Another busy day on Exercise Triton Storm 2/11

17 March 2011 By LEUT Ben Willee, RANR

Members of HMAS Toowoomba's support party prepares to attack a fire during a damage control exercise.

Wednesday 9 March 2011 was another busy day off the coast of Perth on Exercise Triton Storm with the crew of HMAS Toowoomba (Commander Andrew Quinn) being put through their paces.

The morning started with a Damage Control Exercise where the crew simulates what might happen in an operational environment. They were subjected to all sorts of challenges including toxic hazards and floods. Each crew member must swing into action often putting on heavy firefighting gear, breathing apparatus then going into small smokey compartments to do their job.

Seaman Morley said “It is hard work but we’re up to the challenge. The more we train the better we are at our jobs.”

The Aircrew (or Birdies) spent the afternoon practicing their flying skills. They even did reconnaissance on two local hospitals, just in case a Navy helicopter is called on to support an emergency situation.

There were a number of drills and exercises throughout the day but the most attention was received when the man overboard dummy (affectionately known as Oscar) was hurled over the side, thereby starting the challenging operation of a recovering a man overboard.

It was hot and sweaty work and lunch might have been late – but we all got to eat our action snacks (glucose jelly beans), so there were no complaints.

Another busy day on Exercise Triton Storm 2/11

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