Commanding Officer of ROKS Sejong the Great, CAPT Kim, Myung-Soo welcomes Commanding Officer of HMAS Ballarat CMDR Jonathan Earley to Busan.

The Anzac Class Guided Missile Frigate, HMAS Ballarat, continues its North East Asian deployment after completing a successful exercise with the Chinese Navy it will conduct a port visit and exercise with the Republic of Korea.

After a short port visit to the city of Busan, HMAS Ballarat will participate in the inaugural bilateral maritime exercise between the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Republic of Korean Navy (ROKN) Exercise HAIDOLI WALLABY (EHW) between 28 and 29 May 12.

The exercise is aimed to improve interoperability and mutual understanding between the ADF and ROKN in selected facets of maritime operations through the conduct of training activities including communications and Anti Submarine Warfare.

The ship’s Commanding Officer, Commander Jonathan Earley, said this is an exciting time for his crew to interact on a professional and cultural level with a highly valued regional neighbour.

“The HAIDOLI-WALLABY Exercise represents an excellent opportunity for HMAS Ballarat to further hone our high-end warfare skills with the ROKN and deepen our defence relationship with a Navy who shares maritime interests similar to ours”, Commander Earley said.

HMAS Ballarat is now over half way through a four month deployment through South and North East Asia. Further exercises are planned with Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force and the United States Navy off Japan before HMAS Ballarat returns to Sydney in June.

HMAS Ballarat entry into Shanghai, China.

The Royal Australian Navy has completed a maritime exercise with the Chinese Navy as part of a highly successful visit to the People’s Republic of China.

Australia is committed to further developing strong and positive defence relations with China through dialogue and practical activities.

The Passage Exercise (PASSEX) was conducted between HMAS Ballarat and the Chinese Navy frigate Anqing at the mouth of the Yangtze River.

The exercise was part of Ballarat’s five day visit to Shanghai, where the ship helped mark 40 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and the People’s Republic of China.

The PASSEX scenario was constructed around a radio call from a stricken merchant vessel located to the East of the Yangtze Estuary. Both vessels closed the last known position at best speed and prepared to render assistance. Upon arrival, a man overboard exercise was initiated by Anqing, with Ballarat launching her Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) to conduct a search of the area. The RHIB then performed a recovery operation before returning a casualty to Anqing for further care.

As the exercise drew to an end, HMAS Ballarat’s Commanding Officer Jonathan Earley sent a signal to the Anqing: “Our exercise today contributed significantly in deepening our mutual respect and trust of each other’s capabilities at sea and has further strengthened our bilateral relationship in many ways,” Commander Earley said.

“We look forward to conducting more maritime engagement activities with the PLA(N) in the near future.”

Ballarat is currently on a North East Asian Deployment with further bilateral exercises planned with the Republic of Korea, Japan and the United States prior to returning to Sydney in late June.

Contingent of HMAS Perth's crew marching in the annual Esquimalt Victoria Day Parade. Image courtesy of Times Colonist.

HMAS Perth, has reaffirmed close Australian Defence ties to Canada with a visit to the Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt in Victoria, Canada.

The visit by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Anzac Class frigate coincided with Canada’s Victoria Day. A contingent of HMAS Perth sailors marched in a place of honour ahead of the Royal Canadian Navy at the annual Esquimalt Victoria Day Parade.

The RAN and the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) have a long history of serving and training together. RAN and RCN ships served during the Korean War, in support to East Timor, and have been longstanding participants the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise series, the largest maritime exercise in the world.

The Commanding Officer of HMAS Perth Captain Mal Wise OAM RAN, who trained with the Canadian Navy as a younger officer, said “ there is nothing more effective than face to face contact with mates for developing relationships between Navies as well as nations”.

During the visit, HMAS Perth demonstrated the Australian designed and built CEAFAR Radar and CEAMOUNT Missile Control Illuminator, which was recently fitted as part of the Anti Ship Missile Defence Upgrade. The new multi-phased array radar system can identify, track and guide missiles onto multiple targets simultaneously.

While on deployment to the US West Coast and Canada, HMAS Perth will conduct international engagement visits to several other ports and will participate in RIMPAC 2012

A view of PLA-N Ship Anqing during Officer of the Watch Manoeuvres with HMAS Ballarat.

Fostering a better understanding of how we operate in the maritime environment was the aim of the Passage Exercise (PASSEX) conducted between HMAS Ballarat (Commander Jonathan Earley) and the People’s Revolutionary Army – Navy frigate Anqing (LCDR Hu Jinchun) at the mouth of the Yangtze River on 21 May 12.

Both Australia and China have a long history of friendship and the PASSEX represented a valuable opportunity to further enrich that relationship. The exercise represented the culmination of Ballarat’s five day visit to Shanghai where the ship helped mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Specifically, the PASSEX sought to further promote ongoing engagement between the RAN and PLA-N through the conduct of practical exercises designed to improve interoperability and understanding of how each Navy conducts its business at sea. Such exercises are important in times of regional disaster relief, humanitarian assistance and security operations at sea, whereby nations often send naval assets to assist at short notice. PASSEXes such as these, help facilitate familiarity among our regional neighbours so that when assistance is called for in a time of need, ships are able to integrate and cooperate quickly and efficiently.

The PASSEX was planned in three phases with each phase increasing in complexity. The first phase commenced during the pilotage out of the Yangtze River with communication exercises conducted between tactical operators onboard both ships. The second phase involved Officer of the Watch Manoeuvres that demonstrated the ability for the two ships to safely and effectively operate in close company. The third and final phase was a joint search and rescue exercise based on a scenario provided by the PLA(N).

The exercise began with a VHF radio call about a stricken merchant vessel located to the East of the Yangtze Estuary. Both vessels closed the last known position at best speed and prepared to render assistance. Upon arrival at the last known position, a man overboard exercise was initiated by Anqing, with Ballarat launching her RHIB to conduct a search of the area. The RHIB then performed a recovery operation before returning the casualty to Anqing for further care. The RHIB crew had the unique experience of conducting a transfer alongside Anqing and performed their role quickly and professionally prior to returning to Ballarat.

On completion of the PASSEX CO Ballarat thanked his PLA(N) counterpart and his crew for a rewarding and productive exercise, stating “Our exercise today contributed significantly in deepening our mutual respect and trust of each other’s capabilities at sea and has further strengthened our bilateral relationship in many ways. We look forward to conducting more maritime engagement activities with the PLA(N) in the near future”.

Ballarat is currently on a North East Asian Deployment with further bilateral exercises planned with the Republic of Korea, Japan and the United States prior to returning to Sydney in late June.

Lieutenant Peter Lennon has his flight helmet in hand and ready to go for his 'Farewell from the Navy' flight.

LEUT Peter Lennon was just 16 when he joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1973, and next month he will retire after a distinguished career which has spanned four decades.

When LEUT Lennon joined the service 39 years ago, little did he know that he would eventually earn a reputation which would see his face displayed on posters promoting one of the Navy’s five core values, ‘loyalty.’

Few would argue that his long career could also make him a poster child for ‘commitment.’ Having joined the Navy as an Electronics Technician Sailor, he reached the heights of Warrant Officer before extending his career by commissioning as a Technical Officer - Electronics Technician.

LEUT Lennon’s journey to becoming the ‘face of loyalty’ reads like a history paper. He has served in ten warships, nine of which have since been decommissioned. He first found his sea legs in 1975 when he joined Aircraft Carrier HMAS Melbourne (II), and spent most of his career on the briney before completing his final sea-posting in HMAS Anzac in 2009.

The veteran, whose service includes deployments for Operations RESOLUTE, SLIPPER and CATALYST, has collected a lot of memories along the way including the Southern Ocean rescues of Tony Bullimore and Thierry Dubois.

“There has been so many highlights, but taking part in the Queens Silver Jubilee in 1977 would have to be one of the most memorable.’

“I joined the Navy with an expectation of adventure, which has been fulfilled beyond my dreams,” he said.

LEUT Lennon, who’ll spend his retirement fishing and exploring the Nullabor Plains in a Motor-home, was given a farewell flight in a Navy S70-B Seahawk Helicopter on Friday to thank him for his dedicated service.

“It was a fantastic opportunity. Most of the flight was over the ocean, following the coast of Perth as we made our way North.’

“It was fitting as I have done that trip so many times onboard ships. So, it was great to see it from the air,” he said.

Reflecting on his career, LEUT Lennon said he feels proud to have been ‘the face of Loyalty’, a value which he believes has enabled his own longevity in the service.

“There are good times and bad times, and it is important to live through them all, because they help us to learn and develop.’

“Navy has been my life for a long time, and has supported me throughout. Likewise, Navy will always have my support,” said LEUT Lennon, who will take fond memories into retirement.

“I will miss going to sea the most. Comradeships are forged like no other amongst those who have served together at sea.”

“There is nothing else like the feeling of being part of a close knit community, out on the ocean, far from home,” he said.

LEUT Lennon will be given an official send-off at HMAS Stirling on the 28th of June.

Lieutenant David Malnar, USN (Chaplain) / Rear Admiral Lower Half (RDML) Patrick J. Lorge, USN (Commandant Naval District Washington) / Mr Beazley / Vice Admiral (VADM) William D. French, USN (Commander, Navy Installations Command) / Commodore Woodall, CSC RAN stand to attention during an official ceremony at the US Navy Memorial in Washington DC, marking the 70th anniversary of the Battle Of the Coral Sea.

The rain held back as the sun shined, while the US Navy Band played ’Waltzing Matilda’ to a captive audience outside the US Navy Memorial in Washington DC. Commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea, both US Navy and Royal Australian Navy forces were well represented at the ceremony. The Battle of the Coral Sea saw US and Australian units join forces to make a stand against the Japanese advance on Port Moresby. The ensuing battle in early May saw a tactical Japanese victory, but a strategic win by the allies as the Japanese were forced to attack Port Moresby by land, over the treacherous Kokoda trail.

The ANF, side by side with the Star Spangled Banner, provided a stark reminder of the two countries allegiances in tough times, as the last post was sounded by attending members of the Royal Australian Band. The ceremony proved unique opportunity to remember the sacrifices by both Navies during the battle of the Coral Sea.

Later in the evening, the Naval Attaché to the United States, CDRE Stephen Woodall, CSC RAN hosted a celebration of the US - Australia alliance, with RAN and USN personnel entertained by members of the RAN Band. CDRE Woodall set the scene for the evening’s celebrations, “The action undertook by the two navies represents the beginning of an alliance that endures to this day.”

The USN’s Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Jonathan Greenert, USN, amplified these remarks, “Australia is the only country that has stood by the US in every conflict since World War One.”

The Australian Ambassador, the Honourable Kim Beazley also highlighted the alliance between the two countries, “That the battle took place at all speaks volumes for the courage of the American leadership.”

The Battle of the Coral Sea represents the furthest penetration south of the Japanese Imperial Forces, and had the Japanese successfully completed Australia’s isolation from the United States, it is likely that the Australia would have either been forced out of the war or simply rendered irrelevant.

HMAS Balikpapan approaches the beach at Dundee, Northern Territory to conduct an amphibious landing during Exercise TRITON THUNDER 2012.

Dundee Beach, south of Darwin was the venue on Friday for the culmination of two weeks of training for seven Royal Australian Navy ships participating in Exercise TRITON THUNDER 01-12.

HMA Ships Ararat, Larrakia, Diamantina, Gascoyne, Balikpapan, Shepparton, Benalla, AS350BA Squirrel Helicopters from Navy’s 723 Squadron joined Landing Craft and Unimog trucks operated by Army’s 36 Water Transport Troop in the maritime exercise.

Exercise TRITON THUNDER 01-12 included forums and exercise scenarios at HMAS Coonawarra, as well as collective in-company training at sea and ashore in the Northern Australian Exercise Area.

Commander Sea Training, Minor War Vessels, Commander Alex Hawes, said the training was multi-faceted and extremely valuable.

“The sea phase involved training in maritime warfare, navigation, amphibious operations, aviation operations and combat survivability. It all culminated in a major beach extraction serial at Dundee Beach on Thursday,” said Commander Hawes.

“This exercise has re-affirmed our interoperability with Army in the northern part of Australia and our confidence that Navy’s fleet of minor war vessels is always ready to respond.”

Commander Hawes also praised the Army’s contribution to the success of the exercise, which he said ‘provided a challenging opportunity for Navy and Army to coordinate tactical asset delivery to achieve a realistic strategic outcome.’

“This exercise follows a long history of amphibious operations by the Australian Defence Force that will soon evolve into the formidable new capability to be provided by the acquisition of the Canberra Class Landing Helicopter Docks (LHDs)” said Commander Hawes.

Exercise TRITON THUNDER is conducted bi-annually in Northern Australian waters.

ABCIS Jamie Ehlers and ABCIS Tamara Prins perform the Sunset ceremony during the Official reception.

WHISKEY TANGO CHARLIE – ‘Welcome to China’, that was the signalled greeting afforded to HMAS Ballarat (Commander Jonathan Earley) by warships of the PLA-N, as Ballarat carefully weaved her way through the busy nine hour pilotage that encompassed transits of the Yangtz and Huangpu Rivers into Shanghai on 17 May 12.

Escorted by the PLA-N frigate Anqing, Ballarat berthed adjacent the famous Bund district in the centre of Shanghai for a five day port visit. Set against a stunning cityscape featuring the famous Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai World Finance Tower skyscrapers, two large banners were unfurled on the port and starboard sides of the ship’s hangar to help mark the 40th anniversary of Australian and Chinese diplomatic relations.

At the welcome ceremony, resplendent with Guard and band, the Ballarat’s Commanding Officer thanked the senior PLA-N Representative CAPT Li Jun – Deputy Chief of Staff of the Shanghai Naval Garrison, for the warm welcome and spectacular berth afforded to the ship in the middle of Shanghai. CMDR Earley said:

“It is indeed an honour for us to be here this year, the year that marks the 40th anniversary of Australia-China diplomatic ties and what better way to herald this event than to be berthed in such a spectacular location.”

The port visit was a huge success with a multitude of official activities conducted between the PLA-N and Ballarat including: reciprocal ship visits, an official reception and banquet hosted by the Commander of the Shanghai Naval Garrison, a Cocktail Party onboard Ballarat jointly hosted with the Australian Ambassador to China and a friendly game of basketball.

The ship’s company thoroughly enjoyed interacting with their PLA-N counterparts, with all ranks doing their bit to help strengthen the relationship between the two Navies.

On completion of the port visit CMDR Earley thanked the PLA-N and the local Shanghai Government for a very successful and enjoyable visit. He said:

“We have thoroughly enjoyed our time in this amazing city and feel privileged to have helped mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Our relationship is an important one, and within the maritime domain as navies, we can help strengthen that bond through visits such as these both here and in Australia.”

From left; Able Seaman Marine Technician Thomas Gallant, Leading Seaman Cook Maria Mathews and Able Seaman Bosuns Mate Mathew Pierce get together after receiving a Group Citation for Bravery in an Investiture Ceremony held at Government House.

Three Royal Australian Navy sailors were enthusiastically applauded as they received a Group Citation for Bravery at Government House on 10 May 2012.

More than 100 people clapped as LS Maria Mathews, AB Tomas Gallant and AB Matthew Pierce were presented the honour for their actions which helped to save 44 lives after SIEV 36 exploded near Ashmore Reef in 2009.

‘I was overwhelmed, it was surreal’, said LS Mathews, ‘I was so proud of the team with me.”

Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, praised the group for acting ‘swiftly and professionally’ during the rescue.

Commodore Andrew Smith, representing Fleet Commander at the ceremony, was moved by the volume and duration of the applause that followed.

Fifteen other ADF personnel were included in the citation and have been honoured at separate ceremonies.

LS Mathews’ partner Phil and family were ‘proud beyond words’ and presented their own award of an afternoon’s celebratory shopping followed by dinner.

View images from the Government House Investitures on the Royal Australian Navy Media Library.

The Gibb River Challenge participants, Leading Seaman Grant Casbion, Seaman Acoustic Warfare Analyst Submariner Garreth Shackleton, Petty Officer Electronics Technician Submariner Mark Madison, Mr Tom Power and Sonar Technician Submariner Eric Cornelius.

A team of mountain bike riders based at HMAS Stirling is set for the challenge of a lifetime when they take to outback Western Australia to raise money for charity.

The Gibb River Road Mountain Bike Challenge sees riders negotiate a 780km unsealed track from Derby to Kununurra in the State’s northwest.

Team Navy, comprising six riders and two support staff, will head off from Derby on May 27, and for the next five days will be in the saddle for about 11 hours per day.

Team OIC CPOWTR Trevor Syme said Navy had entered the challenge on two previous occasions, once in 2007 and again in 2008, and he was happy that Navy was represented again this year.

“Half of the money raised by each team goes to the organisers’ charity of choice, while the other half goes to a charity chosen by the team themselves,” he said.

“Our half of the money will be going to the Malibu School for Special Needs Children which is also HMAS Stirling’s official charity.”

CPO Syme said since the challenge was introduced six years ago, approximately $1.5 million had been raised for charity. This year, the organisers’ share of the money will go to the Ryan Marron Foundation which was set up for WA police officer Ryan Marron who is currently battling Murray Valley Encephalitis, a rare mosquito borne virus.

The rest of Team Navy consists of Mr Tom Power, CPOMTSM Ian Miles, POETSM Mark Maddison, PO1 Eric Cornelius (USN), LSCKSM Grant Cashion, ABET Nicholas Evans and SMN(SM) Garreth Shackleton.

HMAS Collins.

HMAS Collins has successfully wrapped up Exercise Bersama Shield 2012 after a series of challenging, high intensity evolutions in the South China Sea.

The exercise consisted of a shore phase, a structured integrated period at sea and finally a freeplay or open conflict phase.

HMAS Collins commanding officer, Commander Jason Cupples, says his mission was to disrupt the activities of the Five Power Defence Agreement task group that included ships and aircraft from the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Singapore and New Zealand.

“The crew performed exceptionally well,” CMDR Cupples said.

“We were in a highly demanding environment demonstrating the skills required to operate in very shallow water, high contact density operating area.

“It also showed the flexibility and resilience of HMAS Collins after we participated at short notice in the fleet concentration period, Ex-Triton Storm 2-12 and complex group warfare week, only four days prior to deploying.”

CMDR Cupples also praised the professionalism and capability of the crew.

“This was reflected in the outstanding results we achieved throughout the exercise and highlighted by the submarines ability to remain undetected and achieve our aim - the simulated destruction of the enemy task group.”

CMDR Cupples says the effectiveness of the Collins Class submarine against exceptionally capable anti-submarine warfare ships and aircraft was clearly demonstrated.

“The high number of successful simulated attacks we conducted on the task group provided further proof that the Collins can operate independently against a highly capable threat in an unfamiliar and demanding environment a long way from home,” CMDR Cupples said.

HMAS Ballarat at anchor off Pulau Tioman, during Exercise Bersama Shield.

HMAS Ballarat (Commanger Jonathan Earley) has been making waves in the South China Seas as part of the maritime component for the annual Five Power Defence Arrangement Exercise – Bersama Shield.

Exercise Bersama Shield 12 (Ex BS12) saw Ballarat join forces with Malaysian Frigate KD Lekiu and Singaporean Frigate RSS Supreme along with HMAS Collins (Commander Jason Cupples) and aircraft from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia and the United Kingdom from 23 April to 4 May 2012.

For Ballarat this was a particularly busy time with Sea Training Group also joining the ship for the duration of the exercise.

Warfare staff from Sea Training Group worked closely with ship’s staff before assessing the warfare team in specific warfare competencies for their upcoming North East Asian Deployment.

The exercise provided an excellent opportunity for this to occur, given the large and extensive number of assets provided by all nations including: Collins, a CB-90 Fast Attack Craft, AEWC, AP-3C, F50, S70B (Singaporean version), Super Lynx and a variety of fast jet aircraft including Hawks, F-15, F-16, F-18, Su30 and MiG 29 as well as two DA 20 Electronic Warfare Aircraft (similar the EWTS aircraft often seen in the EAXA and WAXA).

CMDR Earley said with such a variety of assets, the training was truly multi-threat.

“At any one time it was possible to have 46 aircraft on task providing early warning, undertaking combat air patrols, performing air raids against the force simulating either missile/FGA attacks,” he said.

“All this while at the same having a sub-surface attacks from Collins and small boat asymmetric attacks from the Royal Malaysian Navy’s 45kt CB-90 fast attack craft.”

He said ex-BS 12 was split into four distinct phases for the maritime force.

“The first involved an extensive series of briefs during the Harbour Phase to prepare all participants on the aims and objectives of the exercise.

“This was followed by the Force Integration Training (FIT) Phase, where the maritime component conducted a very busy serialised program to build competence, capability and confidence among the surface units.”

The three frigates formed a surface task group with CO Ballarat acting as Commander Task Group and, along with Collins, spent this phase exercising basic communications, ship handling, aviation and warfare.

The next phase of the exercise was the “WAREX”. This phase focused on the testing the ability of the maritime task group to operate together in a free play environment against unalerted attack windows during the day.

The seven-day exercise culminated in a two-day “LIVEX” in which the task group was required to safely escort a high value unit through the operational areas against an array of air, surface and sub-surface threats coming from anywhere at any time.

One of Ballarat’s JWAC Phase IV trainees, SBLT Scott Lytton, said this exercise was his highlight.

“The uncertainty of the threats and timings meant anything could happen and you had to be alert at all times. It was a great training experience, especially for the bridge team onboard,” SBLT Lytton said.

Adding to that sense of satisfaction was the relief to learn the Sea Training Group had assessed the Operations Team as “Unit Ready” in the required Warfare Competencies needed for the next stage of Ballarat’s North East Asian Deployment.

Able Seaman Marine Technician Daniel Kamali leads the Ballarat team to victory in the Bersama Shield Sports Day Tug-Of-War.

Normally the playground for celebrities and holiday makers, the idyllic island of Pulau Tioman was turned into an international sporting playground as part of the program for Exercise BERSAMA SHIELD 12.

The Royal Australian Navy (HMA Ships Collins and Ballarat) took on the Royal Singaporean Navy (RSS Supreme) and Royal Malaysian Navy (KD Lekiu) amid hot and humid conditions on 1 May 2012 on the island, about 100km north of Singapore.

About 200 members of the Ships’ Companies participated or supported in the sports day ashore which included a round robin of soccer, volleyball and tug-o-war games.

The combined might of the Ballarat and Collins sides dominated the day winning the soccer and a very heated tug-o-war competition but only managed second place in the volleyball, narrowly missing out on the top spot to a very good Malaysian side.

Competition aside, the true value of the day was to interact with fellow mariners, share cultural experiences and enjoy a meal together in the form of a banyan.

The banyan had all ships providing culinary delights from their respective countries to the enjoyment of all with many friendships now firmly established with our neighbouring navies.

The sports day provided welcome relief before the final thrust of the 36-hour War Exercise (WAREX) phase that witnessed dozens of aircraft, surface units and a submarine launch relentless “attacks” against the task group.

HMAS Ballarat

Today, the Anzac Class frigate, HMAS Ballarat, will begin a five-day ship visit to Shanghai, China. Ballarat will be docked at the northern end of Shanghai’s historic Bund from 17-21 May.

The visit will involve cultural exchanges and visits to significant icons in Shanghai.

The exercise will involve a variety of interactive activities including communications and rescue exercises and joint manoeuvres with the PLA-Navy on departure from Shanghai.

The ship’s commanding officer Commander Jonathan Earley says his crew is ready for the challenge. “We have recently come from a long work up to achieve this mission,” CMDR Earley said, “so we are used to dealing with other nations from our region but this is the first time we have exercised so intensely with the PLA-Navy.”

“This is diplomacy at its best,” CMDR Earley said. “There is nothing more effective than face to face contact to build trust and friendship between Navies and nations.”

HMAS Ballarat’s visit to China comes at a time when we are celebrating 40 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and the People’s Republic of China, in December 1972.

The visit points to the constructive and beneficial links between the militaries of our two countries, and underlines the value both China and Australia place on the broader bilateral relationship.

Australia has conducted a senior-level defence dialogue with China for 14 years.

Australia looks forward to co-chairing the 15th annual Defence Strategic Dialogue later this year in China at the Chief of Defence Force level. At this Dialogue we will discuss proposals to further deepen our practical defence cooperation.

Australia and China have enhanced bilateral defence engagement in recent years to include working level exchanges, and practical cooperation in the areas of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercises, maritime engagement and peacekeeping.

(L-R) Tentara Nasional Indonesia (Indonesian Armed Forces) naval vessels KRI Kakap and KRI Tongol sail from Darwin Harbour in formation with HMA Ships Larrakia and Ararat for Exercise CASSOWARY 2012.

Defence ties between Australia and Indonesia continue to strengthen with the conclusion of the biennial patrol boat exercise CASSOWARY.

Royal Australian Navy Armidale Class Patrol Boats HMA Ships Ararat and Larrakia joined with Indonesian Armed Forces patrol boats KRI Kakap and KRI Tongkol for the exercise off Darwin.

Officer Conducting the Exercise, Commodore Braddon Wheeler, said CASSOWARY provided an opportunity for skills development between the two nations and the exchange of ideas.

“By regularly working together and sharing ideas, our Navies develop their teamwork to better protect our shared maritime interests.

“CASSOWARY featured a number of practical activities including simulated coordinated patrols, boarding party procedures, safety of life at sea and search and rescue exercises,” Commodore Wheeler said.

“It helped build on maritime security cooperation between Australia and Indonesia and provided insights into how each Navy does business.”

CASSOWARY built on the recent success of joint Australian-Indonesian coordinated maritime security patrol, AUSINDO CORPAT 2012 and was conducted in parallel with minor war vessel exercise TRITON THUNDER 01-12.

James Fisher Defence crew and Franmarine divers joining the LR5 Submersible Rescue Vehicle to the Universal Deck Reception Chamber during the escape exercise onboard MV Seahorse Standard.

The Royal Australian Navy’s Submarine Force and industry partners have demonstrated how they would respond in the unlikely event of a submarine incident at sea, after completing an intensive two week training exercise focused on testing its Submarine Escape and Rescue capability.

During Exercise Black Carillion, members of the Navy’s Submarine Force, the Defence Material Organisation, Defence Maritime Services and James Fisher Defence have rehearsed how they would respond if required to evacuate personnel from a submarine on the sea bed. This was done by conducting submersible operations in the depths of the Indian Ocean utilising the James Fisher Submarine Rescue Service JFSRS) LR5 Submarine Rescue Vehicle.

The submersible conducted multiple manned dives from the mothership, MV Seahorse Standard, mating with dedicated target plates on the ocean floor. Once recovered on the deck of Seahorse Standard, passengers were transferred into recompression chambers without being exposed to the outside air pressure.

Inside the Type B recompression chambers, the Navy’s underwater medical specialists monitored the evacuees and simulated practicing life-saving medical techniques aimed at preventing and responding to decompression sickness.

Commander Submarine Force, Captain Mark Potter, described the exercise as a success.

“We were able to test three very important key capabilities which would be crucial to saving lives in the unlikely event that we ever experienced a submarine incident requiring the evacuation of submariners.’

“Firstly, proficiency working with James Fisher Submarine Rescue System and the LR5 submersible, secondly that we can effectively utilise both the Type B recompression chambers and finally to ensure our established underwater medical procedures are satisfactory to treat and prevent casualties.’

“These capabilities are vital to the confidence of any submarine force,” said Captain Potter.

Families and volunteers from Camp Quality group together with members from the Royal Australian Navy in front of an AS350 Squirrel helicopter at the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre, Darwin.

There were big smiles all round when four air crew from 723 Squadron dropped in for a special visit to children from Darwin’s family cancer charity Camp Quality.

The Squadron’s AS350 Squirrel helicopter landed before a delighted crowd of children, parents and volunteers at the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre ahead of a period of concentrated training in the Darwin area.

Lieutenant James Hawley, the Squadron’s Maritime Aviation Warfare Instructor said the visit to Camp Quality against the backdrop of the Centre’s impressive collection of aircraft was a indeed a special one.

“I’ve really enjoyed the school visits I’ve done with the Squadron in the past but today’s visit was extra special and a lot of fun,” LEUT Hawley said.

“There was a little trepidation at first but the kids really warmed up to us.”

“With perhaps a little less bravado than some, their interest was genuine and they were absolutely delighted to see the aircraft and talk about the bits and pieces onboard”

Five Squirrel helicopters, normally based at HMAS Albatross in Nowra NSW have arrived in Darwin to participate in concentrated training with the Navy’s minor war vessels including locally based Armidale Class Patrol Boats.

“Working with these boats can be very dynamic and as a Maritime Aviation Warfare Instructor, I am looking forward to the complicated scenarios that they bring to the table.”

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for our junior air crew to hone their tactical skills.”

Camp Quality is the adopted charity of HMAS Coonawarra, Darwin’s home port of the Armidale Class Patrol Boats.

LSMT Iain Swinton

After losing his right lower leg three years ago in a vehicle accident that threatened to end his Navy career, LSMT Iain Swinton has returned to sea with HMAS Huon.

Against the odds, LSMT Swinton answered the call of the sea after more than two years of operations in a long and arduous road to rehabilitation and recovery.

LSMT Swinton, 33, posted on to Huon on April 17 when he was also promoted from AB to LS, which marks a major increase in responsibility.

“When the car first knocked me off my motorcycle and I lost my right lower leg, I did not think I had a future in the Navy and would ever get back to sea,” he said.

“But about 12-months ago after I recompleted my basic training and passed a range of vigorous physical fitness tests, I began to believe that I would get signed off for a return to sea.”

The accident occurred the day after Anzac Day in 2009, which also marked LSMT Swinton’s return to work after an Op Resolute deployment and leave.

“It has been a very arduous journey for me but I was determined to succeed because I got such great support from my mates and first-class hospitalisation and rehabilitation from Navy,” he said.

His immediate goal is to prove himself an asset to Huon’s ship’s company which will help pay back Navy for all the time and money invested in his rehabilitation and recovery.

“There are no passengers on a MHC and everyone is expected to pull their weight, which has me very focused and motivated because I am determined not to be a liability to my mates,” he said.

As Huon’s qualified Maritime Systems Controller p-rate, LSMT Swinton’s duties include running a watch at sea, responsibility for the shore to ship power and helping to manage the ship’s engineering crew.

But being a one-legged sailor on an MHC has its challenges.

“Trying to take a shower on one leg in rough seas can be challenge, but I always sleep with my prosthetic limb on when in bed so I’m ready to respond immediately to any emergency,” he said.

Earlier this year LSMT Swinton participated in the ADF Paralympics program, Exercise Wounded Warrior in the US, which he says helped to prepare him for the challenge of promotion to Leading Seaman and returning to sea.

“My rehabilitation and recovery is as much about getting back to a normal life as it is being able to hang out with my mates again,” he said.

As a result of LS Swinton’s struggle, the process for recovery from injury and accidents and returning to sea is now a lot more clearly defined.

“But I hope no one has to go through what I did,” he said.

Able Seaman Boatswain Mate Nino Libiran from HMAS Newcastle, uses signalling paddles to communicate with HMAS Warramunga during replenishment at sea approaches.

Navigating the picturesque confines of the north and south islands of New Zealand proved to be the perfect training assessment for HMAS Newcastle.

In her capacity as the training task group ship, HMAS Newcastle deployed to New Zealand to conduct training and assessment for the Long Navigation Course during May.

Newcastle’s support for the Long Navigation Course provided members of her ship’s company and some 55 sea riders with training and assessment as future navigation officers.

The sea riders included TA-MW, CAPT Jay Bannister, staff and Long Navigation Course students from HMAS Watson. CO Newcastle, CMDR Jock Campbell, said as experienced officers of the watch, the students were assessed on their ability to handle an FFG at high speed in restricted waters.

Students conducted intense and rigorous planning to navigate Newcastle around the scenic north and south islands“. The key was how the students performed under pressure while maintaining safe navigation of the ship with slowly degrading support,” CMDR Campbell said.

CMDR Campbell said Newcastle’s role as a Training Task Group ship is a Fleet initiative to develop individual mariner training skills.

“Newcastle’s role since January has been to undertake such duties as sea riding days for RAN recruits, provision of sea-going opportunities for Seaman and Able Seaman competency log progression,” he said.

The initiative has seen Newcastle embark an average of 55 trainees each time she has gone to sea this year. A total of 117 sailors have benefited from sea-going training in Newcastle and to date, 12 non-technical and 13 technical competency logs or operator qualifications have been awarded.

ABBM Nino Libiran said he honed his individual skills, particularly how to use signal paddles to communicate with their escort, HMAS Warramunga, during replenishment at sea approaches.

SMNBM Paul Ryan said he benefitted from the individual training opportunities, including firing the line throwing projectile using the F88 Austeyr rifle.

HMAS Stirling (green & gold) Vs USS Carl Vinson (white & blue) friendly soccer match, played at HMAS Stirling.

HMAS Stirling hosted a friendly soccer match against the crew of the carrier the USS Carl Vinson on the 27th of April, giving the visiting sailors a chance to stretch their legs after a long stint at sea.

In the first half the Stirling side dominated the competition, going into the break 2 nil up.

But, after blowing out the cob-webs of six months at sea, a better configured Carl Vinson outfit took the field in the second half, scoring 3 goals to 1 to force a tie.

The difference was split with a penalty shoot out where the US team goalie came into his own with a near flawless performance, letting only one goal through. Their kickers produced 3 goals, enough to get them home on foreign soil.

Post-match activities brought the two nations together for some refreshments and a barbeque. The visiting ship’s company was presented with a plaque and an AFL ball as a memento. Each of the US sailors was also presented with a HMAS Stirling ball cap.

The crew of the Carl Vinson enjoyed the friendly soccer match and a well deserved six day break in Western Australia, having been deployed since November.

The Nimitz class carrier is now on route home to San Diego after six months on deployment.

View images of the HMAS Stirling vs USS Vinson soccer friendly.