Ballarat Visits Tassie

18 May 2010

HMAS Ballarat recently received the opportunity to continue its role as a Plan Train ship with a port visit to Hobart from 14-17 May 10. Their visit to Tasmania enabled the first of four groups of 30 Junior Officer’s from the New Entry Officer Course (NEOC) 42 to embark and encounter life at sea as part of their Sea Training Deployment. Two of the NEOCs, MIDN Josh Friend and MIDN Matthew Mallete, being Hobart locals, had the opportunity to sail into their home town for the first time.

Ballarat’s visit allowed the crew some important rest and respite and the chance to catch up with family and friends. This was certainly true for ABCIS Melissa Wiles from Burnie and SMNCIS Shelley Suter from Wynyard, who were friends through high school, joined the Navy a year apart and have recently been posted together in Ballarat.

The crew were also given the opportunity to engage the community with a sea ride for personnel from TS Hobart and TS Derwent, Defence Reserves Support Council and several Defence Force Recruiting candidates. The Tasmanian Fire Brigade conducted a Damage Control familiarisation session onboard and tours were given to the University of Tasmania (UTAS) and Geilston Bay High School students.

The Ship’s Company had a superb visit to Hobart, with many taking up the opportunity to go on tours (which included the Cascade Brewery) and see the beautiful sights that Hobart has to offer; justifying its reputation as one of the best port visits in the Navy.

HMAS Ballarat preparations for the forthcoming Ship Swap with HMAS Stuart next month are well underway which will see the entire crews of both ships transfer to their sister platforms.

The Navy Community Engagement Program Coordinator worked very closely with Navy Headquarters Tasmania to plan and coordinate transport, logistics, and funding and post-event follow-up for all sea rides and tours.