Eastern Engagement
6 October 2010
So how do you top firing EVERY weapon from a 50 Cal to a live harpoon missile launch and amphibious exercises in Hawaii? Well HMAS Warramunga has certainly met the challenge with an extended deployment into the Top End of Australia, South Korea and China which will total four and a half months once they return home.
Just after her participation at RIMPAC_2010 HMAS Warramunga returned to Australia’s Top End to participate in Exercise_Kakadu_2010 along with ships from Thailand, Singapore and Japan as well as seven other RAN vessels and two submarines in order to build interoperability between nations.
But it was at the conclusion of this exercise that she would singularly participate in an even more strategic engagement on behalf of the nation by participating in a re-enactment of the Incheon landings in South Korea as well as a world first exercise in China.
RAN destroyers and frigates were predominantly involved in conducting blockade, escort and bombardment duties on both sides of the Korean Peninsular. Escort and blockade duties were generally tedious but essential. Ships carrying out coastal blockade duties close to shore occasionally came under fire from enemy shore batteries. The first such exchange involving a RAN ship occurred on 1 August 1950 when HMAS Bataan was attacked by shore batteries whilst patrolling near the Haeju Gulf, northwest of Inchon. Battan returned fire and silenced four of the enemy guns. more information
These activities provided a unique opportunity to participate in a Live Fire exercise alongside a PLA-N Ship the Louyang, which was an unprecedented first with a western ship.
Upon arrival in the port city of Qingdoa the ships’ company were meet with a band and guard from the PLA-Navy. The Commanding Officer and 60 members of the ships company werea hosted by the Deputy Commander North Sea Fleet at a formal function as part of their welcome.
“This is what Navies have traditionally done , diplomacy through exercises and port visits,” stated the Commanding Officer Commander Bruce Legge. “It's exciting for HMAS Warramunga to have been selected for such a strategic task and the character of the crew really shone through.”
While alongside in the southern port city of Qingdoa some members took the opportunity to visit iconic Chinese sites such as the Great Wall and Forbidden city.
The Live Fire exercise , along with several other activities was conducted off the Shandon peninsular just outside the city of Qingdoa.
A day in Beijing
The deployment of HMAS Warramunga might well highlight a return to more strategic engagement with regional countries but for Jack Tar it means foreign ports and lots of exploring. Some members of the ships company took the opportunity to explore China with a self funded tour to some of the iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall and Forbidden city. A hectic fast paced tour with a flight to and from Beijing and an overnight stay thrown in granted some of ships company the ability to stand in awe of the accomplishments of the construction of these Chinese national treasures.
Additional activities included a Communications Exercise, utilising flags and flashing light, each ship's helicopter conducting a search and rescue activity (SAREX) including winching a rescued dummy onto each other's ship as well as a personnel exchange for 10 members of each ship's company.
Officers and junior ranks from both HMAS Warramunga and the PLA-N Louyang visited each other's ships and worked alongside their national counterparts for a day.
“I am immensely proud of the crew as they have been excellent ambassadors for both Australia and the Navy,“ said Commander Bruce Legge, “as well as providing an outstanding display of gunnery and hitting our target.”
In fine Australian tradition the ship watched the AFL Grand final (the first one) with many a sore throat as a result of the contest.
The ship passed through the Taiwan Straits and on to Zhanjiang where it was met by Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore who was flown aboard the night before prior to entering the Chinese harbour.
"A good ship's company just doesn't happen and HMAS Warramunga has come together as a premier ship, one which is a credit to both the Navy and the nation," said RADM Gilmore whilst on board, "This deployment is a return to a focus on regional engagement for the Navy with other ships about to undertake similar, if not as extensive visits."
Again over 50 members of the ships company were hosted by the Senior Captain of the South Sea Fleet at a ceremony at Naval HQ. The evening was again a highlight of the continued cultural exchange between the navies and the salubrious banquet that was provided will long be remembered by those who attended.
The crew will participate in a ship visit, cultural and sporting activities with the PLA-N in Zhanjiang before they head for home to HMAS Stirling in Western Australia for a well earned rest after four months away.
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