Armidale Class Patrol Boat Crew Ardent Three
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| Commanding Officer | Lieutenant Commander Steve Woodman |
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At the end of September (2008) Ardent Three took over HMAS Launceston from Ardent One. The ship was then re-badged as "HMAS Hammersley" and proceeded to Mission Beach for the filming of the third season of Channel Nine’s Sea Patrol series. Whilst the filming did involve long hours, the crew thoroughly enjoyed it, with the opportunity to mix with the cast and film crew an added bonus. Needless to say that Ardent Three’s involvement was much appreciated by the production team and a request has already been placed for ARDENT THREE to do the series four filming.
Once the 6 week “patrol” had come to an end, HMAS Launceston (AKA "HMAS Hammersley") was handed over to Ardent Five for a further week of filming in Brisbane. The crew then being in an off watch period took a well deserved opportunity to take leave with family and friends.
After a lengthy leave period over Christmas, the crew were keen to get back into the fray. After taking over HMAS Wollongong in mid January (2009)we were deployed on Operation RESOLUTE. The crew set off for an eleven day voyage through the inner reef and gulf of Carpentaria. Command took this opportunity to bring the crew up to speed in all areas of damage control, conducting frequent fire, flood and toxic hazard exercises.
After a brief port visit to Darwin, patrol duties were conducted off the coast of north western Australia and Ashmore reef. During this period, four investigative boardings were conducted, with all being released. On the final leg of the patrol, the ship pulled into Yampi Sound where the crew had the opportunity to oversee a working open cut mine in operation.
The mine at Cockatoo Island produces around sixty million dollars of iron ore monthly. Whilst several crew members took the opportunity to view over the mine, a number of the miners enjoyed lunch and a tour onboard HMAS Wollongong. Whilst in Yampi Sound, the crew also visited the now famous Croc Creek, with its idyllic swimming hole and bush maritime museum.
After a long but enjoyable patrol, HMAS Wollongong sailed home into Cairns inlet on the 8th of March, and handed the boat over two days later. The crew are now looking forward to taking over Launceston in late March and the ensuing trip to Townsville, Brisbane and Cooktown for Anzac Day.
