, and everywhere in between, and I am proud of their commitment to their Navy and to serving the people of Australia in a time of need.”

With the challenge of getting the ships underway achieved, the focus turned to the additional capabilities that might be required to support the people in the affected communities on the Victorian and southern NSW coastline.

With thousands of Victorians being isolated for several days, it was identified that a specialised AME capability might be able to enhance Choules’ organic medical capability, so a team of permanent and reserve Defence medical personnel was brought together

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and transferred to the ship by helicopter.

“Situations like this provide an opportunity for Defence to demonstrate the diversity and flexibility of our capabilities, and are built upon the continuous contingency planning efforts that occur across the enterprise,” Commander Houlihan said.

Choules has also embarked an Army Amphibious Beach Team, which will be able to assess landing sites for possible boat operations utilising the range of vessels embarked.

The two ships arrived in the affected areas of Victoria this morning morning, with the first priority being to engage with the local community leaders and the State emergency authorities to determine how the task group will be able to best support other agencies in the relief efforts.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery at https://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

10

Patrol boats the guardians of regional security and stability

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 03 January 2020 LEUT Todd Fitzgerald (author), ABCIS Blake Donovan (photographer)

Topic(s): HMAS Maryborough (P95), Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP)

Guardian Class Patrol Boat, Royal Solomon Islands Police Vessel Gizo, leads Royal Australian Navy Armidale Class Patrol Boat, HMAS Maryborough.

Royal Australian Navy Patrol Boat HMAS Maryborough has joined Royal Solomon Islands Police Vessel Gizo for her maiden voyage home.

The Australian Government handed over Gizo, a Guardian Class Patrol Boat, to the Solomon Islands during a ceremony held in Henderson, Western Australia in November.

Gizo then sailed to Darwin where Maryborough joined her for the final leg to Honiara.

Commanding Officer Maryborough, Commander Chris Unwin, said the voyage demonstrated the support and friendship between the Pacific nations.

“These engagements are important. They support efforts to maintain security and stability in the region,” he said.

“RSIPV Gizo will greatly assist the Solomon Islands Police Force to protect their country’s natural resources as the new boat is a significant enhancement in capability over their previous class of vessel.”

Gizo is the fifth of 21 Guardian Class Patrol Boats gifted to 12 Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste under the $2 billion Pacific Maritime Security Program.

Along the way, Maryborough and Gizo have conducted manoeuvring and emergency training.

Crew members also swapped vessels for short periods.

Cross-decking, as it is known in naval jargon, is practised by navies all over the world and is designed to improve the personal and professional development of those fortunate enough to be selected. It is also a sign of diplomacy and trust between participating vessels.

Commander Unwin said the crew of Gizo had proven to be professional and capable mariners.

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"International engagements such as this are always enjoyable," he said.

"Despite the fact that I have been in the Navy for a significant period of time, there are always new places to visit, new friends to meet and new cultures to learn about.

"Many on board Maryborough have never been to the Solomon Islands before and are looking forward to the experience."

Commander Unwin said the patrol boat community was at the front line of Navy's efforts to deepen interoperability and promote security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Maryborough has been on duty over the Christmas period, undertaking patrols on Operation RESOLUTE.

The Guardian Class Pacific Patrol Boat is 39.5 metres long, and has a complement of 23 crew members. The vessel has a range of 3000 nautical miles at minimal speed, completing the voyage from Darwin to Honiara without refuelling.

The boats are designed to conduct maritime surveillance and enforcement operations, including illegal fishing, search and rescue, and other border operations. ND

12

Arunta celebrates two significant milestones

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 04 January 2020 LEUT Kieran Davis (author), SBLT Theodore Squires (photographer)

Topic(s): HMAS Arunta (F151)

Commanding Officer HMAS Arunta, Commander Troy Duggan, left, and the youngest member of ship’s company, Seaman Boatswains Mate Jett Mitchell cut the ship’s 21st birthday cake.

The crew of HMAS Arunta had double cause for celebration recently as they marked the ship’s 21st birthday and their return from a successful deployment to Southeast Asia.

Launched on 28 June 1996 and commissioned on 12 December 1998, Arunta is the second of eight Australian Anzac Class Frigates built by Tenix Defence Systems at Williamstown, Victoria.

The ship recently completed the Anzac Midlife Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP) upgrade at Henderson Shipyard, Western Australia - the first of the class to receive the major capability boost.

Arunta’s Commanding Officer, Commander Troy Duggan, said the celebration marked the end of a busy year, after a successful post-AMCAP deployment and an extremely busy time spent getting Arunta out of the shipyard.

“Celebrating the ship’s birthday honours the dedication and sacrifice of all those who have served in Arunta throughout her commission, as well as the support of our families and friends,” he said.

The crew shared a birthday cake onboard, which in keeping with long-standing tradition, was cut by the Commanding Officer and the youngest member of the ship’s company, Seaman Boatswains Mate Jett Mitchell.  

“It was a real honour to be a part of the birthday celebrations on board, and to serve in such a fantastic ship with such a proud history,” Seaman Mitchell said.

Arunta is now one of the most advanced frigates in the world after undergoing the AMCAP upgrade, with a new communications suite, improved platform systems and crew habitability, and a cutting-edge air search radar developed by Australian company CEA Technologies.

The AMCAP upgrade is being implemented by Australian industry through a strategic partnership between the Commonwealth of Australia, BAE Systems, SAAB Australia, and Naval Ship Management Australia.

Since her commissioning, Arunta has served her country tirelessly, participating in multiple operations and exercises and sailing more than 544,000 nautical miles - equivalent to 25 times around the equator, or further than the moon and back.

The current Arunta is the second Australian warship to carry the name.

HMAS Arunta (I) was a Tribal Class Destroyer commissioned in 1942, and served 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. ND

13

Details of the Mallacoota evacuation by sea

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 04 January 2020 LCDR Des Paroz (author), POIS Helen Frank (photographer), LSIS Shane Cameron(photographer)

Location(s): Mallacoota, Vic

Topic(s): HMAS Choules (L100), MV Sycamore, Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

Evacuation of residents and visitors of Mallacoota, Victoria, has commenced with over 1000 civilians embarking in HMAS Choules and MV Sycamore on 3 January.

Since arriving offshore of Mallacoota on 2 January, ships’ companies of both vessels have been preparing to receive the people who chose to accept the opportunity to evacuate the area that has been devastated by the recent bushfires.

Choules’ Commanding Officer, Commander Scott Houlihan, said that the embarkation was a key milestone achieved through close coordination with various government and non-government agencies.

“Since arriving we have quickly and effectively integrated with counterparts from Emergency Management Victoria, Victoria Police, the CFA, the local council, Red Cross and other agencies,” Commander Houlihan said.

“The embarkation process started at around 8am, with people being moved from the community centre to the pier by buses provided by community members, and then moved across to the two ships using five landing craft embarked in Choules.

“Some 1000 people were welcomed on-board, and by early evening we had completed the embarkation and were underway heading towards Western Port.

“A key counterpart from one of the partner agencies described the process as being ‘organised and structured, without being sharp and brutal,’ and I think this describes perfectly the attitude, flexibility and welcome demonstrated by Choules’ and Sycamore’s ships’ companies.

“I could not be prouder of their efforts and the results achieved.”

Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Arron Convery oversaw the welcome of all evacuees on-board Choules.

Evacuees from Mallacoota, Victoria are transported by landing craft to MV Sycamore.

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“The general spirit among of our guests has been one of appreciation mixed with relief to get away from the devastation, and the heavy blanket of smoke that has engulfed the region,” he said.

“Of course, there was some level of worry, but there were many hugs of appreciation throughout the day.”

In addition to the human evacuees, hundreds of pets accompanied their families.

“There are 135 dogs on-board, some cats, even a rabbit and a bird,” Lieutenant Commander Convery said.

“The pets and their humans are comforted by being able to stay together for the transit, and we are pleased that we can facilitate this.”

During the short visit to Mallacoota, Defence personnel were also able to support the local community by transferring some 10,000 litres of fuel from a rig tender to two service stations ashore.

“This made a big dent, allowing the service stations to open and provide fuel, allowing power generators to operate,” Commander Houlihan said.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery athttps://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

15

Sycamore delivers first wave of evacuees to safety

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 04 January 2020 LEUT Ben Willee (author)

Location(s): Hastings, VIC, Mallacoota, Vic

Topic(s): MV Sycamore, Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

The first 58 evacuees-by-sea from the fire-affected Victorian seaside town of Mallacoota arrived at the Bluescope Steel Wharf in Hastings this morning, delivered to safety by the Royal Australian Navy training ship MV Sycamore. Two dogs and a cat were also evacuated by Sycamore.

The multi-role aviation training vessel is operated by Teekay Shipping in conjunction with the Royal Australian Navy. The ship is part of a Navy task group that departed from Fleet Base East early on New Year’s Day, in support of multi-agency efforts to provide assistance to communities affected by bushfires on the Australian east coast.

Year 11 Student Darcy Brown said it was a relief to feel safe again.

“It was very dark in Mallacoota and we saw the flames in the distance.

“I was very relieved to be out of that situation.

“We have been absolutely spoilt on the ship, excellent food and very comfortable beds.

“A massive thank you to the amazing crew from the Navy and Teekay Shipping for rescuing us,” she said.

MV Sycamore is crewed by civilians from Teekay Shipping, including a Flight Deck Team from OPSTAR, with one Navy Liaison Officer on board.

Initial notice to mobilise was given at approximately 5pm on New Year’s Eve and the ship was able to get underway at 7am on New Year’s Day.

“It’s an honour to contribute to something so important,” the Ship’s Master, Captain Joe Ludik of Teekay Shipping, said

“We were very happy to look after fifty-eight passengers with lunch, dinner and breakfast.

Defence and SES Members help evacuees disembark MV Sycamore at Bluescope Wharf in Hastings, Victoria.

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“We’ve even had a couple of passengers joking about leaving a very positive review on our Air BnB site,” he joked.

“In this time of need, most Australians want to help out,” Commander Karl Brinckmann, Navy’s Sycamore Liaison Officer, said.

“We are proud and privileged that we had the opportunity to get involved.

“The ship is very professionally crewed by the team at Teekay Shipping and we are fortunate enough to have some excellent cooks on board.

“The evacuees were very well looked after,” Commander Brinckmann said.

The evacuees were transported from the ship to evacuation centres at Sommerville and Melbourne.

The Mayor of the Mornington Peninsula Shire Sam Hearn is hosting the evacuees at Somerville Recreation Centre.

“It’s a privilege for us to play a small part in the time of national crisis to support people who have been through a horrific experience,” Mayor Hearn said.

“I’ve had lots of calls from members of the community wanting to chip in and this really is a whole community effort,” he added.

After a very short turnaround MV Sycamore will return to Bushfire affected areas of New South Wales and Victoria to continue her support mission.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery athttps://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

17

Eighteen recruits graduate from Navy Indigenous Development Program

Royal Australian Navy

4-4 minutes

Published on 05 January 2020 Ms Natalie Staples (author)

Location(s): HMAS Cairns, QLD

Topic(s): Navy Indigenous Development Program

Eighteen recruits graduated from Navy’s Indigenous Development Program at HMAS Cairns in December.

Friends and family were joined at the graduation ceremony by senior officers including Commodore Training, Commodore Charles Huxtable, and congratulated the men and women on their accomplishments.

“Twenty people joined as recruits in August, for the twelfth iteration of the Navy Indigenous Development Program,” Commodore Huxtable said.

“Today we congratulate the eighteen who challenged themselves to complete this course.

“Of these, I’m told fifteen will proceed to Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus in January to continue their Navy careers.”

The Navy Indigenous Development Program was launched in March 2014 and is a key aspect of the Defence Reconciliation Action Plan and ‘Closing the Gap’.

Since 2014, 188 recruits have graduated from the program, with 65% of those continuing on to careers in the Australian Defence Force.

The program can also be a conduit to the Australian Public Service if the Recruit decides that a life in the military is not for them.

Twenty-three-year-old Recruit Jason Fourmile from Port Douglas in Queensland said the course had opened his eyes to career options in Navy.

“The Navy Indigenous Development Program was a great way to get a taste of military lifestyle before signing up,” Recruit Fourmile said.

“Before this I was a normal civilian working labouring jobs.

December 2019 graduates of the Navy Indigenous Development Program.

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“Coming into this, I’ve adapted to a military lifestyle, developed my fitness and education and made new friends.

“It feels good to know that I’ve got this lifestyle in me.

“I’m signing up as a Boatswains Mate and plan to change over and become an Aircrewman,” Recruit Fourmile said.

The Navy Indigenous Development Program aims to assist Indigenous Australians in reaching the required standard to enlist into the Australian Defence Force.

On selection, the recruits enlist into Navy on a six month contract and are inducted at Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus, where they are taught to march, prepare and wear their uniforms and other aspects of military life.

Following induction, they visit the Australian War Memorial and the National Museum of Australia in Canberra, before visiting ships and Navy bases in Sydney and eventually returning to Cairns to attend TAFE and the Great Barrier Reef International Maritime College, where they are taught literacy, numeracy and maritime studies.

Training also consists of Cultural Development, Military Skills and Physical Fitness. ND

19

Choules makes first delivery of evacuees to Western Port

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 05 January 2020 LCDR Des Paroz (author), POIS Nina Fogliani (photographer), POIS Helen Frank(photographer)

Location(s): Mallacoota, Vic, Western Port, Vic

Topic(s): HMAS Choules (L100), Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

Lieutenant Harry Rees escorts an evacuee from Mallacoota, Victoria as she disembarks HMAS Choules with her baby at Western Port.

The Royal Australian Navy amphibious ship HMAS Choules arrived in Western Port, Victoria on 4 January 2020, having evacuated 1117 residents and holidaymakers from Mallacoota, following the devastating New Year’s Eve bushfires.

The transit to Western Port took about 20 hours, during which time the evacuees had the opportunity to gain an insight into life at sea in a Navy ship, and enjoy some of Choules’ hospitality.

Mr Mark Vos of Maffra was three days into a planned three-week holiday in Mallacoota when the bushfires devastated the local area.

“We’ve been visiting Mallacoota every year for a long time, and we have come to know many of the locals, many of whom lost their homes,” Mr Vos said.

“On New Year’s Eve we took shelter at the wharf, and it was horrific - it was difficult to breathe.

“What sticks in my mind is the sound of the explosions every time a gas bottle went off - you knew that each one was another house lost.”

Mr Vos was impressed with evacuation experience.

“Navy has been great - we were all well looked after and very well fed under what were very challenging conditions,” he said.

After arriving at Western Port, the 1117 evacuees, 135 dogs, four cats, a bird and a rabbit disembarked to meet a combined force of Defence and emergency services personnel standing by to assist the evacuees as they moved towards reuniting with family and friends.

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Among the many personnel on the wharf were members of the Victorian Police, the Metropolitan Fire Board, Ambulance Victoria, the State Emergency Service, the Australian Red Cross and the RSPCA, as well as Navy members from HMAS Cerberus and members of the Australian Army.

Choules’ Commanding Officer Commander Scott Houlihan noted the significance of having such a wide range of support services on hand to assist the evacuees.

“The response to the East Gippsland bushfires has been and continues to be a massive effort lead by Emergency Management Victoria,” Commander Houlihan said.

“From our initial arrival offshore of Mallacoota, the success of this mission has been based on the cooperative planning and coordinated execution by so many organisations.

“A number of Victorian Police and Red Cross personnel travelled with us to support the evacuees en route, and we appreciate the efforts of all parties involved from start to finish.

“Of course, I am very proud of HMAS Choules’ ship’s company, who came together at very short notice to sail on New Year’s Day to support fellow Australians in a time of need.”

Following the completion of the disembarkation, Choules’ got straight back to work, working into the night to prepare the ship and load essential supplies and equipment that will be transported back to Mallacoota to assist in recovery efforts.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery athttps://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

21

New era for Navy test and tactics development

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 06 January 2020 LCDR Paul Garai (author), LSIS Christopher Szumlanski (photographer)

HMAS Hobart conducts a live fire exercise using the vertically launched RIM-66 Standard Missile 2 (SM2) as a test of capability before proceeding to their Unit Readiness Evaluation (URE).

For many years the Royal Australian Navy Test and Evaluation Authority and the Australian Maritime Warfare Centre have served to ensure the Navy can fight and win at sea.

Both organisations apply scientific, engineering and deep warfare experience to ensure we understand what our ships, submarines and aircraft are capable of and how we can get the most out of them.

But it’s now time to take both organisations to the next level and meet the demands of a rapidly growing modern Navy.

The advent of the First Principles Review and a national continuous ship building endeavour has driven a re-think of warfighting support.

Continuous ship build requires continuous design, test and tactical development and Navy must evolve to meet this challenge.

The first step on this journey is to merge the Royal Australian Navy Test and Evaluation Authority and Australian Maritime Warfare Centre into a centralised warfighting support agency under the banner of the Maritime Warfare Centre.

This new organisation will be responsible for providing Test and Evaluation, Tactical Development and Operational Analysis throughout the Capability Life Cycle.

Current Director of the Australian Maritime Warfare Centre and future Director of Maritime Warfare Centre, Captain David Frost, summarised the shift. 

“These two organisations have always worked closely, but it’s now time to be one team and provide both Head of Navy Capability and Fleet Commander with a one-stop warfighting support shop.

“We’re learning valuable lessons and collecting significant data every day from the Fleet, Defence Science and Technology, and our Industry Partners.

“It’s critical that we turn this data into capability for not only our current but also our future Fleet,” Captain Frost said.

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Under the merge, the Maritime Warfare Centre will establish Test and Tactic Development Teams that will support Navy Programs from cradle to grave - planning, collecting and analysing data that will inform critical decisions regarding current and future systems.

In parallel, warfare program and operational analysis teams will collaborate with numerous agencies to develop supporting warfare plans across Sea Control, Littoral, Integrated Air and Missile Defence and Information Warfare domains.

These plans will provide the battle rhythm for all trials, ensuring the right systems are tested at the right time to support the right decisions.

Underpinning the entire organisation is years of Defence Science experience, providing deep specialist support in Weapons Systems Effectiveness and Signature Analysis and Ranging.

From telemetry services in support of missile firings to measuring the signatures of our ships and submarines, these deep skillsets are critical in our understanding of lethality and vulnerability and will form a strong foundation of the new Maritime Warfare Centre.

The centre will report to the Deputy Fleet Commander and remain at Garden Island in Sydney.

Fleet Commander will formally open the Maritime Warfare Centre on Monday 20 January, with a launch the following day at the Fleet Warfare Forum. ND

23

Choules prepares for return to Mallacoota

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 06 January 2020 LCDR Des Paroz (author), POIS Helen Frank (photographer)

Location(s): Mallacoota, Vic

Topic(s): HMAS Choules (L100), Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

HMAS Choules leaves Western Port, Victoria to sail back to East Gippsland area in support of Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

HMAS Choules has now returned to Mallacoota, Victoria, to provide more support to the fire-ravaged coastal town from which she evacuated more than a thousand people and 140 pets just days ago.

After successfully disembarking the evacuated passengers at Western Port, the crew of the Royal Australian Navy amphibious ship conducted a quick turnaround to return to Mallacoota.

The ship arrived at Western Port at 4:30pm on Saturday and, once the guests were safely disembarked, attention turned to the job of reconstituting and on-loading supplies and equipment to deliver to Mallacoota for the recovery efforts.

Command Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer Arthur Mitcherson, said the job of reconstitution was a significant task that the crew addressed with the same professionalism they have demonstrated since being recalled on New Year’s Eve.

“The crew all chipped in to help our human and animal guests to safely disembark, assisting many as they came down the gangway and re-gained their land legs,” Warrant Officer Mitcherson said.

“No sooner than the last guest was in the hands of the other agencies, everyone turned their attention to cleaning the decks, washing the blankets and bedding and making sure the ship was ready for her next task, just as enthusiastically as when we initially sailed for Mallacoota.

“The ship’s company’s pride in their ship and their Navy was the critical factor in the smooth completion of the evacuation from Mallacoota.”

Once the ship was reconstituted, the next task was to begin on-loading supplies, equipment and personnel to assist the Mallacoota community that remains isolated and only accessible by sea or air.

Among the supplies brought on board were medications, including paediatric drugs, medical oxygen and respirators, as well as dog food, cat food, additional snacks and multiple pallets of bottled water.

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Officer Commanding of Choules’ Ship’s Army Establishment, Major David English, oversaw the on-loading of a range of equipment, including Army and State Emergency Services vehicles, as well as VicForests vehicles and personnel.

“As we return to Mallacoota, much of our focus will be to provide support to various agencies as they seek to clear roads and re-open access to the township by land,” Major English said.

“This will be a big task, and our focus is to provide whatever support we can to the various organisations who are best placed to handle each of these tasks.

“Being Army members who are part of ship’s company means that we can extend the capability the ship brings in terms of logistics support and ship-to-shore movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment.

“Members of ship’s company are eager to work side-by-side with the other agencies to support recovery efforts to the people of this area who have been tremendously scarred by these terrible fires.”

Along with MV Sycamore and HMAS Adelaide, Choules is part of a significant Royal Australian Navy contribution to the Australian Defence Force’s efforts to support relief efforts for the current bushfire emergency.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery athttps://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

25

HMAS Adelaide demonstrates capability during crisis

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 08 January 2020 LEUT Anthony Martin (author), ABIS Thomas Sawtell (photographer), POIS Tom Gibson(photographer)

Location(s): Twofold Bay, NSW

Topic(s): HMAS Adelaide (L01), Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

Petty Officer Marine Technician Brendan McDermott assembles stretcher beds onboard HMAS Adelaide in response to Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

The Royal Australian Navy’s largest ship, Landing Helicopter Dock HMAS Adelaide has joined HMAS Choules and MV Sycamore in support of Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

The ship is now positioned in Twofold Bay near Eden and has been conducting liaison meetings with local authorities, police and fire crews. Medical staff have provided some initial first aid support to local communities and the ship has been preparing for all contingencies.

The light vehicle deck on Adelaide has been transformed into an emergency accommodation area for any potential evacuees. Staff have prepared bedding, refreshments and care facilities to cater for any arrivals. Even the small things like phone charger points and pet support have been considered and made ready.

For Sub Lieutenant Cameron Blanch, assistant Maritime Logistics Officer, the preparations have been a well planned and executed activity.

“Everyone has pitched in and helped out, this has been a whole ship evolution. We all know how important this task is and want to do our best to help the community in anyway,” he said.

Elsewhere on the ship, teams prepare for assistance activities ranging from medical care, food packages and communications to engineering support. 

The Executive Officer of HMAS Adelaide, Commander Jace Hutchison has been delighted by the enthusiasm and dedication demonstrated by the crew, some of whom reside in the bushfire hit communities.

“I am extremely proud of the way the ship’s company have responded in such a short time frame,” he said.

“We are providing assurance to the Australian community that we have got their back and we are ready to stand by them during this difficult time,” said Commander Hutchison.

HMAS Adelaide, in conjunction with other Defence assets, will continue to provide support in the region as requested by the relevant authorities.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery athttps://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

26

Embarked medical team inspired by personal links to bushfire-affected communitiesRoyal Australian Navy3-4 minutes

Published on 09 January 2020 LEUT Anthony Martin (author), ABIS Thomas Sawtell (photographer)

Location(s): Eden, NSW

Topic(s): HMAS Adelaide (L01), Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

HMAS Adelaide's embarked nursing officers, Lieutenant Commander Thomas Miller, front, and Lieutenant Travis Robinson in the treatment room during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

A key component of the Australian Defence Force response to Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 is the medical and first aid services being provided by the Doctors, Nurses, Paramedics and support staff of the Royal Australian Navy.

The medical teams on board HMAS Adelaide are a professional combined unit made up of personnel from the ship’s complement, the Royal Australian Navy Hospital at HMAS Penguin and various Defence units across the nation.

Two good friends who are part of the team that responded with less than 24 hours’ notice are Lieutenant Commander Thomas Miller and Lieutenant Travis Robinson.

Both are based at HMAS Penguin in Balmoral, Sydney.

“This is what we train for and we are ready to support the community ashore during this emergency,” Lieutenant Commander Miller said.

Rapidly responding to the requirement to join HMAS Adelaide from his normal role as Nurse Educator at The Directorate of Navy Health, Lieutenant Commander Miller was quick to ensure the team was prepared to provide medical support ashore to cover any contingency.

“My mum is a Nurse in Bega Hospital and has been providing valuable medical and first aid care to the people of Bega.

“I’m very happy that I can contribute in some way to that level of support and proud to be part of the Navy response,” he said. For Lieutenant Robinson, the connection to the local community is an important motivator for his contribution to the task.

“My family were in Batemans Bay and had to be evacuated to the beach,” he said.

As the Aeromedical Evacuation Team Leader in Adelaide, Lieutenant Robinson is one of the first in the medical teams to be sent into the community during an emergency.

“Everyone in the team is ready to provide support and we are totally committed to the task,” Lieutenant Robinson said.

HMAS Adelaide, in conjunction with HMAS Choules and MV Sycamore, is working off the Australian southeast coast, providing valuable aid to the communities impacted by the bushfires.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery athttps://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

27

Young fire evacuee celebrates 12th birthday with new Navy family

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

There may have been some dark days to the start of her year, but the candles on bushfire evacuee Tiffany Bragg’s birthday cake have shed a little light onto a special day - even if in a temporary home called HMAS Harman.

Mum Vanessa, sister Amelia, 13, and brother Daniel, 10, have spent the past week in the safety of Harman, joining the extended Navy family.

Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Katey D’Costa, said the Braggs joined three other families on the base, as well as a number of pets, including three dogs and two cats, as bushfires continue to wreak devastation.

“The Defence family has been ready to welcome evacuees and provide them with a place that is a safe haven,” Lieutenant Commander D’Costa said.

“And we are expecting and ready for more in the coming days.”

Lieutenant Commander D’Costa said that the base had provided facilities and set up rooms based on what had been learnt from a visit to the Dickson College emergency relief centre in Canberra.

Toys and books make spaces welcoming for the five children currently on base, while Navy personnel have been on hand to make evacuees feel welcome.

“We have roaming chaplains on base also providing pastoral care,” Lieutenant Commander D’Costa said.

“Joint Health Command has reopened the Harman Clinic to provide basic healthcare, and we’re providing three meals a day as well as snacks and hot drinks.

“Everyone wants to do everything possible to be able to help our communities in times like these.” 

Published on 09 January 2020 LEUT Ben Robson (author and photographer)

Location(s): HMAS Harman, ACT

Topic(s): HMAS Harman, Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

Bushfire evacuee Tiffany Bragg celebrates her 12th birthday with members of her family (and new Navy family) at HMAS Harman.

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And, if there’s one thing Navy knows how to do well, it’s standing on ceremony and ensuring milestones are suitably celebrated. 

With balloons and decorations, a cake was supplied by Petty Officer Mi Tang, donated by a close friend of hers.

“Turning 12 is a special occasion and every birthday in a child’s life should be celebrated,” Petty Officer Tang said.

“When I heard she was turning 12 it really touched my heart, so I called my friend who has made every cake for my two children since they were born.

“I just felt she’s away from home, out of her comfort zone, and I wanted to do something special.

“I’m just so glad I was called in to help, it’s such an honour.”

For Mrs Bragg, the safety of Harman was a stark contrast to the uncertainties they faced whilst evacuating from the NSW south coast’s Bega Valley, with Harman providing a place to recuperate, after moving five times in four days.

“On the night of January 4 everything turned into hell,” Mrs Bragg said.

“And on the 5th, we didn’t see daylight for the entire day.

“Yesterday my kids said, mum, there’s blue skies - we feel like we haven’t seen those since Christmas Day.”

Mrs Bragg said the family’s plan was always to leave early, with Harman providing a place of refuge and a chance to prepare for the process of rebuilding.

“I felt that if I’d stayed I wouldn’t be strong and that I wouldn’t be able to help anyone in a meaningful way,” Mrs Bragg said.

“Now I feel we can get back and we can be helpful for our friends, for our school and for our community.”

The icing on the cake was the arrival of dad, Joe, who has already started the process of helping mates rebuild following the loss of their business. ND

29

Second evacuation by ‘Mallacoota Ferry’ complete

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

With the national bushfire emergency still ongoing, the Royal Australian Navy amphibious ship HMAS Choules has conducted a second evacuation from Mallacoota in Victoria’s East Gippsland region.

A day after returning to the fire-ravaged area, Choules evacuated 280 more people, including 66 Country Fire Authority (CFA) firefighters.

Choules’ Personnel Officer, Chief Petty Officer Maritime Logistics - Personnel Heath Jones, oversaw the registration and coordination of both evacuation operations from Mallacoota to the ship.

“The first evacuation saw all the people who initially wanted to leave being embarked, but a number of people stayed behind in Mallacoota to offer assistance,” Chief Petty Officer Jones said.

“Many sent other family members on the first opportunity, and over the coming days it became clear the immediate crisis was over, but evacuation by road would not be possible for some time.

“When we offered the second opportunity on our return, most visitors and some residents took it up, and we were also pleased to be able to assist the CFA volunteers in getting home at the end of their deployment.

“All members of Choules’ family are proud that we have been able to assist the evacuation and to re-unite families. Helping to bring home the CFA volunteers has been especially gratifying.”

Firefighter Ms Samantha Rothman worked as part of the team in the forward command vehicle of CFA Strike Team 0204 Deployment 3, which consisted of five tankers.

“We have been deployed to the East Gippsland region for the past few days, in the third deployment to Mallacoota, so we had already had two previous crews in there for the fire fight,” she said.

Published on 09 January 2020 LCDR Des Paroz (author), POIS Helen Frank (photographer)

Location(s): Mallacoota, Vic

Topic(s): HMAS Choules (L100), Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

An LCM8 transits from HMAS Choules to HMAS Cerberus to disembark evacuees from Mallacoota during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 as the ship takes on supplies via the ship's MRH-90 Maritime Support Helicopter.

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“At the time that we arrived there was a lot of difficulty getting in and out, and when we arrived in Mallacoota we were tasked with supporting the community, identifying any hotspots around the town, working with the locals, making sure they were safe, and dealing with any hazards.

“Our Strike Team crew of 23 has been amazing, doing an awesome job in very difficult conditions.

“The added bonus has been the Chinook or Spartan ride into Mallacoota, and the ride home in Choules.

“Choules has been really awesome, the beds are comfortable, the food is amazing, and everyone you meet has a smile on their face and goes out of their way to help you.”

Choules’ Commanding Officer, Commander Scott Houlihan, said that this type of deployment reflects the flexibility and capability provided by the Australian Navy’s amphibious capability.

“HMA Ships Canberra, Adelaide and Choules together comprise a world-leading amphibious capability,” Commander Houlihan said.

“This is the most significant evacuation of civilians I have experienced in almost 30 years in the Navy, and it is certainly the most rewarding activity I have been involved in.

“The ability to help a mate out is its own reward, but the response from our evacuees and the authorities in Mallacoota and beyond has been overwhelming.

“The Choules family is proud to be part of Navy’s overall contribution to the multi-agency efforts.”

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery athttps://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

31

Multiagency collaboration at sea ensures success of evacuation mission

Royal Australian Navy

4-6 minutes

Published on 10 January 2020 LCDR Des Paroz (author), POIS Helen Frank (photographer), LSIS Shane Cameron (photographer)

Location(s): Mallacoota, Vic

Topic(s): HMAS Choules (L100), Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

Leading Seaman Maritime Logistics - Operations Support Cassidy Browell transcribes names of evacuees at Mallacoota during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

For the nearly 1500 guests who have been evacuated from the Victorian town of Mallacoota to Western Port on board HMAS Choules, the journey was made easier by the presence of people from other agencies who helped the ship’s company look after them.

Embarked for the first evacuation journey were six members from the Australian Red Cross and four Victoria Police (VicPol) officers. Joining the ship’s company for the second run from Mallacoota to Western Port was four VicPol officers and five members of the Red Cross. 

Alex Suwitra, Team Leader of the Australian Red Cross Emergency Service Team, said that the team was on board to provide personal support.

“We are here to be a shoulder to lean on and someone to talk to help the evacuees cope as they deal with the crisis that has just occurred,” Mr Suwitra said.

“Australian Red Cross Emergency Services provide help before, during and after disasters.

“The role that we’re playing on the ship here, in particular, is to try to help people to process what’s just happened and to provide them the support that they’re going to need during this journey and then to help to link them into the resources they might need afterwards.

“All these people have been impacted by the various events that have occurred, so we’re seeing a mix of emotions, but people are overall excited to be on a Navy vessel.”

For many of the evacuees, the presence of Victoria Police members, working alongside Red Cross, Navy and Army personnel, was a reassuring continuation of the coordination role played by Victoria Police from the onset of the crisis.

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Victoria Police team leader, Sergeant Mark Jarski, said that his team was asked to join Choules due to the number of civilians that were to be evacuated on board the ship.

“Obviously the evacuees had experienced an horrific event and we were here to, in essence, be a visible presence to engage with them and get an understanding of what they have gone through, and to be a conduit with the Navy,” Sergeant Jarski said.

“There was so much gratitude from the evacuees - not only spoken but visible on their faces. In every conversation and every interaction we had you could feel the sense of relief, considering what they had been exposed to in the previous days.

“The experience of integrating with the Navy was sensational - every person we spoke to went out of their way at all times, and they ran a very tight ship.

“I have such a high level of admiration and pride for what this collaborative approach achieved.”

Choules’ Commanding Officer, Commander Scott Houlihan underlined his gratitude for the professionalism and collaboration with the Red Cross and Victoria Police.

“From the very outset this mission has been built upon tight integration with a variety of agencies,” Commander Houlihan said.

“The VicPol and Red Cross personnel brought compassion and commitment to the operation that complemented that of ship’s company, while adding specialised skills of dealing with the public in a crisis situation.

“It is uncommon to have personnel from either of these organisation at sea, we have a deep appreciation for the important role that they played.”

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery athttps://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

33

Dedication to family and community drives Navy’s volunteer firefighters

Royal Australian Navy

5-6 minutes

The desire to set a good example for his children has been the driving force behind one Navy officer’s firefighting efforts during the current national bushfire crisis.

Lieutenant Matt Urquhart, an Aviation Warfare Instructor with 723 Squadron based at HMAS Albatross, has joined many of his Navy colleagues in giving up family time over the Christmas and New Year period as a volunteer firefighter with the Rural Fire Service.

Lieutenant Matt Urquhart, an Aviation Warfare instructor at 723 Squadron is both an Aviation Warfare Officer and a volunteer firefighter with the NSW Rural Fire Service. He is seen here in his 'day job' with Airbus E35 helicopters at HMAS Albatross.

Published on 10 January 2020 LEUT Ben Robson (author), CPOIS Cameron Martin (photographer), LS Phil Secomb (photographer)

Topic(s): Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

Lieutenant Matt Urquhart from HMAS Albatross fights a fire on the New South Wales south coast as a member of the NSW Rural Fire Service, during the 2019-20 Australian bushfire crisis.

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A firefighter and qualified rural fire driver at the Gerringong Rural Fire Brigade, which services the Gerringong, Gerroa and Werri Beach communities, Lieutenant Urquhart said it was an easy choice to join the fight.

“I think it’s important when the community is in need that there is someone there to help out,” Lieutenant Urquhart said.

“I’ve also got two kids who are one and four years old, and I think it’s really important to set a good example for them.

“They’ve been really good, really well behaved for my wife while I’ve been deployed with the RFS.”

Lieutenant Urquhart has been part of the firefighting efforts since November, when he was part of a Navy reconnaissance mission in support of the RFS at Armidale and Port Macquarie, before being deployed with the RFS to fires at Picton, Nowra and Lithgow in New South Wales.

Originally from Canberra, Lieutenant Urquhart said he joined the RFS in 2012 after the experience of the capital’s devastating fires in 2003.

“I remember them quite vividly,” Lieutenant Urquhart said.

“That would have been one of my main motivations to join the RFS, as a 14 year old thinking about those fires and wanting to do something proactive to help out the community.

“But these fires are definitely the worst I’ve seen.

“There are guys here who have been serving for 30 or 40 years who have said the same – they’re erratic fires that have just been so widespread.”

Navy personnel also serving at the Gerringong Rural Fire Brigade include Lieutenant Joel Bury, Lieutenant Aaron Cochrane and Midshipman Samantha Mellon - a trainee Aeronautical Engineering Officer due to commence ADFA next year.

Another Canberra native and RFS volunteer for 18 years, Leading Seaman Boatswains Mate Phil Secomb spent his New Year’s Day on duty at the Queanbeyan City Rural Fire Brigade.

While New Year’s itself was an uneventful day, not long after he and his RFS colleagues were pushed to the point of exhaustion as they fought to save a property at Charleys Forrest, near Nerriga.

“We had a cold front come through which changed the wind direction and a pyroclastic cloud collapsed on top of us throwing flames and embers everywhere,” Leading Seaman Secomb said.

“You didn’t have too much time to think about it at the time, but it was pretty hairy.

“I felt absolutely exhausted, tired and sore, but I love being in the RFS, it’s a good feeling helping to protect communities and being part of a good group of people.”

A property at Charleys Forrest where Leading Seaman Phil Secomb and his colleagues in the NSW Rural Fire Service fought a bushfire during the 2019-20 Australian bushfire crisis.

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Meanwhile, Midshipman Ben Lyons, a volunteer with Davidson Rural Fire Brigade on Sydney's northern beaches, said there was no question about joining the fight during the holiday season.

“All the RFS are volunteers, no one is there because they have to be, but because they want to be. We do what we can,” Midshipman Lyons said.

“It feels both horrible and amazing (being at the fires). 

“There is no forgetting some of the things we are submitted to, yet a simple thank you from someone can bring tears to your eyes, it’s very emotional. 

“I am proud of all the way that all the people involved have come together, it really goes to demonstrate just how far we all go for our fellow Australians in their time of need,” he said. 

There are Navy members around Australia who serve in a broad range of volunteer roles as well as being full-time serving members and reservists. 

Many of these people work for emergency response agencies including fire services and the SES, and often use their personal leave to switch uniforms and continue serving their local communities. ND

Midshipman Ben Lyons fights a fire as part of the NSW Rural Fire Service during the 2019-20 Australian bushfire crisis.

36

Royal Navy aviator supports ADF’s bushfire efforts

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 13 January 2020 LEUT Geoff Long (author), CPOA Brett Kennedy (photographer), POIS Helen Frank(photographer), LSIS Shane Cameron (photographer)

Topic(s): 808 Squadron, Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

Royal Australian Navy Pilot Lieutenant Commander Nick Grimmer, RN, in an 808 Squadron MRH-90 Taipan Maritime Support Helicopter over the Grose Valley bushfire in the Blue Mountains National Park, NSW.

When Lieutenant Commander Nick Grimmer first came to the Royal Australian Navy’s 808 Squadron on a three-year exchange from the Royal Navy, he was more attuned to searching for submarines than searching for people cut-off from raging bushfires.

He and his team from 808 Squadron have been part of the emergency response to Australia’s bushfire crisis since November.

That response ratcheted up when Lieutenant Commander Grimmer and his five aircrew and 14 engineers joined the Royal Australian Navy amphibious ship HMAS Choules on New Year’s Eve. 

Lieutenant Commander Grimmer, who previously flew the Royal Navy’s submarine-hunting Merlin helicopters, said being part of Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 was unlike anything he’d experienced in his naval career to date.

“One of the things that’s stood out is the amount of gratitude people have when you’ve helped them,” Lieutenant Commander Grimmer said.

“When we took the people into Melbourne - having evacuated them from Mallacoota, the gratitude that they showed was unbelievable and made all our efforts seem worthwhile,” he said.

As well as civilian evacuations, Lieutenant Commander Grimmer and his crew have delivered liaison teams into isolated areas and delivered food, water and medical supplies to Mallacoota, while also resupplying Choules with everything from nappies for the evacuees to food for the galley.

Lieutenant Commander Grimmer said this was only possible with collaboration across and within response organisations.  

“I feel the collaboration between the Navy, the medical services and external emergency services has been exceptional,” he said.

“We had a young lad with pneumonia that we evacuated from Mallacoota to East Sale and the integration between all services was superb.”

37

When he finally returns to the UK, the standout lesson he’ll take with him from Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 is how to deal with risk management.

“Flying conditions have been challenging throughout the area of operations, due to the reduced visibility caused by the thick smoke.

“The crew need to be aware of their surroundings at all times in these conditions, and continually maintaining options to climb or turn back if the conditions rapidly deteriorate, to avoid obstacles.

“There’s a fine line between what you can do and what is not possible, with risks being constantly re-evaluated. So there are a few good lessons I’ll take home,” he said 

Choules evacuated around 1400 people and 200 pets from Mallacoota in Victoria’s East Gippsland region in the first week of January.

A Royal Australian Navy task group, comprising Choules as well as HMAS Adelaide and MV Sycamore, is working off the south east coast of Australia to provide aid to the various communities impacted by the bushfires.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery at https://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

38

Toowoomba departs for sixth Middle East deployment

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 13 January 2020 LEUT Gary McHugh (author), POIS James Whittle (photographer), LSIS Ronnie Baltoft(photographer)

Location(s): Fleet Base West, WA

Topic(s): HMAS Toowoomba (F156), Operation MANITOU

The Anzac Class frigate HMAS Toowoomba has departed her homeport of Fleet Base West in Rockingham, Western Australia for a six-month deployment to the Middle East.

Toowoomba has deployed as part of Operation MANITOU, the Australian Defence Force’s contribution to support international efforts to promote maritime security in the Middle East Region.

While deployed, Toowoomba will play an important role in the multi-national Combined Maritime Force (CMF) that operates in the area, and will form an integral part of the 33-nation CMF in its mission to promote maritime security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East Region.

Toowoomba’s Commanding Officer, Commander Mitchell Livingstone, said his ship’s company was ready for the task ahead.

“Everyone in Toowoomba has worked very hard over the past 12 months to get to this high state of readiness,” Commander Livingstone said.

“This dedication to the job and overall professionalism gives me great confidence in our ability to rise to any occasion we face over the next six months.”

The youngest member of Toowoomba’s ship’s company, Seaman Communications and Information Systems Sailor Bethany Carmody, was farewelled from Fleet Base West by her supportive family. She said she was looking forward to the task ahead.

“I’m very excited to be deploying today on my first deployment on Operation MANITOU,” Seaman Carmody said.

“We are mission-ready and we have an awesome crew.

“I will miss my family over the next six months, however I’m very excited about the challenges and new experiences I’ll face and overcome during the deployment.”

Family members watch on as HMAS Toowoomba departs Fleet Base West, WA.

39

Assistant Weapons Electrical Engineer Officer, Lieutenant Jessica Bartels, also deploying on her first operational deployment, said she too was looking forward to the challenges the mission would bring.

“I’m excited to be part of this deployment as we have trained all year for it and are ready to go,” Lieutenant Bartels said.

“Six months is a long time, but I am grateful to have a very supportive family at home to help me over the course of the deployment.”

Commander Livingstone also paid tribute to the families of Toowoomba’s ship’s company whose support, he said, is significant to the deployment.

“As we undertake this deployment it’s very important that we recognise the role played by our family who remain behind to keep things ticking over at home,” Commander Livingstone said.

“We couldn’t achieve our mission without their support and encouragement.”

This deployment is the 68th rotation of a Royal Australian Navy ship to the Gulf region with the ship scheduled to return to Fleet Base West in July 2020.

Imagery is available on the Navy Image Gallery at https://images.navy.gov.au/S20200131. ND

40

Teamwork key to helicopter recovery

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 14 January 2020 FLTLT Courtney Jay (author), SGT Bill Solomou (photographer)

Location(s): near Eden, NSW

Topic(s): Australian Clearance Diving Team ONE, Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

An Australian Army Heavy Recovery Vehicle is used to successfully recover a NSW RFS-contracted helicopter that ditched into the Ben Boyd Reservoir, near Eden, NSW.

On Sunday 12 January, Fire and Rescue New South Wales and members of the Australian Defence Force successfully retrieved a helicopter that was forced to ditch into the Ben Boyd Reservoir, near the township of Eden, on Thursday 9 January.

The Bell UH-1H was contracted to the New South Wales Rural Fire Service and was supporting the firefighting efforts of the Clyde Mountain fire at the time.

Operations Officer of Navy Clearance Diving Team One, Lieutenant Michael Hutchesson, said the retrieval mission saw his team work with Fire and Rescue NSW’s Hazardous Materials Team (HAZMAT) to float the helicopter to the shoreline.

“Our team assessed the site and decided the best way to get the helicopter out of the water was to deploy lift bags in order to move it the approximate 500 metres to a recovery point,” Lieutenant Hutchesson said.

“Once near the shoreline, we then used a combination of lift bags and an Australian Army Heavy Recovery Vehicle to turn and rotate the helicopter upright onto its skids.

“I’m really pleased at how well our team did. This is unique tasking and they used their specialist skills really well to ensure a safe and successful outcome,” he said.

Once the Bell UH-1H was floated to the shoreline and turned upright, Australian Army personnel from 5 CSSB utilised a Heavy Recovery Vehicle to then pull the helicopter safely to shore, ready for handover to the relevant authorities.

Since the incident last Friday, the site has been under the control of Fire and Rescue NSW HAZMAT, with Acting Inspector Jason Murphy saying the site was cordoned off to avoid contamination of the water, with the reservoir closed as a drinking supply.

“I’m sure residents of the Eden area will be very relieved to know that the helicopter has been retrieved from the reservoir and preparations are now being made to restore it as a drinking water source,” Acting Inspector Murphy said.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery at https://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

41

Fire operations under threat of fire

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

HMAS Albatross and its resident squadrons have made a significant contribution to the aerial component of the NSW Rural Fire Service’s bushfire operations, but the efforts of the base’s contracted firefighters have been equally important in keeping the Naval Air Station at Albatross in the fight.

Broadspectrum firefighters and aircraft refuellers have been involved in protecting Defence and community property throughout Victoria and New South Wales, including the New Year’s Eve fires that threatened Albatross and HMAS Creswell.

Station Officer Tony O’Neill at HMAS Albatross Fire Station, a former Royal Australian Navy member himself, said the teams were well equipped and well trained to face the ongoing challenges.

“All our members are fully trained in emergency aircraft response, structural fire and bushfire fighting and HAZMAT response,” Station Officer O’Neill said.

“A lot of us work locally, live locally and are part of the community and are members of our local RFS.

“A few of us are also ex-Defence, so there is a strong link there.”

Station Officer O’Neill said that Navy, Estate and Infrastructure Group and Broadspectrum had worked closely to prepare for the fire season.

“Senior Australian Defence Force Officers at Creswell and Albatross, and the Base Support Manager Garry Clarke, have kept us up to date and put us in good stead,” Station Officer O’Neill said.

Broadspectrum’s taskings at other sites around the country have included coordinating vehicles to transport evacuees and ADF personnel between sites and to evacuation centres, cleaning, booking and preparing rooms and accommodation at bases, and preparing meals for ADF personnel as well as communities affected by fire.

Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mike Noonan said civilian contractors and Navy continued to work together to ensure bushfire fighting efforts were not interrupted during the national crisis.

“Navy could not do what is asked of it without the ongoing support of our civilian partners like Broadspectrum,” Vice Admiral Noonan said.

“I would like to thank them for their work and continued efforts in helping keep our people and our assets safe at Albatross, as well as providing valuable services across the country.”

Published on 14 January 2020 LEUT Ben Robson (author), CPOIS Cameron Martin (photographer)

Location(s): HMAS Albatross, NSW

Topic(s): HMAS Albatross, Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, AO, RAN thanks Station Officer Stephen Peacock of Broadspectrum firefighting service at HMAS Albatross for their service during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

42

Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, AO, RAN, greets 808 Squadron personnel to thank them for their efforts in supporting Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20. L-R: Commanding Officer 808 Squadron, Commander Paul Hannigan; Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, AO, RAN; Able Seaman Aviation Technician Aircraft Jim Niemeier; and Petty Officer Aviation Technician Aircraft Daniel Weier.

It has been a baptism of fire in a literal sense for the Commanding Officer of HMAS Albatross, Captain Robyn Phillips, who assumed command on 12 December.

By 19 December, Captain Phillips made the order for non-essential personnel to leave the base as the Tianjara fire was out of control and had the potential to threaten the homes of her people.

“I was with the removalists packing up my old house in Canberra when the fire started and at the time we had no idea how it was going to move,” Captain Phillips said.

“It was then I made the decision to send everyone home to be with and look after their families.”

Bushfires have been close to Albatross for over three weeks and Navy personnel and contractors have remained vigilant, responding to spot fires over this time. 

Some have left their mark with blackened grass around one of Albatross’s runways, while one staff member’s quick thinking stopped a fire that had started in a garden bed.

“We’re a bit burnt and singed around the edges,” Captain Phillips said.

“But we’re all doing OK and working together and I think the response has been incredible.

“The base manager has worked closely with the contractors to arrange extra firefighting support and security as required to defend Albatross against the fires.

“Albatross is hosting around 200 additional people on base due to the support being provided to the Bushfire effort.

“Everyone has really come together, and I’ve been struck by the amazing spirit and the friendships being created through everything that is going on,” she said.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery:https://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

43

HMAS Adelaide sailor’s commitment close to home

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 14 January 2020 LEUT Anthony Martin (author), ABIS Thomas Sawtell (photographer)

Location(s): Verona, NSW, Twofold Bay, NSW

Topic(s): Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST, HMAS Adelaide (L01)

Leading Seaman Combat Systems Operator Tina Dummett in the heavy vehicle deck onboard HMAS Adelaide during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

For Leading Seaman Tina Dummett, the Australian bushfire crisis has hit close to home.

The Combat Systems Operator, who is currently deployed on Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20, grew up right in the middle of one of the worst-affected bushfire areas.

Leading Seaman Dummett, who is currently posted to HMAS Adelaide, grew up on a farm in Verona, north of Bega.

Being embarked in the ship in Twofold Bay near Eden makes Leading Seaman Dummett a valuable asset to the shore parties being sent out from Adelaide.

She has contributed her local knowledge to the ship’s part in the bushfire relief mission, especially as part of a support mission to Verona in one of the ship’s embarked helicopters.

“Seeing the destruction from the air on the community I grew up in is very sad,” Leading Seaman Dummett said.

“All my friends are in Bega and I used to work in Cobargo.

“The people I worked for have lost their business,” she said.

Leading Seaman Dummett is proud of her support to the local community and glad to have the opportunity to help.

“My family are lucky they only lost a few items on the farm, but the home is safe.

“Many others have been less fortunate, so I am glad the Navy has been here to help out,” she said.

This is the first time since joining the Navy four years ago that Leading Seaman Dummett has been part of a HumanitarianAid/Disaster Relief mission.

44

When the call up came to join the ship, she was on holiday in Tasmania, but was quick to return to the ship in time to sail.

Leading Seaman Dummett is a watch supervisor in the Operations Room on board Adelaide and will soon post out to an instructional role at HMAS Watson, in Sydney.

“This has been quite an experience supporting the place I grew up in, and one I won’t forget,” she said.

HMAS Adelaide, in conjunction with HMAS Choules and MV Sycamore, is working off the Australian south east coast, providing valuable aid to the communities impacted by the bushfires.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery athttps://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

45

Bushfire response strikes a personal note with Choules’ ship’s company

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

For many of the Australian Defence Force personnel involved in Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 2019-20 there is an added personal connection to the ongoing emergency through family and friends directly impacted by the fires.

When Petty Officer Imagery Specialist Helen Frank was packing her kit to join HMAS Choules at short notice on New Year’s Eve, she was also getting updates on the fires at her parent’s home in Orbost in Victoria’s East Gippsland region.

A few days later that personal connection came to the fore when she was interacting with the first group of people to be evacuated from Mallacoota, just down the coast from Orbost.

“On 31 December when we got the call up, I’d been getting photos from my mum showing the fires, which came within 2kms of their house in Orbost,” Petty Officer Frank said.

“So when I was talking to people in Mallacoota and they heard my parents’ house was also in danger, we had that instant connection.”

Able Seaman Marine Technician Liliana Kleber experienced a similar connection when interacting with evacuees. She was due to travel to the family home in Tathra before she was called to rejoin Choules at short notice on New Year’s Eve.

Not only was the NSW south coast town again under threat, but the fires that devastated Tathra in March last year were still fresh in her mind.

“Most of my friends lost their houses in the first round of fires and our family home was only saved after a water-bombing plane flew over and spared our home,” Able Seaman Kleber said.

“If I wasn’t on Choules I would have most likely been in an evacuation centre, but having also spent time in the past in East Gippsland I was very happy to be able to deploy and help people.”

Royal Australian Navy Leading Seaman Communication and Information Systems sailor Afton Mitchell, Able Seaman Marine Technician Liliana Kleber, and Petty Officer Imagery Specialist Helen Frank onboard HMAS Choules during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 2019-20.

Published on 15 January 2020 LEUT Geoff Long (author), LSIS Shane Cameron (photographer)

Location(s): Tathra, NSW, Orbost, Vic, Mallacoota, Vic

Topic(s): HMAS Choules (L100), Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

46

Royal Australian Navy Petty Officer Imagery Specialist Helen Frank, centre, shows Leading Seaman Communication and Information Systems sailor Afton Mitchell, left, and Able Seaman Marine Technician Liliana Kleber a photo of how close the fire front was to her parents property in Orbost, Victoria.

Many of Choules’ ship’s company came from far and wide in response to the emergency callout.

Leading Seaman Communications Information Specialist Afton Mitchell was preparing for a music festival in the northern NSW town of Bryon Bay before returning to Sydney to sail for Mallacoota – a town just down the road from her family home in Lakes Entrance.

“I’d been home at my mum’s place in Lakes Entrance just a couple of weeks earlier so it was a complete turnaround to get to Byron and then end up back on my home turf.

“I grew up in Lakes Entrance but we used to spend our holidays in Mallacoota, so it’s a place I have a strong connection with,” Leading Seaman Mitchell said.

“My mum knows business owners in Mallacoota and you’ll find that while East Gippsland is large in area, it’s very close among the various communities.”

While she was heartbroken at the devastation left by the bushfires, Leading Seaman Mitchell also said it felt good to be making a positive contribution and knowing that other friends and family in the area were looking out for her mum. 

Warrant Officer Arthur Mitcherson, Choules’ Command Warrant Officer, said the personal connection with the bushfire emergency had impacted many people, not just in Choules, but throughout Navy.

“It’s a credit to our people that they can support these communities while at the same time knowing that their family or friends could be struggling or in danger,” Warrant Officer Mitcherson said.

A Royal Australian Navy task group comprising Choules, as well as HMAS Adelaide and MV Sycamore, is working off the Australian southeast coast to aid various communities impacted by the bushfires.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery athttps://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

47

ATG collaborates with regional authorities on bushfire relief op

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 16 January 2020 LEUT Anthony Martin (author), ABIS Thomas Sawtell (photographer)

Topic(s): HMAS Adelaide (L01), Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

Members of the NSW Police, Rural Firefighting Service and the ADF Amphibious Task Group work together in the Joint Operations Room onboard HMAS Adelaide during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

Staff from the Amphibious Task Group embarked in HMAS Adelaide have been forging close ties and collaborative relationships with regional authorities supporting efforts ashore during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

Over the last 10 days the Amphibious Task Group (ATG) has coordinated the introduction of Naval Liaison Officers to regional towns, and landed engineering support and medical teams to assist fire-affected communities.

To contribute to the success of this high level of support, the ATG has leveraged the on board expertise of two emergency services members embedded with the Task Group at sea.

Chief Superintendent Chris Ryder from the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) has joined the ATG as a liaison officer.

Chief Superintendent Ryder is one of the RFS Headquarters State operations managers.

He has been working with the Task Group to enhance mutual sharing of skills and provision of knowledge and expertise in fire operations ashore.

“This has been an amazing experience, the team has made me feel very welcome and I now have a better understanding of what skills and support can be provided by a ship like Adelaide,” he said.

Chris is joined at sea by his colleague from New South Wales Police - Inspector Ray Stynes from Nowra.

Inspector Stynes has shared how emergency management arrangements work within New South Wales and facilitated integration of processes and communication between the agencies involved.

“The opportunity to be here has been fantastic, we have learned off each other,” Inspector Stynes said.

“We’ve gained some valuable insights and I’m confident they’ve gained some important lessons as well,” he said.

The learning opportunity gained from the collaboration has not been lost on the Commander of the Amphibious Task Group, Captain Leif Maxfield.

“Having Chris and Ray here has brought a new perspective and greater understanding to the team of how we can employ Defence and Amphibious assets to support the tasks ashore during the bushfire crisis,” Captain Maxfield said.

“Lessons learnt include how we can access RFS services, how we can work to locate Navy Liaison Officers and target specific locations to provide back up to equipment and services.

“What an amazing job the emergency services have been doing.

“Their teams have been at it for more the 120 days and it’s an outstanding effort that we and all Australians appreciate,” he said.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery athttps://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

48

Industry provides enabling support to bushfire task force at sea

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 17 January 2020 LEUT Anthony Martin (author), POIS Tom Gibson (photographer), ABIS Thomas Sawtell(photographer)

Topic(s): HMAS Adelaide (L01), Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

Leading Seaman Marine Technician Mark Curtis and Shadbolt contractor Scott Reid perform a confined space entry on the sewage treatment plant of HMAS Adelaide during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

Taking a ship at ‘72 hours notice for sea’ and preparing her to sail in less than 48 hours is no small feat - even more so when you’re talking about the biggest ship in the Navy’s Fleet.

But, thanks to the dedication and hard work of her team, HMAS Adelaide was made ready in less than 48 hours to join the ADF’s bushfire assistance efforts.

A small but crucial component of the team’s success has been the technical expertise provided by Defence Industry civilians, who sailed with the ship to ensure engineering and technical support was maintained.

Five civilian contractors were completing maintenance activities on the ship before she was given orders to sail, and sailed with HMAS Adelaide as she departed Sydney to travel to the NSW South Coast in support of Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

Reece Hamer and Cameron Lodge from General Electric Marine are on board to provide quality assurance and technical support of recently completed work to replace the ship’s LM2500 gas turbine.

“We’ve been working to ensure the smooth transition of the replacement and integration with the ships engineering team,” Reece said.

“Being here is a great experience and we’re excited to support Adelaide, the Navy and the local community during the bushfire crisis,” he said.

Also on board, and contributing to a broad spectrum of technical maintenance tasks, is a small team of three technicians from Shadbolt Group.

They are providing invaluable support to repairs and planned maintenance, providing much appreciated collaboration with the ship’s engineering personnel.

“Our work requires us to work closely with the crew, sharing skills and contributing to the high availability of electrical and engineering equipment on the ship,” John Gray from Shadbolt Group said.

49

John is joined on board Adelaide by colleagues Scott Reid and Farokh Banihashemi, conducting repairs and maintenance of equipment from fans to power distribution.

“This is a great ship to work on and we’re fortunate to be able to help out at this time.

“Adelaide has a great crew, terrific accommodation and excellent food,” John said.

The Commander Engineer of HMAS Adelaide, Commander Tom Doherty has nothing but praise for the work provided by the embarked contractors.

“Both GE and Shadbolt have provided professional, reliable and consistent quality technical support,” Commander Doherty said.

“They have integrated well within the Marine Engineering Department and they are treated as part of the team in the ship,” he said.

HMAS Adelaide, in conjunction with HMAS Choules and MV Sycamore, is working off the Australian South East Coast, providing valuable aid to the communities impacted by the bushfires.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery athttps://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

L-R: Shadbolt contractors John Grey, Scott Reid and Farokh Banihashemi in the Central Command Centre onboard HMAS Adelaide during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

50

Supply crew enthusiastic for service

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 18 January 2020 LEUT Sarah Harrington (author), ABIS Benjamin Ricketts (photographer)

Location(s): HMAS Kuttabul, NSW

Topic(s): NUSHIP Supply (A195)

Ships company of one of the Royal Australian Navy's newest assets, NUSHIP Supply (II), gather in the gymnasium of HMAS Kuttabul in Sydney to receive their ship ball cap and patches.

The crew of NUSHIP Supply has donned ship’s caps and badges for the first time as they gathered to hear their Commanding Officer’s vision for the ship and its tasks ahead.

Supply is the lead ship of two Supply Class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment ships being built for the Royal Australian Navy, and will enter service later this year.

Captain Ben Hissink said it was a privilege to form the Navy’s newest ship’s company.

“It is truly inspirational to be surrounded by such a motivated team who share the same passion to commission a new capability,” Captain Hissink said.

“My vision for NUSHIP Supply is for every member of the ship’s company to wake up each morning inspired, to work in a trusted team and go home fulfilled at the end of each day.

“This will truly enable Supply to provide combat support via underway replenishment/transfer to Naval units operating away from shore infrastructure, so that together we can Fight and Win at Sea,” Captain Hissink said.

As Supply hats and patches were distributed, the ship’s company shared their enthusiasm over the unique experience of commissioning a ship into the Royal Australian Navy.

Able Seaman Boatswain’s Mate Dominique Nardone said Supply would be her second sea posting.

“After a long and anticipated wait, it was fantastic to finally meet the crew I will be working with.

“I’m looking forward to the commissioning of NUSHIP Supply.

“It’s going to be such a unique experience, especially after being part of the Decommissioning Crew of HMAS Success,” Able Seaman Nardone said.

51

As the youngest member of the ship’s company, Seaman Boatswain’s Mate Cassie Crowe was the first member to be awarded her cap and patch, and also presented Captain Hissink with his.

“This was an extraordinary opportunity and is just the prelude to an exciting future,” Seaman Crowe said.

“I’m elated to share such an experience with a tremendous crew, and I look forward to the foundation of knowledge, memories and friendships to come.”

Leading Seaman Marine Technician Grant Watson said the gathering “felt like the beginning of a legacy.”

“The day was a historic look at where we came from, through to where we are heading and it seemed a fitting welcome for what is a new capability and direction for the Navy,” Leading Seaman Watson said.

Over the coming months, the ship’s company will undertake extensive training to prepare for Supply’s arrival in Australia.

The new ship will carry fuel, dry cargo, water, food, ammunition, equipment and spare parts to provide operational support for the deployed forces operating away from their home ports for long periods.

Imagery is available on the Navy Image Gallery at https://images.navy.gov.au/S20200327. ND

52

Navy Medic’s local link to bushfire communities

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 19 January 2020 LEUT Anthony Martin (author), LSIS Shane Cameron (photographer), ABIS Thomas Sawtell(photographer)

Topic(s): Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST, HMAS Adelaide (L01)

Leading Seaman Medic (Underwater) Kiah Chapple prepares medical equipment in the flight deck triage onboard HMAS Adelaide during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

For some members of HMAS Adelaide’s ship’s company, being part of the ADF’s bushfire relief operation has been more meaningful because of their personal connections with the communities affected by the fires.

Leading Seaman Medic Kiah Chapple has family in Batemans Bay and Bermagui who have had to relocate to Wollongong because of the bushfires.

“I am glad that my family are safe and very happy that I can be here on the ship involved in the Navy response,” Leading Seaman Chapple said.

This is the first time in her eight-year career in the Navy that Leading Seaman Chapple has been called out to provide humanitarian support during a natural disaster.

Training with Navy and the Army has been a positive experience that has prepared her for tri-service environments such as the current team on Adelaide.

Specialising in underwater medicine and having previously served in Adelaide, Leading Seaman Chapple was readily prepared to respond to the urgent need to join the ship and quickly integrate with the embarked medical team.

“Everyone in the ship is great to work with. We have a professional medical team, and everyone is ready to go if needed,” she said.

Leading Seaman Chapple said she was proud to “be there for her family and community,” and knows her medical team and the entire crew of Adelaide feel the same way.

HMAS Adelaide, in conjunction with HMAS Choules and MV Sycamore, is working off the Australian south east coast providing valuable aid to the communities impacted by the bushfires.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery athttps://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

53

Navy doctor deploys to support Kangaroo Island

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 20 January 2020 LCDR Ben Robinson (author), CPL Tristan Kennedy (photographer)

Location(s): Kangaroo Island, SA

Topic(s): Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

Reserve Medical Officer Lieutenant Andrew Southcott, a civilian general practitioner from the 9th Combat Service Support Battalion, is deployed to Kangaroo Island, SA, in support of Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

Reserve Medical Officer Lieutenant Andrew Southcott, a civilian general practitioner from the 9th Combat Service Support Battalion.

South Australian local, Navy Reserve Medical Officer Lieutenant Andrew Southcott, didn’t hesitate to answer the call to provide medical support to the people of Kangaroo Island when the call went out.

Lieutenant Southcott is currently one of only two Navy members posted to the Australian Army’s 9th Combat Service Support Battalion, a reserve unit, based at Warradale in South Australia.

Lieutenant Southcott said that he had been watching the bushfire crisis unfold across Australia and wanted to put his medical skills to good use in the affected communities.

“When the call to support the community of South Australia went out, I immediately put my hand up to be part of the Australian Defence Force’s first Emergency Support Force contingent to be sent to Kangaroo Island.

“I have been training alongside my Army colleagues for a while now at 9th Combat Service Support Battalion, and when the unit called up members to support the bushfire affected communities, I didn’t hesitate to put myself forward to assist.

“Our primary role is health support to the deployed military forces, emergency services and local wildlife, while assisting the local community with emergency health care where required on Kangaroo Island.

“As Reserve members, we live and work in the local community, so I wanted to be able to provide immediate support to those affected in this tragic event.

54

Lieutenant Southcott said that as a Navy Medical Officer, we train to practice high standards of medical care under adverse conditions with minimal support.

“Our primary training is to provide medical care to a sea-going community; however, we also train to work alongside our Army and Air Force colleagues under canvas both in Australia and overseas.

“As a General Practitioner, I work with the community daily, many of whom have family and friends directly affected by these fires.

“I wanted to be able to help the people of Kangaroo Island,” Lieutenant Southcott said.

The medical team from the Australian Defence Force, including personnel from the 3rd Health Support Battalion and the 9th Combat Service Support Battalion, deployed to Kangaroo Island as part of Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery athttps://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

55

A submariner’s view from above

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 21 January 2020 Mr Andrew Bujdegan (author)

Location(s): Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia

Topic(s): HMAS Dechaineux (S76)

Petty Officer Claire Goward from HMAS Dechaineux during her ascent of Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia - a submariner’s view of what lay beneath.

Port visits are a part of naval life and when these occur, different members of the crew have tourism activities in mind.

During HMAS Dechaineux’s recent port visit to Kota Kinabalu, Petty Officer Claire Goward finally managed to tick off a bucket list item by conquering the climb of Mount Kinabalu, South East Asia’s highest peak.

The adventure was spread over two days and incorporated an overnight stay on the mountain lodge where Petty Officer Goward was thrilled by the diversity of the flora and the breathtaking scenery that the Bornean landscape provided.

This was an immersing and welcome break from the fluorescent lighting and constant whirring of machinery onboard Dechaineux.

The first morning started at 0630 where the journey began with a brief bus ride towards Mount Kinabalu.

Shortly afterwards, Petty Officer Goward was enthusiastically hiking from Timpohon Gate (1866m) to the overnight base camp, Laban Rata.

Petty Officer Goward said after arriving at Laban Rata (3272m) at around 1430 (2:30pm), she welcomed the early finish to that day’s climbing - it was now time to tuck into a delicious mushroom soup and hearty dinner before the group tackled the mountain in the morning.

“It was a 0200 start the following morning and the pilgrimage to the top was made by torch light,” she said.

“It took a solid three hours of silent trudging up the endless granite plains with the moon and stars ominously revealing the jagged features of the mountain around me.

“I summited at 4095m and finally the stark beauty of the mountain came clearly into view - what an incredible feeling and to think that only days prior I was under the sea on a submarine.”

The two-day climb was an exceptional experience for Petty Officer Goward, but she had some advice for others attempting the trek.

“I would recommend focussing on fitness training along with a lot of stair climbing which would provide excellent preparation for the task,” she said.

Petty Officer Goward said this adventure proves that Navy not only offers an exciting career below the sea, but also an adventurous lifestyle above it.

For this submariner the adage is proving true: Join the Navy, see the world. ND

56

HMAS Adelaide prepared for any contingency during Op BUSHFIRE ASSIST

Royal Australian Navy

4-4 minutes

Published on 21 January 2020 LEUT Anthony Martin (author), ABIS Thomas Sawtell (photographer)

Topic(s): HMAS Adelaide (L01), Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

The crew, task group staff and embarked forces in HMAS Adelaide are on station off the New South Wales south coast, providing relief and support to regional communities impacted by the bushfires.

On board the ship, personnel and equipment are in a ready state to provide assistance whenever the call may come.

The vehicle decks and hangar are loaded with military equipment, trucks, dozers, pallets of stores and emergency supplies. The embarked Army units have been pulled from across Australia to enable rapid provision of vehicles and stores ashore.

Helping coordinate the Army Detachments on the ship is Major Tom Cross from 17th Sustainment Brigade. His role is to support the Amphibious Task Group in provision of equipment and personnel to support the relief efforts ashore.

“We have a variety of teams contributing to the task.

“The 9th Force Support Battalion bring a heavy lift capability of bulk fuel and water, 6th Engineer Support Regiment bring bulldozers to conduct road clearing and heavy vehicle mounted diesel generators.

“There is also a detachment of Light Amphibious Resupply Cargo (LARC) vehicles to assist with stores delivery to remote locations,” he said.

Having HMAS Adelaide as a platform enhances the capability of the Army detachment by bringing all the components needed in one place.

“From the ship we can provide a complete logistics package that could deliver power, water and fuel to a small community,” Major Cross said.

The entire crew work diligently to enable the smooth delivery of detached forces ashore and members of the ship’s company and Amphibious Task Group are contributing to the shore parties, which are providing local knowledge and logistics support.

Earth moving equipment inside HMAS Adelaide's heavy vehicle deck during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

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Adelaide’s Executive Officer, Commander Jace Hutchison said teamwork was the key theme on board.

“The forces embarked for Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 are an integrated part of the Adelaide team and the entire crew is working together to ensure we are ready to deliver the highest level of support needed to those ashore,” Commander Hutchison said.

“From Liaison Officers to Army Engineering teams, we are sending groups by helicopter and landing craft to meet the challenges ashore as they transpire,” he said.

HMAS Adelaide, in conjunction with HMAS Choules and MV Sycamore, is working off the Australian south east coast providing valuable aid to the communities impacted by the bushfires.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery athttps://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

58

WRANS Writer remembers twin brother, lost in 1945

Royal Australian Navy

4-4 minutes

Merle Hare has marked her 100th birthday by attending a Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial held in honour of her twin brother, presumed killed in action, 75 years ago.

The daily ceremony shares the story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour, and Monday night was a particularly poignant occasion as it was held for Sergeant Donald Kelway Storrie on the day of their joint birthday.

“The last time I ever saw Donald was on his wedding day,” Mrs Hare (nee Storrie), a former Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS) Writer said.

“After all these years there might not be tears, but he is always in my heart, I always think about him.“He was a lovely man with blue eyes and blond hair, we were always together but we never had an argument.

“If there was ever anything I needed, he was there to help.”

A fitter and turner by trade, Sergeant Storrie had enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force and posted to No. 20 Squadron in Darwin.

A crewman on a Catalina flying boat, Sergeant Storrie had flown 18 missions with the squadron when, on 7 March 1945, his aircraft failed to return when minelaying in the South China Sea, its crew never found.

Wreaths were laid by the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, and Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan.

Surrounded by family and friends, Maritime Logistics - Personnel members from HMA Ships Harman, Albatross and Penguin also made the journey to pay tribute to a remarkable woman who helped pave the way in their category.

Published on 22 January 2020 LEUT Ben Robson (author), LSIS James McDougall (photographer), POIS Bradley Darvill (photographer)

Location(s): Canberra, ACT

Topic(s): Naval Heritage and History, Last Post Ceremony

Merle Hare pauses for reflection after laying a wreath for her twin brother, Sergeant Donald Kelway Storrie, presumed killed in action 75 years ago, during the Last Post Ceremony held at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.

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Vice Admiral Noonan presented Mrs Hare with a gold medallion and flowers to mark her birthday.

He said the Navy was built on the values embodied by former members like Mrs Hare.

“The present and our future Navy is founded on its history which is only possible because of people like Merle,” Vice Admiral Noonan said.

“On behalf of the men and women of the Navy, I wish you a very happy birthday and thank you for your service.”

Mrs Hare enlisted in the WRANS as a Writer in March 1943 and fondly remembers the tailored uniforms they received.

“I loved every minute of my time in the Navy,” Mrs Hare said.

Her sister also served in the Army as a nurse, and in June 1944 Mrs Hare married Robert, an AIF soldier on active service; her wedding dress was made of tulle fabric and five other wartime brides wore it afterwards.

In 1946, Merle discharged from the WRANS to raise her family.

President of the WRANS Naval Women’s Association (ACT) Pauline Gribble said that Mrs Hare then went on to help form the WRANS associations in Victoria and the ACT, and is a life member of both.

“She is an impressive woman - she’s all of four-foot-ten and a powerhouse who leaves most of us in the dust,” Mrs Gribble said.

“She’s everyone’s mother, everyone’s grandmother, when so many of us don’t have those any more.

“Merle keeps us all together - she’s always there with a cuddle or a few words of advice and she isn’t afraid to tell it like it is.

“She really represents the history and the future of Navy and military people, she lives by principles like integrity and pride and really believes in them.”

Mrs Hare has two children, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Despite all the attention, Mrs Hare took it all in her stride.

“When you get to 100 nothing fazes you anymore,” Mrs Hare said. ND

60

Father and daughter on bushfire relief duty

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 22 January 2020 LEUT Ryan Zerbe (author), ABIS Thomas Sawtell (photographer)

Topic(s): HMAS Adelaide (L01), Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

Able Seaman Maritime Logistics - Chef Georgia Parsons prepares food in the galley onboard HMAS Adelaide during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

The ongoing bushfire recovery effort in Australia’s south east has seen one young Navy sailor at sea serving on the same operation as her Army Sergeant father ashore.

Able Seaman Maritime Logistics - Chef Georgia Parsons and her dad Sergeant Frank Parsons, of Hastings in Victoria, are two of more than 6000 Australian Defence Force personnel now contributing to Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 across multiple states.

Georgia was recalled from leave to sail in HMAS Adelaide on 4 January to support communities on the New South Wales south coast, with Frank - a reservist with the Army's 2nd Force Support Battalion, 15 Force Support Squadron - also receiving the call to respond to the emergency situation at Mallacoota in Victoria.

With Adelaide carrying a considerable embarked force to assist in recovery efforts, Georgia has worked long days providing meals to more than 450 personnel and preparing meal packs for those going ashore to assist in vicinity of Eden and Bega.

“We have 20 Navy and Army Chefs working day and night in the galley to feed everyone, but we were expecting to be busy when we got the call so we're prepared,” Georgia, who joined the Navy just two years ago, said.

“This is the biggest thing I’ve been a part of since I joined the Navy and it feels good to be able to help. I know Dad is keen to support too.

“Dad and I received the call to go around the same time and it’s great to be a part of this operation together, even if we’re in different places.”

While Georgia has squarely focussed her efforts in the maritime space, Frank has also accomplished time at sea during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 in HMAS Choules, which evacuated more than 1400 people from Mallacoota and provided crucial logistics support to the town.

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Frank is responsible for an Army all-terrain fuel tanker which has been providing a vital flow of fuel while road access has been cut off.

“We’ve been transporting fuel into Mallacoota since just after New Year’s Eve from Choules’ on-board fuel tanks, being delivered by landing craft or aircraft. The fuel has been used to keep vehicles, heavy machinery or generators running,” Frank said.

“Fortunately fuel has been able to be delivered by road under escort in recent days, but for a while we were putting in long days to provide that critical lifeline and the appreciation of the township has felt really good.”

For Frank, a reservist for more than 30 years who normally works for Telstra at HMAS Cerberus, Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 is the first time he has been able to share a military experience with his daughter.

“There is an awesome feeling in having someone else in the family who understands what it’s like to deploy,” Frank said.

“Georgia has spent her life seeing me deploy and it's good that we can share this experience now.

“I’m extremely proud of her.”

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery at https://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

Able Seaman Maritime Logistics - Chef Georgia Parsons prepares food in the galley onboard HMAS Adelaide during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

62

Military-civilian partnerships crucial for BUSHFIRE ASSIST

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 23 January 2020 LEUT Ryan Zerbe (author), ABIS Thomas Sawtell (photographer)

Location(s): Bega, NSW

Topic(s): HMAS Adelaide (L01), Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

Commander Brandon Ikimau, RAN, of the Amphibious Task Group, left, greets rescue volunteers in Bega, NSW during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20

When a significant military force needs to work collaboratively with a civilian population, as is happening across multiple states as part of Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20, a Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) link between the two is essential.

Managing the connection between organisations like the Rural Fire Service and New South Wales Police on the state’s south coast has fallen to Commander Brandon Ikimau, who is embarked in HMAS Adelaide.

Commander Ikimau is part of the Australian Amphibious Task Group command staff shaping the maritime response, and has been working with local state officials to identify areas where the ADF can support in bushfire response and recovery.

“Being a CIMIC liaison means you’re constantly coordinating and planning with civilian agencies, emergency services or government departments, who can inform you about the local situation and also support the ADF as we execute our mission to render assistance,” Commander Ikimau said.

“We’ve had liaison officers on the ground in communities and emergency centres since deploying the task group and they form the vital link between the Amphibious Task Group and the community.”

“They provide the conduit in which communities can articulate their needs, be that medical services; logistics support to get water, food or fuel into isolated areas, air mobility via our aircraft; or support to the firefighting effort by making our embarked heavy machinery and personnel available or conducting rotary wing overflights of fire fronts, in order to gain intelligence on the fire threat.”

Commander Ikimau said that while the immediate threat to life had waned, the recovery effort will require an enduring relationship between the ADF and administrations in impacted areas.

“While there are areas of the fire-impacted states returning to normal, Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 will continue for some time and our collaborative relationship with local authorities will remain strong in order for the ADF to provide the maximum

effect.”

“We will continue to build our bonds with state and local agencies in order to keep responding to their needs as requested.”

HMA Ships Adelaide and Choules have been supporting Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 since early January, providing support to communities off the New South Wales and Victorian coasts respectively.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery at https://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

63

Technical sailors rev up with Tickford Racing

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Three Royal Australian Navy technical sailors have arrived at the headquarters of Tickford Racing for the ninth rotation of the highly successful Navy Industry Outplacement Program.

The purpose of the partnership is to provide technical sailors with industry experience in the cutting edge and high-pressure environment of motor racing, while living and working as members of the Tickford Racing support team.

Tickford Team Manager Matthew Roberts said there was many parallels between elite sports and military operations. 

“It’s a massive bonus for Tickford Racing because we get three qualified tradesmen,” he said.

“They bring their skills in, they mix in and we gel it with what expertise we have at Tickford Racing, and we can’t thank the Navy enough for their involvement with Tickford.

“The skillsets that they bring, the fact that they’re very regimented already, that’s something that’s very hard to teach in this day and age.

“They’re always willing to listen and learn, which is an important nature to have these days.

“They adapt very well to our conditions. We’re a very finicky business, so what the guys bring is an asset to our business,” Mr Roberts said.

The three sailors this year are Leading Seaman Aviation Technician Aircraft Phillip Cowan, Able Seaman Electronics Technician Joshua Wakefield and Leading Seaman Marine Technician Colin Wilson.

Published on 23 January 2020 LEUT Ben Willee (author)

Location(s): Melbourne, VIC

Topic(s): Team Navy, Industry Outplacement Program, V8 Supercars

Navy’s newest Tickford Racing Industry Outplacement Program technical sailors, from left, Able Seaman Electronics Technician Joshua Wakefield; Leading Seaman Aviation Technician Aircraft Phillip Cowan; and Leading Seaman Marine Technician Colin Wilson.

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Commenting on his first day at Tickford racing, Leading Seaman Wilson said he was looking forward to getting his hands dirty. 

“I can’t wait to see the inner workings of the team. 

“I’m a fan and watched a lot on TV, but being here and doing the work is going to be completely different. 

“That’s what I’m really excited about. 

“Thanks to Navy and Tickford for this really exciting opportunity,” Leading Seaman Wilson said.

Outlining the importance of teamwork and attention to detail, Warrant Officer Electronics Technician Luke D’Elton, the Workforce Manager for Electronics Technicians, said the Tickford Racing placement was a great opportunity for Navy’s technical sailors.

“The sailors learn some very modern and different practices from a highly competitive environment which will benefit the fleet,” Warrant Officer D’Elton said.

The Royal Australian Navy/Tickford Racing Industry Outplacement Program is a development program for Technical sailors which spans 12 months at Tickford Racing’s headquarters in Melbourne.

While playing key roles in the preparation of the team’s five Ford Supercars across the Supercars and Super2 series’, the sailors will also travel to all Supercars events, assisting in car maintenance and repairs at track.

The activities completed during the outplacement are unique and provide the opportunity for the Navy sailors to get involved with a wide range of activities, including high end diagnostics in the engineering field, engine component design, production and assembly and composite materials production and assembly, just to name a few.

A call for expressions of interest for the 2021 program will be sent out via signal and ForceNet in July.

The first race of the season will be the Superloop Adelaide 500 on 20-23 February 2020.

For more information, visit https://www.teamnavy.com.au. ND

65

MV Sycamore provides versatility to the fleet

Royal Australian Navy

4-4 minutes

Published on 24 January 2020 POIS Helen Frank (author), ABIS Jarrod Mulvihill (photographer)

Location(s): Mallacoota, Vic

Topic(s): HMAS Adelaide (L01), HMAS Choules (L100), MV Sycamore, Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

MV Sycamore conducts a rendezvous with HMAS Choules to transfer personnel posting onto the ship during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

The civilian crew of the Navy-contracted MV Sycamore have relished an expanded role during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

The ship’s primary function is to support maritime aviation training of Defence helicopter flight crews, usually in the vicinity of Jervis Bay with Navy trainees aboard.

Sycamore’s Naval Liaison Officer, Commander Karl Brinckmann, explained how the ship has modified her operations, away from her usual role, to support the ADF’s bushfire response.

“Sycamore is normally focused on raise, train, sustain activities, including aviation, recruit sea familiarisation and Junior Officer Navigation training and supporting the fleet’s overall training needs,” Commander Brinckmann said.

“However, the ongoing bushfire emergency has seen Sycamore becoming part of a task group with HMA Ships Adelaide and Choules.

“Sycamore’s civilian crew were able to sail at very short notice and we’ve taken this additional role during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 in-stride.”

Sycamore was called upon to help in the evacuation of 1400 civilians from Mallacoota, Victoria, with Choules in the first week of January.

“Most Australians wanted to assist those devastated by the bushfires,” Commander Brinckmann said.

“In Sycamore we felt privileged as we were able to provide help firsthand.”

Sycamore has also been instrumental in supporting the two larger ships in other tasks under Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20, including the movement of personnel from ashore to the ships.

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“We transferred 41 personnel to Adelaide in Jervis Bay,” Commander Brinckmann said.

“The following day we disembarked 38 personnel to Choules in the vicinity of Gabo Island.”

Commander of the Amphibious Task Group, Captain Leif Maxfield, said the advantage of having a task group over a single ship is that so much more can be achieved.

“Sycamore played an instrumental part in the initial evacuation of Mallacoota,” Captain Maxfield said.

“Having the smaller multi-role vessel working with us has provided flexibility and enabled a broader range of response options to the task group.”

While Sycamore has returned to her usual training function, she will remain available to support Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 for as long as required.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery athttps://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

67

Albatross under fire

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

For those at HMAS Albatross, it might have been hard to miss the irony of fires threatening the base that has helped to fight bushfires for decades.

Half an hour after the strong north-westerly winds had started at about 10:30am on New Year’s Eve 2019, Commanding Officer HMAS Albatross Captain Robyn Phillips saw flames at the western edge of the airfield, near Nowra on the NSW south coast.

“I didn't know what would be left of Albatross, we had fire licking at the doorstep and we knew it was going to be a bad day,” she said.

As the base’s Senior ADF Officer, Captain Phillips enacted special emergency powers that allowed her to take command of all military and civilians at Albatross.

Fire travelled around the base’s western perimeter fence, then a spot fire burned across the grass around the runway’s north side and continued near the Fleet Air Arm Museum and the Parachute Training School.

“We’d see black plumes of smoke on the horizon and wonder if that was someone’s house that had gone up.”

By 3pm, no sunlight penetrated the black smoke surrounding Albatross.

Contractors and firefighters drove around the airfield extinguishing spotting, but these were just small blazes ignited by embers ahead of something bigger.

“We were just waiting for that fire front to come up Nowra Hill and get us,” Captain Phillips said.

Everyone who wasn’t supporting aircraft operations moved into one building, where about 40 people sheltered, including two civilians who lost their home at nearby Nerriga.

“This was before we officially opened up as a civilian place of refuge, but I wasn’t going to turn them away,” Captain Phillips said.

Published on 24 January 2020 SGT Max Bree (author)

Location(s): HMAS Albatross, NSW

Topic(s): HMAS Albatross, Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

Smoke from a nearby fire that threatened HMAS Albatross on New Year’s Eve 2019, burning up to the perimeter fence and grass around the north side of the runway.

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The base is the midst of a fire zone and provides firefighters a staging point to respond.

“We have the infrastructure, we have people to give them a hand helping their aircraft refuel and re-water, on some days it gets very busy,” Captain Phillips said.

During the worst ember attack, small blazes ignited deeper inside the base, including one between accommodation blocks.

“My staff were discovering spot fires and pulling out a hoses to put them out,” Captain Phillips said.A reminder of how close things came at Albatross, charred gum trees and burnt grass surround the flight line.

Despite this, firefighting and military aircraft stand against the charred landscape, ready for more missions.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery athttps://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

Burnt areas on the north side of HMAS Albatross, New South Wales after the fire threatened the base on New Years’ Eve 2019, burning up to the perimeter fence and grass around the north side of the runway.

Volunteer firefighters protected the building with hoses and a fire truck at each end.

“I’d seen images on TV and wondered if those firies outside were going to be able to make a difference,” Captain Phillips said.

At the last minute, the wind changed and pushed the fire back on itself.

It was a harrowing start for Captain Phillips, who took command on 12 December 2019, and within a week gave one of her first orders to remove non-essential personnel in the face of their first fire threat.

Albatross has been supporting this season’s firefighting efforts since late November when the RFS aviation element first arrived. In mid-December civilian firefighters and trucks began staging from Albatross.

Many rooms were reserved for firefighters transiting or staying on board and the Junior Sailors’ mess worked through the holidays to keep everyone fed.

Army engineers and plant equipment are staging from Albatross, while about 80 infantrymen on board are travelling to assist fire-affected communities.

The recent arrival of three New Zealand Defence Force NH90 helicopters means remaining base accommodation might only appeal to those who love the outdoors.

“It depends how much you like staying in tents,” Captain Phillips said.

“We don’t have a lot of rooms left but we’ve identified areas where we can set up tents once we’re no longer going to come under and ember attack.”

Albatross experienced two such attacks so far this fire season.

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Governor-General visits aerial bushfire responders

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

During a recent visit to the Shoalhaven and South Coast regions of New South Wales, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, recognised the support provided by ADF personnel to emergency services in response to Australia’s bushfire crisis.

After spending the day with residents of Nowra and Lake Conjola, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley visited HMAS Albatross and personally thanked personnel involved in the Australian Defence Force’s support to emergency services, including the Fleet Air Arm, HMAS Albatross, and the Australian Army’s 7th Brigade, the Royal Australian Regiment, and the 5th Combat Engineer Regiment.

“On behalf of all Australians, I would like to thank all of the ADF personnel involved in the bushfire response,” the Governor-General said.

“Linda and I have been visiting towns left reeling by fires since early October.

“Wherever we have gone several things stand out: the very real and understandable pain and anxiety of individuals impacted, their willingness to think of others even in the most dire of times and, of course, the incredible commitment and performance of all those involved in the response.

“The ADF has and continues to play a critical role  - all Australians are grateful.”

Helicopters from three squadrons from the Fleet Air Arm are being used in support of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), Victoria’s Country Fire Authority (CFA), and the ACT RFS: the MH-60R Seahawk from 816 Squadron, MRH-90 Taipan from 808 Squadron and EC-135 from 723 Squadron. They have been providing assistance since mid-November 2019.

During the visit, the Governor-General also met members of 3 Squadron from the Royal New Zealand Air Force, who are contributing to the response to the bushfire crisis. He personally thanked them for their support.

Published on 24 January 2020 LEUT Ben Robson (author), CPOIS Paul Berry (photographer), CPOIS Cameron Martin (photographer)

Location(s): HMAS Albatross, NSW

Topic(s): HMAS Albatross, Fleet Air Arm, Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley meet personnel from 808 Squadron at HMAS Albatross to thank them for assisting in bushfire recovery activities.

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Commander Fleet Air Arm, Commodore Don Dezentje said the commitment and desire to assist communities by Defence and contracted personnel has been truly outstanding.

“While the professionalism, resilience and courage of our people helping our fellow Australians highlights the extraordinary men and women we have in Defence, the efforts of firefighters and emergency services personnel has been an inspiration,” Commodore Don Dezentje said.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 has provided some unique opportunities for ADF members to work with a range of government agencies.

For example, the Fleet Air Arm has, for the first time, teamed up with RFS Aviation Rescue Aircrewmen, flying in Navy aircraft to evacuate people threatened or impacted by fire. They also conducted welfare checks on people isolated by fire, and provided capabilities that the RFS has not previously been able to utilise, such as night time fire mapping.

The Commanding Officer of 808 Squadron, Commander Paul Hannigan, said it was the first time his people had flown with RFS aircrew.

“They (the RFS Aircrewmen) are an impressive and professional group of people,” Commander Hannigan said.

“Many come from all sorts of day jobs but are trained to be hoisted out of aircraft as wiremen - it’s a relationship that has worked particularly well,” Commander Hannigan said.

The RFS has reported that since November the Fleet Air Arm had taken part in 63 search and rescue shifts, been tasked 83 times and effected 23 rescues.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery athttps://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

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Duty and service in the family

Royal Australian Navy

4-4 minutes

Published on 25 January 2020 LEUT Geoff Long (author), POIS Helen Frank (photographer)

Topic(s): HMAS Choules (L100), Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

When Royal Australian Navy Seaman Marine Technician Zachariah Remnant answered the call to join HMAS Choules to support Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20, he came with insights into what was involved in helping in an emergency.

The Remnant family hails from the south coast town of Bomaderry and Zachariah’s father Wayne was already helping out with the bushfire relief efforts in Bateman’s Bay as a member of the Nowra State Emergency Service.

Remnant senior has volunteered for the SES for the past five years, giving the future Navy Marine Technician a role model for his own life of service.

“When I was at home just before New Year, dad was out with the SES, working on clearing roads and helping with the evacuations,” Seaman Remnant said.

“So when we got to Mallacoota in Victoria and I was ashore helping people get on to buses and liaising with the police, I was thinking we were probably doing similar roles.”

Seaman Remnant joined the Royal Australian Navy in 2018 as a 19-year-old, after finishing Year 12 at Bomaderry High School.

He said one of the reasons he chose the Royal Australian Navy over other services or career paths was because of connections with family and friends.

“My grandfather worked out of HMAS Albatross as a civilian doing avionics engineering, and my dad’s grandfather was in the Royal Australian Navy, so I had that exposure growing up,” Seaman Remnant said.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 was his first deployment since posting into Choules and he said it was an exciting introduction to his new ship.

“I’m looking forward to getting stuck into some engineering work and helping maintain the ship, but in the meantime I’m happy to do whatever I can to support Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20,” said Seaman Remnant.

The Bomaderry local, who grew up playing for the Bomaderry Swamp Rats rugby league and Shoalhaven Heads-Berry Sharks football teams, said he was also looking forward to giving back to the local community in future.

“The south coast relies on tourism so whenever I get the chance I’ll be coming down for camping trips and supporting the local businesses to try to give something back,” Seaman Remnant said.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery athttps://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

Seaman Marine Technician Zachariah Remnant checks the list of evacuees with a member of the Victoria Police.

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Navy Doctor contributes to Defence bushfire response in the Adelaide Hills

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 25 January 2020 LCDR Ben Robinson (author), CPL Tristan Kennedy (photographer)

Location(s): Adelaide Hills, SA

Topic(s): Reserves, Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

Royal Australian Navy Medical Officer Lieutenant Armand Edison from HMAS Creswell deployed with a mobile medical team in the Adelaide Hills during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

Australian Army soldiers from 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, Emergency Support Force have continued to support bushfire affected communities across the Adelaide Hills.

The troops have expanded their capability to deliver water to those requiring it, with the arrival of additional water transport assets to Woodside Barracks, South Australia.

The team has been bolstered by the arrival of specialist Royal Australian Navy and New Zealand Defence Force personnel to enhance support of our operations in the field.

Lieutenant Armand Edison, a Navy Reserve Medical Officer, said this was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that the ADF is capable and ready for these kinds of emergencies.

“In my civilian employment, I am employed as a General Practitioner with qualifications in Emergency and Primary Care at Norwest Private Hospital and Castle Hill Medical Centre in New South Wales.

“My employer at Castle Hill Medical Centre was more than happy for me to use my skills to help our fellow Australians in need.

“As an emergency doctor, I’m used to dealing with people and their families who have been through traumatic events, so having these skills has been invaluable when supporting not just the local communities, but also the state emergency services and other volunteer organisations.

“It has been a great experience to work alongside our counterparts from the New Zealand Medical detachment and the breadth of experience that they have in dealing with disasters in other parts of the world,” Lieutenant Edison said.

The 16th Regiment Emergency Support Force continues to support and work alongside our state emergency services and volunteer agencies, with Australian Defence Force members continuing to conduct the removal of hazardous trees and limbs, repair fencing, clear debris, and provide support.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery athttps://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

73

Australia Day 2020 Honours List - Royal Australian Navy

Royal Australian Navy

15-19 minutes

The Royal Australian Navy would like to congratulate our officers and sailors who have been named as recipients in today’s Australia Day Honours List.

They are:

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

Chief Petty Officer Raechelle Nadine HENDERSON, ACTFor meritorious service in leadership, and advancement of the service as a Naval Police Coxswain.

Chief Petty Officer Henderson has demonstrated the highest levels of commitment and dedication as a Naval Police Coxswain across numerous roles. She was instrumental in the operational accomplishments achieved by HMAS Success during Operation MANITOU and a key enabler in the successful introduction into service of HMAS Brisbane. Her professional mastery contributed to the provision of expert policing and disciplinary functions across the whole of Navy during her time in the Office of the Provost Marshal Navy.

Chief Petty Officer Anthony Donald O'RILEY, WAFor meritorious service to improving the capability levels and wellbeing of Navy Submarine Force People.

Chief Petty Officer O'Riley demonstrated a deep and personal interest in the welfare, wellbeing and capability of Navy People across the Submarine Force. Through his extraordinary dedication he maintained an innovative attitude towards inspiring cooperation and teamwork to improve operational effectiveness and capability output for Command. His leadership and performance has provided Navy with improved capability through increased retention of highly trained and capable people.

Commander Richard John SINGLETON CSM RAN, NSWFor meritorious service to the Australian Defence Force in the fields of exercise and operational planning and the introduction into service of naval capabilities.

Commander Singleton has contributed significantly to the advancement of maritime and joint operational capabilities, specifically in the field of exercise and operational planning. His diverse knowledge, experience and dedication significantly contributed to the introduction into service of the Royal Australian Navy's Hobart Class Guided Missile Destroyers and amphibious ships during a period of significant re-capitalisation of the Navy.

Commander Benjamin Brian SPURGIN RAN, NSWFor meritorious performance of duty as a Navy Legal Advisor and instructor.

Commander Spurgin has served senior Navy commands, particularly in the aviation field, with contemporary and pragmatic legal advice and sound guidance in complex operational and administrative matters over a prolonged period. He was an inspiring instructor, innovating the delivery of legal training at the Royal Australian Naval College for all induction, leadership and promotion courses. His contributions led to significantly improved management of airworthiness in the Fleet Air Arm and to enhanced training outcomes at the Royal Australian Naval College.

Published on 25 January 2020 Department of Defence (author)

Topic(s): Australia Day Honours

Medals awarded to Navy personnel in the 2020 Australia Day Honours List - Military Division, from left, Member of the Order of Australia (AM); Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM); Commendation for Distinguished Service; Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC); and Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM).

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

Captain Warren James BAIRSTOW CSC RAN, ACTFor exceptional service to the Royal Australian Navy in the field of command and leadership.

Captain Warren Bairstow's steadfast leadership, initiative and commitment to improving capability and culture have contributed significantly to the operational effectiveness of the Royal Australian Navy. His passion and devotion to the Navy, its capabilities and its people clearly demonstrates his commitment and contributions to supporting Navy's mission.

Captain Shane Andrew CRAIG RAN, NSWFor exceptional performance of duty in Royal Australian Navy command and management positions.

Captain Craig's distinguished performance in Naval Aviation, and as the Naval Adviser to the United Kingdom, has been exceptional. Through application of professional knowledge, initiative and commitment, Captain Craig's dedication to duty as a diplomat has resulted in the achievement of successful international engagement outcomes for the Australian Defence Force and the Royal Australian Navy. His influence and energy in the roles as Deputy Commander Fleet Air Arm and Commanding Officer 816 Squadron enhanced the performance and reputation of the Fleet Air Arm.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS (DSC)

Rear Admiral Jaimie Charles HATCHER AM RAN, ACTFor distinguished command and leadership in warlike operations as the Commander Joint Task Force 633 on Operations OKRA and HIGHROAD from January 2018 to January 2019.

Rear Admiral Hatcher demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication by leading Australia's contribution to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and more broadly throughout the Middle East Region. His exceptional operational oversight, critical leadership engagement and assiduous efforts ensured the effectiveness of Australia's military contribution and greatly enhanced the international reputation of the Australian Defence Force in the Middle East Region.

COMMENDATION FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

Captain Sands Niall SKINNER RAN, NSWFor distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as the Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Branch Chief within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Resolute Support Train Advise Assist Command - Air on Operation HIGHROAD from July 2018 to February 2019.

Commander Skinner's distinguished performance contributed to the Afghan National Maintenance Strategy for the Afghan Air Force ensuring the affordability of this infant service and the viability of its modernisation program. Commander Skinner's dedication to duty also assured improvements to tactical air-lift capabilities, significantly enhancing support to combat operations in Kandahar and conduct of the 2018 Afghanistan parliamentary elections.

CONSPICUOUS SERVICE CROSS (CSC)

Captain Michael Bruce DEVINE RAN, ACTFor outstanding achievement in the application of judgement as Commander Task Unit 641.1.1 and Commanding Officer HMAS Anzac in the tactical planning and execution of Maritime South East Asia Deployment from March to June 2018.

Captain Devine adroitly commanded his three ship Task Unit comprising HMA Ships Anzac, Toowoomba and Success during a complex Maritime South East Asia Deployment. He demonstrated excellent judgement throughout the deployment in response to evolving requirements in a dynamic tactical environment. His pivotal leadership role in the delivery of highly successful deployment outcomes improved allied understanding of the regional operational environment and set the conditions for future deployments in the region.

Commander Bronwyn Adele FERRIER CSM RAN, ACTFor outstanding achievement in the management of occupational hygiene and environmental hazards in the Royal Australian Navy.

Commander Ferrier demonstrated dedication and leadership in the promotion and development of a more proactive occupational hygiene capability within Navy. She used her determination and expertise to establish and train a cadre of Navy People who will assist in identifying and managing occupational hygiene and environmental risks within the Royal Australian Navy. Her rigorous strategic analysis and planning has contributed to Navy capability through people having a better understanding of how to identify, measure and deal with occupational hygiene hazards.

Captain Daniel John LERAYE RAN, SAFor outstanding devotion to duty as the inaugural Class Lifecycle Engineering Officer in Collins Class submarines.

Captain LeRaye has distinguished himself as the inaugural Class Lifecycle Engineering Officer in support of the Australian Submarine Enterprise. His outstanding leadership, foresight, innovation and professionalism have led to wide-reaching improvements in the efficient and effective delivery of a strategic capability.

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Commander Jennifer Louise MACKLIN RAN, ACTFor outstanding achievement in the promotion of diversity and inclusion in the Royal Australian Navy.

Commander Macklin's efforts have been crucial to Navy's significant progress towards becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation that supports its people and delivers capability. As a relentless and articulate campaigner and the architect of Navy's Diversity and Inclusion program, she has personally inspired many people across Navy and beyond to live and support a culture of diversity and inclusion.

Captain Anthony Bruce MISKELLY RAN, ACTFor outstanding devotion to duty during the introduction into service of HMAS Hobart.

Captain Miskelly has demonstrated technical mastery of the highest order and has consistently performed exceptionally, ashore and at sea in several challenging postings. His unparalleled technical knowledge and drive for collective excellence resulted in the flawless execution of the Royal Australian Navy's inaugural Aegis Combat System Ship Qualification Trials. His performance has been exemplary and a critical enabler in establishing Australia's Aegis capability.

Warrant Officer Christopher John ROWLEY, ACTFor outstanding achievement and dedication in his leadership of the Royal Australian Navy technical workforce.

Warrant Officer Rowley has made an outstanding contribution to the professional development of the Royal Australian Navy's technical workforce and in advancing the cause of technical mastery within Navy. A dedicated and exemplary leader, he has driven the future direction of the engineering community and has been tireless in his representation of Navy's engineering technicians. Warrant Officer Rowley's outstanding achievements highlight his remarkable dedication to the Naval Engineering Community.

Commander Anita Louise SELLICK CSM RAN, USAFor outstanding achievement as Commanding Officer of HMAS Newcastle.

Commander Sellick has contributed to the wellbeing and capability of Navy People through her leadership, mentoring and professional excellence. A natural leader, she has approached her command in an inclusive, calm and measured way that empowers her people. The result of her hard work and dedication has been evidenced by high personnel retention and increased operational effectiveness.

Commander Darlene Maree WILLIAMS RAN, ACTFor outstanding achievement in strategic organisational development as Military Assistant to the Chief of Joint Capabilities in the Australian Defence Force.

Commander Williams is an officer of rare skill whose outstanding achievement and conspicuous devotion were essential to establishing Joint Capabilities Group as a professional harmonised organisation able to support the Chief of Joint Capabilities in fulfilling his charter to the Australian Defence Force. Her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment were key to standing up the new Office from concept to execution, whilst providing exceptional support to the Chief of Joint Capabilities and other senior executives during this most challenging period.

CONSPICUOUS SERVICE MEDAL (CSM)

Lieutenant Peter ASIMAKIS RAN, QLDFor meritorious achievement as a lead member of the Sea Training Unit Defence Cooperation Programme.

Lieutenant Peter Asimakis led the development and delivery of specifically tailored training packages for operational employment of the Guardian Class Patrol Boats by maritime security forces of Australia's regional partners. This training assisted the nations by building mission-ready crews that could safely and operationally utilise the assets to maximum effect. His efforts have increased the capability of regional maritime security forces and enhanced the reputation of the Australian Defence Force.

Petty Officer Victoria Ann CLARKE, NSWFor meritorious devotion to duty in the field of Navy workforce management.

Petty Officer Clarke consistently displayed an ability to simplify and convey complex information on service conditions to affected Navy People and to various conditions of service committees examining flexible work arrangements and employment conditions. Her input was instrumental in the acceptance of the adaption and implementation of the current flexible work conditions. Her contributions support Navy's Plan PELORUS due to their positive impact upon retention and re-enlistment of Navy People.

Lieutenant Commander Bernard Roy DOBSON RAN, NSWFor meritorious devotion to duty during the introduction into service of HMAS Hobart.

Lieutenant Commander Dobson's application of Aegis Combat System knowledge and his devotion to educating and training others were instrumental in the development of Hobart's integrated Combat Information Centre capability. This was integral to Hobart completing the Combat Systems Sea Qualifications Trials program and successfully achieving Initial Operational Capability.

Chief Petty Officer Melita Leigh ENGLISH, NSWFor meritorious achievement in the performance of duty as the Fleet Legal Assistant.

Chief Petty Officer English has executed her duties as the Fleet Legal Assistant in Fleet Headquarters at a time of significant demand for legal services. She has demonstrated exceptional professional mastery, devotion to duty and inspirational leadership that have been instrumental in reducing disciplinary review times providing Commands and personnel with more effective, meaningful and just outcomes.

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Commander Lindsay Ridgway GORDON RAN, NSWFor meritorious achievement as the Deputy Director Submarines - Platform.

Commander Gordon's professionalism, analytical skills and knowledge of submarine capability and sustainment were instrumental in Navy's definition of the requirements for a superior submarine capability. His work in the development of tools and methodologies has been pivotal in reducing long-term risk to capability and cost, and has proved fundamental to the early design decisions for successful delivery of the Attack Class submarine. His work has contributed to other Navy projects that have leveraged off and emulated his innovative methodologies.

Commander Robert Bradley HALLORAN RAN, JapanFor meritorious achievement in the field of Navy training systems.

Commander Halloran led the provision of Training Force input to all capability acquisition projects during one of the busiest and most significant capability development periods in Navy's history. His hard work contributed to enduring and crucial training input for the Guided Missile Destroyer, Future Submarine, Future Frigate, Offshore Patrol Vessel and a multitude of Minor Navy Projects including development of the Ship Zero training concept. His leadership, dedication, influence and pursuit of innovation has provided a foundation for new capability training for many years to come.

Leading Seaman NFor meritorious achievement as an Electronic Warfare Instructor within the School of Maritime Warfare.

Leading Seaman N's dedication, professional skills and perseverance in the development and delivery of Electronic Warfare training was exceptional. Her diligence and determination to achieve both the Surface and Submarine Forces' platform-specific requirements facilitated the delivery of high quality training in the revised Basic Electronic Warfare Intelligence Course. Her commitment to the success of her students was unparalleled, and established a benchmark for training in Maritime Warfare.

Chief Petty Officer Zulkarnain Shah NAIM, ACTFor meritorious devotion to duty as the Navy Advisor on Inter-Cultural Affairs.

Chief Petty Officer Naim's inspirational leadership as the Navy Advisor on Inter-Cultural Affairs has enhanced Navy's reputation in the Australian community as an inclusive organisation. His commitment to cultural education, strategic advice, community engagement and the multi-cultural Australian Navy Cadet unit, New Training Ship Australia, has positively impacted countless young Australians. His efforts have influenced the foundation for Navy's pathway to greater diversity and inclusion.

Lieutenant Commander Steven Geoffrey TARAGEL RAN, QLDFor meritorious achievement as the Executive Officer of HMAS Cairns.

Lieutenant Commander Taragel demonstrated leadership, initiative and dedication to the men and women he served with as the Executive Officer of HMAS Cairns. His initiatives, which are now seen as benchmarks for other establishments, enhanced the positive culture of the base and guided substantial improvements in its day-to-day management. His efforts directly contribute to Navy's Fit to Fight Fleet Resilience Plan.

Full list available at https://www.gg.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-01/ad2020_gazette_-_order_of_australia.pdf.

Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia. If you know someone worthy, nominate them now at https://www.gg.gov.au/australian-honours-and-awards/nomination-forms. ND

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Legal acumen earns logistics sailor the Conspicuous Service Medal

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 26 January 2020 LEUT Geoff Long (author)

Topic(s): Australia Day Honours, Conspicuous Service Medal

File image of (then) Petty Officer Writer Melita English on board HMAS Darwin, during Exercise KAKADU, September 2012.

Chief Petty Officer Melita English has an uncommon affinity with the law, often providing the Fleet Senior Leadership Team withadvice to help them solve complex legal and personnel administrative issues.

That she has no formal training in the legal field has only added to her accomplishments as the Fleet Legal Assistant.

Chief Petty Officer English credits a prior posting to Fleet Legal in support of the Sea King Board of Inquiry as sparking an interestin legal issues, which has been bolstered with practical experience gained working in several personnel offices.

“I’m very comfortable working with the law, particularly admin law. Fleet Legal has given me a vast knowledge of both criminaland discipline law.

I’ve been very blessed to work with some incredible lawyers who have mentored me and grown my professional knowledge,” ChiefPetty Officer English said.

Of the Conspicuous Service Medal, she said she was humbled to be awarded the honour.

“I think that I was just doing my job, but I’m very honoured to be recognised,” she said.

Chief Petty Officer English hails from the far North Queensland village of Malanda and joined the Navy as a fresh-faced 17-year-old in 2001, qualifying as a Maritime Logistics – Personnel sailor.

Within 12 months, she was deployed to the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) on board HMAS Melbourne. She has also served on HMA Ships Manoora, Ballarat and Darwin.

She took over as the Fleet Legal Assistant at Fleet Headquarters in 2017 at a time of very high demand for legal services associated with challenges in staffing and resources, as well as changes in the provision of legal advice and services to Commanders and personnel.

According to her bosses at Fleet, Chief Petty Officer English’s exceptional management and professional mastery has seen review times for Fleet Summary Authority Trial and Administrative Law Decisions reduced by over a third.

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This reduction in time has meant the link between behaviour and disciplinary action is clearer, providing for a more effective, meaningful and just outcome.

Chief Petty Officer English has toyed with the idea of getting a law degree, but in the meantime she is preparing for new Navy challenges in 2020, including a new position supporting Commander Navy Shore Force.

Formal qualifications or not, she’s likely to bring her legal acumen to any new role.

Chief Petty Officer English’s citation reads:

Chief Petty Officer Melita Leigh ENGLISH, NSWFor meritorious achievement in the performance of duty as the Fleet Legal Assistant.

Chief Petty Officer English has executed her duties as the Fleet Legal Assistant in Fleet Headquarters at a time of significant demand for legal services. She has demonstrated exceptional professional mastery, devotion to duty and inspirational leadership that have been instrumental in reducing disciplinary review times providing Commands and personnel with more effective, meaningful and just outcomes. ND

79

Former aviation sailor from Christmas Island awarded Conspicuous Service Medal

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

As Navy continues on its path towards greater diversity and inclusion, Sub Lieutenant Zulkarnain Shah Naim, Navy’s Advisor on Inter-Cultural Affairs, has been recognised for his work with a Conspicuous Service Medal in today’s Australia Day Honours List.

Sub Lieutenant Naim can trace his appreciation of diversity and multi-cultural faith back to his upbringing on the remote Australian Territory of Christmas Island.

He was born on Christmas Island at the height of the phosphate mining boom, in a then thriving population which grew to 4500-5000 during the late 60s and the 1970s, mainly consisting of specialised skilled migrants from Southeast Asia, including his parents.

“Although most of my memories are misty, there are still moments that were character defining in my early childhood.

“The sense of community was alive and well with such a diverse collection of people from various faiths and backgrounds.

“A lifestyle of vibrant cultural celebrations and embracing each other’s differences were all small but significant exposures I had while growing up on the island,” Sub Lieutenant Naim said.

Sub Lieutenant Naim joined the Royal Australian Navy in April 1997 as an Aviation Technician Aircraft.

He was appointed as the Chief of Navy’s Strategic Advisor on Islamic Cultural Affairs in May 2014 and in 2017 as the Navy Inter-Cultural Advisor on the formation of the Navy Diversity & Inclusion Council.

In his early career, Sub Lieutenant Naim served in 816 Squadron and in HMA Ships Sydney and Parramatta, including deployments on Operations RELEX, SLIPPER, CATALYST and FALCONER.

Currently posted to the Maritime Task Group, Sub Lieutenant Naim will gain further exposure to Fleet operations and planning, before proceeding on course.

Published on 26 January 2020 LEUT Geoff Long (author), POIS Phil Cullinan (photographer)

Topic(s): Australia Day Honours, Conspicuous Service Medal

File image of (then) Chief Petty Officer Zul Naim reading the story of Lance Sergeant Bin Shalid Ma'Aruff, who was killed in action during the Second World War, at the Last Post Ceremony, Australian War Memorial, June 2015.

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While serving on Operation RELEX in 2001, he returned to Flying Fish Cove at Christmas Island as part of a Helicopter Flight detached to assist with Navy’s maritime operations.

“Even though it was different circumstances, being back on the island bought back those misty memories and this time I was able to share it with my Navy shipmates,” he said.

While the cultural advisor role was a major shift from Naval Aviation, Sub Lieutenant Naim credits both phases of his career as instrumental in shaping his character and values today – something he has been able to pass on to the next generation Navy workforce.

“Creating a more inclusive Navy that will nurture and support young Australians who value service to country is the long-term goal, and if I can play a part in that - then that’s all the motivation I need.

“I believe our Navy people are our future for the nation’s security and protection, but also in providing the innovation that our diverse workforce will bring.

“So now, being formally recognised for my efforts in cultural change and forwarding the intercultural agenda in Navy is not only rewarding and satisfying for me, but it also recognises the wonderful support I have received from my family unit and loved ones during my tenure.

“I am truly blessed,” he said.

Sub Lieutenant Naim’s citation reads:

Chief Petty Officer Zulkarnain Shah NAIM, ACTFor meritorious devotion to duty as the Navy Advisor on Inter-Cultural Affairs.

Chief Petty Officer Naim's inspirational leadership as the Navy Advisor on Inter-Cultural Affairs has enhanced Navy's reputation in the Australian community as an inclusive organisation. His commitment to cultural education, strategic advice, community engagement and the multi-cultural Australian Navy Cadet unit, New Training Ship Australia, has positively impacted countless young Australians. His efforts have influenced the foundation for Navy's pathway to greater diversity and inclusion. ND

81

Canberra takes centre stage on Sydney Harbour

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 26 January 2020 LEUT Tanalee Smith (author), LSIS Christopher Szumlanski (photographer)

Location(s): Sydney Harbour, NSW

Topic(s): Royal Australian Navy Band, HMAS Canberra (L02), Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

A Royal Australian Navy MH-60R Seahawk flies the Australian White Ensign over Sydney Harbour during the 2020 Australia Day celebrations.

HMAS Canberra played a starring role in Sydney’s Australia Day celebrations as the centrepiece of the traditional Salute to Australia on Sydney Harbour.

Among the hundreds of guests on board were 50 Rural Fire Service volunteers, and their families, who have been battling the devastating bushfires; as well as brand new Australian citizens and the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC.

Captain Terry Morrison, Canberra’s Commanding Officer, said he was pleased that his ship’s company could be part of the Salute, which acknowledged contributions to Australian society, including by Defence personnel.

“As Defence members, we are proud Australians and proud to serve our country, as many of our fellow officers and sailors have been doing during Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST and as the Royal Australian Navy does all year round.

“Commemorating Australia Day on board Canberra by welcoming new citizens and hosting the Governor and other guests is a unique honour,” Captain Morrison said.

While on board Canberra, Governor Beazley received a 21-gun salute, fired from Bradfield Park in North Sydney, before guests took advantage of the best seats in the Harbour for an F18 flypast coordinated by the Royal Australian Air Force.

Guests were also treated to a lively performance by the Australian Army Band, rounding out the tri-service contributions, while elsewhere on Sydney Harbour the Royal Australian Navy Band played an afternoon concert.

Governor Beazley paid tribute to all RFS volunteers who have been battling bushfires across New South Wales.

The Royal Australian Navy continues to support Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20, providing support to communities off the New South Wales, Victorian and South Australian coasts.

HMAS Canberra returned to work early this year in order to be prepared to support ADF efforts in Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20.

“I commend the ship’s company, Navy support organisations and Defence Industry for their hard work in order to ensure Canberra was ready for sea,” Captain Morrison said.

“We are prepared to assist in whatever way required.” ND

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Submarine engineer recognised for early attack design, capability transition planning

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 27 January 2020 LEUT Geoff Long (author)

Topic(s): Australia Day Honours, Conspicuous Service Medal

File image of Commander Lindsay Gordon, RAN.

The wide-open spaces of his home state of South Australia stand in contrast to the narrow confines of the Navy submarines to which Commander Lindsay Gordon has dedicated the majority of his career, earning him a Conspicuous Service Medal in today’s Australia Day Honours List.

Commander Gordon has played a pivotal role in helping define Navy’s requirements for its next-generation Attack class Submarines and more recently planning the capability transition from the Collins class Submarines to Attack class Submarines.

Commander Gordon joined the Royal Australian Navy in 2000 and served at sea in a number of engineering positions in HMAS Newcastle and HMA Submarines Waller, Collins and Sheean.

During his career, he has deployed on Operations SLIPPER, CATALYST and RELEX II.

He is a graduate of the Capability and Technology Management Program and was promoted to Commander in 2015.

Whilst the majority of his naval career has been dedicated to submarines, Commander Gordon said it was not a path he had envisioned while completing high school in Port Lincoln.

“I hadn’t even thought of the military in school. I decided to join the Navy during university and even then hadn’t really considered volunteering for submarines,” he said.

These days, however, he is a convert to the submariner’s domain and believes that submarines remain the most sophisticated single piece of technology that Australia is capable of building.

“Collins is a very capable submarine and significant upgrades and life extensions will make it even more so in the next decade,” Commander Gordon said.

Commander Gordon’s work has been pivotal in reducing long-term risk to capability, and has proved fundamental to the early design decisions for successful delivery of the Attack Class Submarine.

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His insight and leadership were critical in informing senior leadership about the complexities and challenges associated with transitioning from a force of six Collins Class to one of 12 Attack Class Submarines.

Commander Gordon’s citation reads:

Commander Lindsay Ridgway GORDON RAN, NSWFor meritorious achievement as the Deputy Director Submarines - Platform.

Commander Gordon's professionalism, analytical skills and knowledge of submarine capability and sustainment were instrumental in Navy's definition of the requirements for a superior submarine capability. His work in the development of tools and methodologies has been pivotal in reducing long-term risk to capability and cost, and has proved fundamental to the early design decisions for successful delivery of the Attack Class submarine. His work has contributed to other Navy projects that have leveraged off and emulated his innovative methodologies. ND

File image of Commander Lindsay Gordon, RAN.

84

Fifty-year naval career culminates in Order of Australia

Royal Australian Navy

4-6 minutes

Published on 27 January 2020 LEUT Geoff Long (author)

Topic(s): Australia Day Honours, Order of Australia

File image of Commander Richard Singleton, RAN at the HMAS Choules Commissioning Ceremony, December 2011.

In 1969, Neil Armstrong walked on the moon and Royal Australian Navy Commander Richard Singleton walked into his naval career as a junior sailor in the Royal Navy.

His fifty years of combined service, to both the Royal Navy and the Royal Australian Navy, has culminated in Commander Singleton being inducted into the Order of Australia (OAM) for introducing new capabilities into the latter.

Commander Singleton was recognised for his role in leading the introduction into service of 13 new major capabilities including HMAS Choules, the Canberra class landing helicopter docks, the Hobart class guided missile destroyers, Supply class tankers, the multi-role aviation training vessel MV Sycamore and an extensive range of Navy and Australian Defence Force major and minor warfare systems.

Commander Singleton said he felt “very proud and humbled” to have been recognised by his adopted country with an Order of Australia Medal, while also noting the significant changes that have taken place across half a century of Naval life.

“In my first Royal Navy ship HMS Ulster, I slept in a hammock with broadside messing, no computers and the only entertainment was board games and the ship’s radio equipment (normally tuned to the BBC).

“Apart from the technology advancements, individual communications and entertainment options, the other big changes I have witnessed are women going to sea - which was a good advancement and well overdue - and pay, with my pay in my first ship equivalent to around 90 cents a day,” Commander Singleton said.

As well as commissioning as an officer in the Royal Navy after six years as a sailor, Commander Singleton nominates his career highlights as qualifying as an Advanced Specialist Warfare Officer and transferring to the Royal Australian Navy.

Two years after transferring, he was awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal for writing the first version of the Australian Maritime Tactical Publication.

The 1994 award citation praised his exemplary leadership and devotion to duty in the development and dissemination of warfighting tactics within Maritime Headquarters.

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Commander Singleton has served ashore in numerous staff and operational roles, while also serving in HMAS Swan (III) and in Command of HMAS Warrnambool (II).

In addition to the two official Honours, Commander Singleton was recognised with a Chief of Joint Operations Commendation in March 2010 for his exceptional performance as the Director Exercise Planning.

The commendation noted his ability to conceptualise the need for the Australian Defence Force to train as a joint force in a variety of operational environments, which was well ahead of its time and has had an enduring and beneficial effect on Defence operations.

Commander Singleton’s citation reads:

Commander Richard John SINGLETON CSM RAN, NSWFor meritorious service to the Australian Defence Force in the fields of exercise and operational planning and the introduction into service of naval capabilities.

Commander Singleton has contributed significantly to the advancement of maritime and joint operational capabilities, specifically in the field of exercise and operational planning. His diverse knowledge, experience and dedication significantly contributed to the introduction into service of the Royal Australian Navy's Hobart Class Guided Missile Destroyers and amphibious ships during a period of significant re-capitalisation of the Navy. ND

File image of Commander Richard Singleton, RAN on Anzac Day 2019.

86

Navy One does senior service proud in Sydney to Hobart

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Navy One sails south to Hobart during the running of the 2019 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

After an 18 year hiatus from the Sydney to Hobart, the crew of Navy One has proven that the Navy belongs in the world-famous yacht race.

In July last year, the decision was made to re-enter the Royal Australian Navy in the iconic event. At that stage, there was not yet a boat or a crew.

Navy wasted no time to achieve in just a few months what would normally take a year: selecting a ten-person crew, sourcing a suitable boat from HMAS Creswell, training to competition standard, and qualifying for one of the world’s top three most challenging offshore yacht races.

Navy One’s Captain, Lieutenant Commander Nathan Lockhart said the crew were incredible in how they were able to come together and undertake the challenge.

“For all of us it was one of the proudest things we’ve ever done outside of joining the Navy,” Lieutenant Commander Lockhart said.

“I have never seen ten people, in basically what was the size of a small caravan, not get upset or raise words with each other throughout the months of training, or the race.

“Most ranks were represented in the crew, from Able Seaman to Commander, but it was always a level feeling, we all pulled together regardless of rank and that’s a credit to the entire crew,” Lieutenant Commander Lockhart said.

The varied weather and changing conditions made for a mentally exhausting trip according to Lieutenant Commander Lockhart, but it was all worth it when at the end a large welcoming party with a few surprise guests greeted them alongside.

“We arrived alongside at 5am and 50 people were there to greet us, including family who had secretly flown down and other Navy-connected supporters,” Lieutenant Commander Lockhart said.

“The typical celebration for the Sydney to Hobart is to go to Customs House for a few beers, and when we did this the crew was overwhelmed with pride at the amount of people who came up and said how much they supported the Navy.

“I’ve never seen public support for the Australian Defence Force like I did with this race,” he said.

Published on 27 January 2020 LEUT Jessica Craig (author), CPOIS Kelvin Hockey (photographer)

Topic(s): Sailing

Navy One sails towards Sydney Heads after the firing of the starting cannon for the 2019 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

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Public support was also shared with Navy One’s friendly rival, the Australian Army’s Gun Runner who placed 152nd (line honours) and won the York Trophy (fastest yacht under 9.5 metres).

Navy One took out the coveted ‘Oggin Cup’, which is given to the fastest boat crewed by military personnel on corrected time. The team completed the 628 nautical miles race in three days, 16 hours, 16 minutes and 44 seconds.

The Navy Sailing Team plan to enter the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race again this year and encourage any personnel interested in sailing to get involved. 

“I encourage people to give it a go and join the Navy Sailing Association. I’ve found being on the water is really great for mental health and helps immensely with resilience-building, so come and give it a go,” Lieutenant Commander Lockhart said.

Navy One was crewed by:

Race Crew

Captain: LCDR Nathan LockhartSkipper: CMDR Anthony BurrowsNavigator: LEUT Darren WatkinsWatch Captain: CMDR David PrenticeCrew: CPO Rob Creswell, LEUT Emma Cook, SBLT Tracey Magyar, CPO Kieran Davis, PO Nick Greenhill, AB William Sherman

Development Crew (return trip)

Skipper: CMDR Paul GaraiWatch Captains: PO Stuart Dawe and WO Brendon BlankCrew: LCDR Kirstin Norris, LS Kellie Nash, LS Michael Leahy, AB Joshua Towle, AB Jilanna Clarkin 

Imagery is available on the Navy Image Gallery at: 

https://images.defence.gov.au/S20192715 https://images.defence.gov.au/s20193071 https://images.defence.gov.au/S20193311 https://images.defence.gov.au/S20193362. ND

Navy One sails towards Sydney Heads after the firing of the starting cannon for the 2019 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

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Dechaineux strengthens ties with fellow submariners abroad

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 28 January 2020 LEUT Jedd Goggin (author and photographer), LEUT Josh Williams (photographer)

Location(s): Kota Kinabalu Naval Base, Malaysia

Topic(s): HMAS Dechaineux (S76)

Members of HMAS Dechaineux and the Royal Malaysian Navy Submarine Force pause for a photo following a lunch hosted to bring the two submarine forces closer together.

After a busy year of activities in the West Australian Exercise Area and further afield, conducting Exercise NICHI GOU TRIDENT with the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force, HMAS Dechaineux became the first foreign vessel to berth at the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Kota Kinabalu Naval Base Submarine Pier for her final foreign port visit of 2019.

Commanding Officer HMAS Dechaineux, Commander Brad Francis, said that this meeting with the Royal Malaysian Navy was one of many unequivocal events associated with the Royal Australian Navy strengthening ties with Malaysia.

“Visiting the Kota Kinabalu Naval Base and being granted permission to be first visiting submarine to berth at the submarine pier was a true milestone.

“Having our two countries working together, mutually sharing and gaining a better understanding of our submarine capabilities is beneficial for both forces,” he said.

The time alongside provided a great opportunity for Dechaineux’s crew to meet the host crew from RMNS Tunku AbdulRahman and further develop the bonds between the two silent services.

The Assistant Defence Advisor to Kuala Lumpur, Captain Doug Griffiths, and Commander Francis, were hosted by Captain Azhar, Chief of Staff of the Royal Malaysian Navy Easter Fleet and Captain Yusri, Chief of Staff of the Royal Malaysian Navy Submarine Force for discussions on mutual areas of interest.

Officers and crew members from both nations then engaged in extensive discussions and knowledge sharing about submarine logistics, workforce matters, engineering and training.

The discussions were mutually beneficial, providing a greater understanding of Malaysian and Australian submarine capabilities and identifying future areas of cooperation.

Following the discussions, both submarine crews attended a welcome lunch and ‘crew games’, which provided further opportunities to share experiences and strengthen relationships between the two forces.

Australia and Malaysia exercise regularly together through the BERSAMA series of exercises and MASTEX activities. ND

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WO-N: Bushfire relief capability possible thanks to engineering contributions

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 28 January 2020 LEUT Jessica Craig (author), LSIS Christopher Szumlanski (photographer), ABIS BenjaminRicketts (photographer)

Location(s): HMAS Kuttabul, NSW

Topic(s): Navy Engineering, Fleet Support Unit - South East, Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST

Warrant Officer of the Navy, Warrant Officer Deb Butterworth, OAM, CSM and Bar, shakes hands to Leading Seaman Electronics Technician Nathan Spilling, along with other members of Fleet Support Unit - South East in gratitude for their participation in Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 over the Reduced Activity Period.

Royal Australian Navy engineers, contractors and their families who cut short their Christmas break to support Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 were recently recognised for their integral contribution.

Warrant Officer of the Navy (WO-N) Deb Butterworth and Command Warrant Officer - Navy Engineering, Warrant Officer Christopher Garner, recently visited Fleet Support Unit - South East, Amphibious Afloat Support Group and Fleet Engineering to thank those involved in preparing HMA Ships Adelaide and Canberra for sea.

“On behalf of the Chief of Navy, thank you for your support, professionalism and absolute top work,” the Warrant Officer of the Navy said.

“The collaboration between uniformed personnel, contractors and the ship’s staff has been terrific.

“We’ve all been focussed on the same thing - working to save families in our nation,” she said.

Fleet Support Unit - South East, Amphibious Afloat Support Group and Fleet Engineering personnel worked around the clock to get the Landing Helicopter Docks (LHDs) ready for sea.

Adelaide was recalled to join the bushfire relief effort and support the evacuation of people from fire affected communities shortly after New Year, with ship’s company, Navy engineers and contractors working to prepare the ship to sail on 4 January.

Forty Fleet Support Unit technicians were recalled to get Canberra from being in the middle of a maintenance period at 28 days’ notice to sail, to a seaworthy state that would allow her to support the mission if required.

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Facing hundreds of hours of work and an extensive list of tasks, under the direction of Chief Petty Officer Michael Heath, the team was able to complete the tasks within an unprecedented three days, allowing Canberra to be poised to go for any calls for assistance.

“Without people with the experience and the ship’s knowledge and fortitude, there is no way we would’ve been able to get those tasks done, the team really pulled together,” Chief Petty Officer Heath said.

“It is a credit to every single Able and Leading Seaman who came off their leave to push through what would usually be hundreds of man hours within just three days.”

Tasks included LED lighting and hose change outs, an electrical audit and spray taping, which were required to get Canberra out of the maintenance period and certified for sea.

Warrant Officer of the Navy Butterworth praised the dedication and drive of Chief Petty Officer Heath and the team, especially the number who had posted out of Fleet Support Unit but voluntarily came back to assist.

“The ships can’t do what they do without your, and your families, support, which was especially pivotal when giving up what we would usually consider a sacrosanct reduced activity period, so thanks to you and your families for the effort,” Warrant Officer of the Navy Butterworth said.

Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 imagery is available on the Defence Image Gallery athttps://images.defence.gov.au/S20192970. ND

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Australian Maritime Warfare Centre puts team building into practice at The Infants’ Home

Royal Australian Navy

4-5 minutes

Published on 29 January 2020 LEUT Geoff Long (author)

Location(s): Ashfield, NSW

Topic(s): Charities, Fundraising & Community

Volunteers from the Australian Maritime Warfare Centre (AMWC) spent a day helping with maintenance around The Infants’ Home in Ashfield, Sydney, the AMWC’s designated charity. L-R: Leading Seaman Stephen Davies-Griffith; Lieutenant Commander Chito Irlandez; Commander Michael Hicking and Able Seaman Royce Lee.

A working party from the Australian Maritime Warfare Centre (AMWC) recently lent a hand at The Infants’ Home in Ashfield, Sydney, carrying on a 50-year Navy tradition of support for the charity.

The Infants’ Home has been supporting children and families since 1874, with Navy’s association and support following a line from HMAS Voyager (II) to HMAS Sydney (IV) and, since 2015, the AMWC.

The facility offers an integrated childcare service that provides early childhood education, early intervention and health services for more than 2600 children per year across Sydney.

One third of these services are for children and families at risk due to additional physical or emotional needs, or because they were living in vulnerable circumstances.

The Australian Maritime Warfare Centre supports The Infants’ Home as its unit charity and visits the facility monthly to assist with maintenance and upkeep of the property and its extensive gardens.

The final visit of 2019 saw four volunteers take on a range of tasks, including laying new paving and synthetic grass.

Australian Maritime Warfare Centre Chief of Staff, Commander Michael Hicking, who was also part of the working party, said the visits were mutually beneficial.

The Infant’s Home gets regular help with maintenance, while for Navy it’s a valuable exercise in team building.

“I haven’t found anyone that doesn’t enjoy coming out and helping to make a difference.

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“It makes people feel good, but it’s also a great team-oriented exercise where everyone chips in and works together,” Commander Hicking said.

The origins of the Navy’s support to the home dates back to HMAS Voyager (II), which adopted it as its unit charity.

HMAS Sydney (III) took over this commitment and has passed it on between each crew until HMAS Sydney (IV) decommissioned in 2015.

Following the decommissioning, the Australian Maritime Warfare Centre stepped in to ensure the home had regular support to assist with tasks and ensure the relationship with the Navy was maintained.

Commander Hicking said the AMWC would continue its support in 2020, but will also be joined by the new crew of NUSHIP Sydney when she goes into service next year.

“From next year, The Infant’s Home will have two Navy organisations, with the new crew of NUSHIP Sydney having already re-established its connection,” he said. ND

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Sea trials demonstrate new capability to manage AUVs

Royal Australian Navy

4-4 minutes

A week-long trial led by the Royal Australian Navy and the Defence Science and Technology Group has demonstrated new capability in the use of autonomous underwater vehicles.

Thirty-two autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) experts from Navy, Defence Science and Technology (DST), industry and academia came together at HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay in December 2019 for the inaugural ‘Summerfest’ event, to share knowledge and solutions to common challenges in the growing AUV environment.

Capability Realisation Engineer, Lieutenant James Keane from the Royal Australian Navy Mine Warfare Clearance Diving Force Element Group said the event built on existing collaboration between the various stakeholders.

The trials also gave Navy engineers an opportunity to mark the progress made in AUV applied research and operations throughout 2019.

Lieutenant Keane had the idea to organise Summerfest after attending a related event in Hobart, Tasmania, hosted by the Australian Maritime College (AMC), which was called Winterfest.

“Summerfest was very much focussed on users and developers of AUV behaviours, and the group was motivated to apply research and advance capability.

“Our aim was to see what progress had been made in our use of AUVs in the mine warfare and hydrographic communities, so that we have a benchmark for our work in 2020,” Lieutenant Keane said.

Published on 29 January 2020 LEUT Geoff Long (author), ABIS Leo Baumgartner (photographer)

Location(s): HMAS Creswell

Topic(s): HMAS Creswell, Science, Technology & Innovation, Unmanned/Remote Systems

Lieutenant Charlie Kenney attends the Defence Science and Technology Group (DTSG) hosted Summerfest for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) operations at HMAS Creswell

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One of the key outcomes of the event was that it allowed the participants to trial the use of an unmanned service vessel (USV) on the water, that could act as a communications gateway for multiple AUVs.

“Using an unmanned service vessel in this way allowed the operators to remotely view the live status of the vehicle when it was on the surface and gave HQ the ability to reconfigure the vehicle or change its mission parameters in between dives,” Lieutenant Keane said.

“Next year we want to continue proving the capability of a surface vehicle to monitor AUVs and also to increase the interoperability between the USV and multiple AUVs,” he added.

DST Group Research Scientist Dr Stuart Anstee praised the collaboration with industry partner Ocius Technologies, which supplied the USV under contract to DST Group and supported the activity during the trial.

“In summary, this activity showed the value of USV-AUV collaboration to a degree that was not expected, given the relatively minimal preparations that DST and Ocius were able to undertake prior to the trial.

“The USV was operated from MV Kimbla, but could have been operated from anywhere with a mobile 4G connection,” Dr Anstee said.

Lieutenant Keane also said the week-long event at Creswell had allowed Navy to trial the technology in a higher sea state than they have previously operated.

“We were out there for longer periods than we’ve previously tried, and operating under tougher conditions allows us to improve our capability and sets us up for further work in 2020,” Lieutenant Keane said.

Earlier this year, Lieutenant Keane was awarded the Holthouse Memorial Scholarship to further his research with autonomous underwater vehicles.

The Holthouse Memorial Scholarship encourages the development of professional engineering mastery as a means to grow naval engineering capability, and may be used to undertake study, research or professional development in a navy engineering field.

Imagery is available on the Navy Image Gallery at https://images.navy.gov.au/S20193188. ND

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Innovation Unit brings 3D creativity to repairs in HMAS Parramatta

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 30 January 2020 LEUT Rilana Ostheim (author), LSIS Ronnie Baltoft (photographer)

Topic(s): HMAS Parramatta (F154), Science, Technology & Innovation

Royal Australian Navy sailor Petty Officer Electronics Technician Nathan Little with a sound powered communications adapter that was 3D printed on board HMAS Parramatta.

Overcoming obstacles while at sea is all in a day’s work for an innovative group of sailors in HMAS Parramatta, who are putting their problem-solving skills and innovative approach at the forefront of their daily work.

HMAS Parramatta’s embarked Innovation Unit demonstrated its capability during the ship’s recent East Asia Deployment, using 3D printing to replicate necessary items and developing new skills.

Petty Officer Electronic Technician Nathan Little, the Unit Innovation Coordinator, said significant innovations have already improved capability on board.

“Our 3D printing workshop was very successful during our deployment, producing three practical and real world solutions and returning capability back to our command,” Petty Officer Little said.

“We worked closely with other areas of the ship to identify issues and find real world solutions.

“We were able to replicate faulty parts and return full functionality, which is a great success for the team,” he said.

Some innovations the Innovation Unit has come up with while at sea have the potential to become the new standards and to be used across platforms.

While the 3D printing workshop is a catalyst, the real innovators and problem solvers are the unit’s team members.

Leading Seaman Electronic Technician Duncan O’Brien has been awarded a Commanding Officer’s Commendation for his initiative in developing his skillset without prior experience.

“To have been recognised for my work is a great personal achievement,” Leading Seaman O’Brien said.

“What’s even better is that my new skills now directly benefit my ship and the whole team on board.

“I am looking forward to creating more positive impact and results,” he said.

Imagery is available on the Navy Image Gallery at https://images.navy.gov.au/S20193099. ND

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New National Commander for Navy Cadets

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 30 January 2020 CMDR Stuart Wheeler (author and photographer)

Topic(s): Australian Navy Cadets, Change of Command

Outgoing National Commander Royal Australian Navy Cadets (ANC), Captain Kerry Rayner OAM ANC at the promotion and handover ceremony for incoming National Commander ANC, Captain Martin Blume ANC, centre, with Director General Australian Navy Cadets and Reserves (DGANCR), Commodore David Greaves RAN.

After three years at the helm of the Royal Australian Navy Cadets (ANC), Captain Kerry Rayner OAM ANC handed over the role of National Commander ANC to newly-promoted Captain Martin Blume ANC.

Captain Blume’s promotion was performed during the handover ceremony by Director General Australian Navy Cadets and Reserves (DGANCR), Commodore David Greaves RAN and assisted by Captain Rayner.

Commodore Greaves paid tribute to Captain Rayner who made history as the first female Captain in the ANC, as well as the first Cadet to progress through the ranks to Captain.

“Over the last the three years, Captain Rayner has played a vital role in support of our important national youth development program, and she will continue to serve as Training Officer, Training Ship Bundaberg,” Commodore Greaves said.

Captain Blume said he was looking forward to his new role as the National Commander.

“With a lot of exciting opportunities on the horizon for Navy Cadets, and for ADF Cadets more broadly, it is a great time for a new Navy Cadet leadership team to take the program towards our strategic plan contained in ANC - Passage Plan to 2021,” Captain Blume said.

“I am honoured to lead and grow the ANC in this significant time of Australia’s burgeoning maritime industry, the increasing use of STEM technology and some new, exciting opportunities for our Cadets to be part of the Navy experience.”

Captain Blume joined the RAN in 1973 as Electronic Technician rising to the rank of Lieutenant, and transferred to the RAN Reserves in 1996

He has volunteered in the ANC since 1998, holding various positions as Commanding Officer, Flotilla Commander and ANC Director of Information Technology, and was promoted to Commander ANC in 2015. ND

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Instructor’s efforts recognised at the ‘School of many Ss’

Royal Australian Navy

3-4 minutes

Published on 31 January 2020 WO Paul Phillips (author)

Location(s): HMAS Stirling, WA

Topic(s): Bradley Meek Perpetual Shield, RANSSSS

Commander Ashley Shanks presents Petty Officer Marine Technician Michael Chenneour with the 2019 Bradley Meek Perpetual Shield.

It’s a harsh environment, but the instructors at the Royal Australian Navy School of Survivability and Ship Safety (RANSSSS), nicknamed the ‘School of many Ss’, are dedicated to the task of teaching our sailors how to survive and gain control of life threatening situations on our ships and submarines.

On 5 May 1998, a fire on board HMAS Westralia (II) claimed the lives of four crew members, highlighting the complexity in trying to prepare for every emergency situation.

Leading Seamen Bradley John Meek was one of those sailors who perished in the fire. In his memory, the Bradley Meek Perpetual Shield is awarded annually to the most outstanding Combat Survivability Instructor at the ‘School of many Ss’.

Senior Instructor at the school, Chief Petty Officer Marine Technician Steven Paterson, said the professionalism and dedication of our instructors is second to none, with all staff extremely aware of the importance of what they teach.

“Selecting a winner is never easy when you consider the high calibre of instructors we have across the three Royal Australian Navy combat survivability schools.

“It is always a pleasure acknowledging outstanding performance by members of our team,” Chief Petty Officer Paterson said.

The 2019 Bradley Meek Award has recently been presented to Petty Officer Marine Technician Michael Chenneour, who was recognised with the award for his endeavours as a Training Facilitator.

In Petty Officer Chenneour’s role as an instructor, he has created a positive learning environment for all ranks and constantly promotes a ‘be the best that I can be attitude’.

He has empowered all trainees under his instruction to better understand their Combat Survivability duties and responsibilities to successfully respond to Damage Control emergencies at sea.

The award was presented by Head of Maritime Warfare South, Commander Ashley Shanks, at the RANSSSS Training Facility West, which is located at HMAS Stirling. ND

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An exemplary service career honoured

Royal Australian Navy

4-4 minutes

A funeral with full military honours was held for Vice Admiral David Willoughby Leach AC, CBE, LVO, RAN (Ret’d) who served as Chief of Naval Staff from 1982 to 1985 on Friday, 31 January 2020 at the Garden Island Chapel.

Vice Admiral Leach had a distinguished 43-year career and was the last former Chief of Naval Staff, now known as Chief of Navy, to have served in the Royal Australian Navy during the Second World War.

Hundreds of mourners including the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, the Mayor of Woollahra, Councillor Susan Wynne and Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, AO, RAN turned out to farewell Vice Admiral Leach.

The coffin of Admiral Leach, draped with the Australian White Ensign and with the admiral’s sword and cap placed on it, was transported on a gun-carriage flanked by 136 junior sailors and the Navy Band. Six sailors acted as pall bearers.

Eulogies and tributes were delivered by the Admiral’s family and navy members.

As part of the ceremonial tribute, the three pound saluting gun battery at the end of Garden Island fired 30 times and an honour guard of 24 fired a three-volley salute.

Vice Admiral Leach joined the Royal Australian Naval College in 1942 at the age of 13.

During his career he served in Royal Navy ships of the British Pacific Fleet, on board HMA Ships Australia (II), Murchison, Arunta (I) and Melbourne (II). He commanded Vendetta (II) and Perth (II).

Published on 31 January 2020 LEUT Jessica Craig (author), ABIS Jarrod Mulvihill (photographer)

Location(s): Garden Island, NSW

Topic(s): Chief of Navy, Funeral

Reverend Collin Acton, RAN leads mourners at Garden Island Chapel in remembering the distinguished life and career of Vice Admiral David Willoughby Leach AC, CBE, LVO, RAN (Ret'd), a former Chief of Naval Staff.

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Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Michael Noonan praised his predecessor’s courage and expertise, notably while captain of HMAS Perth (II) in the Vietnam War.

“While under his command, HMAS Perth provided accurate bombardment of shore targets and avoided 30 rounds of counter battery fire from enemy shore emplacements,” Vice Admiral Noonan said.

“For this, the crew of Perth were awarded the US Meritorious Unit Commendation and Vice Admiral Leach was a made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for distinguished service and devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.

“His leadership skills during this and other times of conflict were exemplary.”

Vice Admiral Leach went on to serve as Director of Naval Plans, the Director General of Naval Operational Requirements, the Australian Naval Representative in the United Kingdom, the Chief of Naval Materiel, and the Chief of Naval Staff.

For his service, Vice Admiral Leach was recognised when he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia and later a Companion of the Order of Australia and a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order.

Vice Admiral Leach retired in 1985 after three years as the Chief of Naval Staff. He continued his commitment to public service as a member of the Council of the Australian War Memorial and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

He was also the Mayor of Woollahra, an alderman, the Chairman of the Australian Vietnam War Veterans Trust and a patron to many ex-service organisations.

Vice Admiral Leach passed away on 19 January 2020 at the age of 91.

Admiral Leach is survived by his widow Pamela, daughter Nicola and son Michael.

Imagery is available on the Navy Image Gallery at https://images.navy.gov.au/S20200652. ND

Vice Admiral David Willoughby Leach AC, CBE, LVO, RAN (Rtd), the last former Chief of Naval Staff to have served in the Royal Australian Navy during the Second World War, was remembered at a funeral service held at Garden Island Chapel on Friday, 31 January 2020.

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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 • Innovation Unit brings 3D creativity to repairs in HMAS Parramatta January 30, 2020

• Sea trials demonstrate new capability to manage AUVs January 29, 2020

• Dechaineux strengthens ties with fellow submariners abroad January 28, 2020

• Supply crew enthusiastic for service January 18, 2020

• New era for Navy test and tactics development January 6, 2020

• Arunta celebrates two significant milestones January 4, 2020

• Patrol boats the guardians of regional security and stability January 3, 2020

• Fleet Support Unit evolving to meet needs of future fleet January 1, 2020

Operations • WO-N: Bushfire relief capability possible thanks to engineering contributions January 28, 2020

• Navy Doctor contributes to Defence bushfire response in the Adelaide Hills January 25, 2020

• Duty and service in the family January 25, 2020

• Governor-General visits aerial bushfire responders January 24, 2020

• Albatross under fire January 24, 2020

• MV Sycamore provides versatility to the fleet January 24, 2020

• Military-civilian partnerships crucial for BUSHFIRE ASSIST January 23, 2020

• Father and daughter on bushfire relief duty January 22, 2020

• HMAS Adelaide prepared for any contingency during Op BUSHFIRE ASSIST January 21, 2020

• Navy Doctor deploys to support Kangaroo Island January 20, 2020

• Navy Medic’s local link to bushfire communities January 19, 2020

• Industry provides enabling support to bushfire task force at sea January 17, 2020

• ATG collaborates with regional authorities on bushfire relief op January 16, 2020

• Bushfire response strikes a personal note with Choules’ ship’s company January 15, 2020

• HMAS Adelaide sailor’s commitment close to home January 14, 2020

• Fire operations under threat of fire January 14, 2020

• Teamwork key to helicopter recovery January 14, 2020

• Toowoomba departs for sixth Middle East deployment January 13, 2020

• Royal Navy aviator supports ADF’s bushfire efforts January 13, 2020

• Dedication to family and community drives Navy’s volunteer firefighters January 10, 2020

• Multiagency collaboration at sea ensures success of evacuation mission January 10, 2020

• Second evacuation by ‘Mallacoota Ferry’ complete January 9, 2020

• Young fire evacuee celebrates 12th birthday with new Navy family January 9, 2020

• Embarked medical team inspired by personal links to bushfire-affected communities January 9, 2020

• HMAS Adelaide demonstrates capability during crisis January 8, 2020

• Choules prepares for return to Mallacoota January 6, 2020

• Choules makes first delivery of evacuees to Western Port January 5, 2020

• Sycamore delivers first wave of evacuees to safety January 4, 2020

• Details of the Mallacoota evacuation by sea January 4, 2020

• Navy Task Group sails to support bushfire relief efforts January 2, 2020

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People • An exemplary service career honoured January 31, 2020

• Instructor’s efforts recognised at the ‘School of many Ss’ January 31, 2020

• New National Commander for Navy Cadets January 30, 2020

• Fifty-year naval career culminates in Order of Australia January 27, 2020

• Submarine engineer recognised for early attack design, capability transition planning January 27, 2020

• Former aviation sailor from Christmas Island awarded Conspicuous Service Medal January 26, 2020

• Legal acumen earns logistics sailor the Conspicuous Service Medal January 26, 2020

• Australia Day 2020 Honours List - Royal Australian Navy January 25, 2020

• Technical sailors rev up with Tickford Racing January 23, 2020

• WRANS Writer remembers twin brother, lost in 1945 January 22, 2020

• A submariner’s view from above January 21, 2020

• Eighteen recruits graduate from Navy Indigenous Development Program January 5, 2020

• Husband and wife make patrol boat history January 2, 2020

Community

• Australian Maritime Warfare Centre puts team building into practice at The Infants’ Home January 29, 2020

Events

• Canberra takes centre stage on Sydney Harbour January 26, 2020

Sport

• Navy One does senior service proud in Sydney to Hobart January 27, 2020

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