Ballarat's majestic deployment comes to an end
27 August 2008
HMAS Ballarat returned from the South West Pacific (SWP) after an exciting seven-week deployment. From participating in the coronation of His Majesty, the King of Tonga, to the majestic beauty of the New Zealand's South Island, this deployment was a stand-out and will be remembered fondly by all on board.
Ballarat began the deployment in early July with a port visit to Adelaide to participate in Navy week activities. A busy program alongside culminated in an open day that saw attendance on board by more than 5,700 people. From Adelaide the ship went to far north Queensland, making the most of the new facilities at HMAS Cairns and enjoying a good run ashore prior to deploying to the SWP
The ship pulled into Nuku'alofa, Tonga on the 31st of July to participate in the pomp and ceremony associated with the coronation of King George Tupou V. Also representing our country was the Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency, Major-General Michael Jeffery AC, CVO, MC (Rtd). In what would be one of his final engagements as GG and the last ADF unit he would visit, he and Mrs. Jeffery embarked in Ballarat, enjoyed lunch on board with the CO, before addressing ship's company and presenting awards. According to POCIS Steve Sorrenson, who was presented with a CJOPS Commendation by His Excellency, it was a great thrill for him personally. "It was an honour to receive a CJOPS commendation, but to have it presented by our Governor General was a truly humbling experience and one I will never forget". His Excellency joined the ship's company in a photo and then took an opportunity to talk with the crew prior to disembarking.
The ship then headed toward Port Vila, Vanuatu, taking an opportunity to exercise with the US Navy Arleigh Burke destroyer, USS John S. McCain enroute. On arrival at Port Vila, the ship's company made the most of great weather and tropical resorts, taking up the chance to go snorkelling and diving and to appreciate escaping the winter back home. The warm weather wasn't to last with Ballarat turning south bound for New Zealand.
The ship enjoyed a weekend in Auckland taking in the city sights before heading even further south. An opportunity was seized to spend some time in-company with sister ship, HMNZS TE KAHA, off of the coast Hawke Bay before then heading to even cooler waters in Dunedin. As is tradition, a bagpiper embarked, playing stirring Scottish renditions as the ship entered harbour. Many of the ship's company made the most of opportunities to see some wonderful sights in and around this city while others sought adventure further a field in Queenstown, with skiing, snowboarding and bungy jumping.
Before heading home, the ship pulled into the majestic Milford Sound in perfect conditions, confronted with snow topped mountains, sheer cliffs and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. This was no small experience for CPOET Kerney who felt lost for words: "I've got nothing" he said, "Being able to transit Milford Sound in Ballarat is simply breathtaking. I couldn't think of a better way to cap off such an outstanding deployment."
The ship arrived at FBE on 29 August ahead of a short maintenance period before heading back to sea later in the year.
