Gascoyne ready for OP Resolute

12 February 2007

With the motto of 'Return To The Sea', HMAS Gascoyne departed Sydney on 12 Feb for the voyage north to conduct fisheries surveillance patrols in Torres Strait.

LCDR Muller said his crew responded at short notice to prepare Gascoyne for the operation.

Prior to leaving Sydney, the boarding party completed a series of challenging serials at the Weapons Training Simulator (WTTS) facility at Holsworthy Barracks. The serials thoroughly tested the boarding parties understanding and application of the Rules of Engagement and Orders For Opening Fire (OFOF).

The serials challenge boarding party members, who are armed with either Steyrs or pistols, to apply the appropriate amount of force to manage any threatening security situation that might arise.

Originally, Gascoyne had a different program, which included participation in Exercise Mullgogger with the Mine Clearance Diving Task Group in Jervis Bay. The crew have done well to respond to this new challenge,

Under the watchful eye of Minor Warfare Sea Training Group staff, Gascoyne completed her Mariner Skills Evaluation during 7-9 Feb. This consisted of exercising man over board recoveries by day and night, engineering failures and seamanship evolutions. Gascoyne then sailed to HMAS Cairns where she conducted a range of boarding exercises with HMAS Tarakan to ensure her readiness for the new tasking.