HMAS Derwent 1970-79
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1970
Derwent commenced the year alongside Garden Island Dockyard, Sydney, for seasonal leave. This was followed by exercises in the EAXA until early March when the ship sailed from Sydney for another deployment 'up top.'
Exercise SEA ROVER was the focal point of seagoing activity in early April. One of Derwents ship's company became a fatality during the exercise. On 25 March, during SEA ROVER's harbour work-up phase, ABQMG David McKee, one of Derwents divers got into difficulties during a standard diving exercise in Manila Bay, and could not be resuscitated.
This was the 37th exercise to be conducted by SEATO member nations since the organization was formed in 1954. Some 40 ships from Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States were involved. Apart from Derwent, Australia's contribution included HMA Ships Yarra, Duchess, Oxley and Melbourne.
SEA ROVER's closing ceremony was due to take place aboard Melbourne's flight deck at Sattahip, Thailand, on 9 April. However, a few minutes before the ceremony was due to commence, and as the invited guests assembled, a tropical deluge caused a rapid change of venue to a large store shed on the wharf.
Maritime Exercise CRACKSHOT was the next multi-national naval activity. On completion of this, more than 30 ships of the Australian, British, Malaysian and New Zealand Navies, Derwent included, made a Ceremonial Entry into Singapore Naval Base.
Derwent next took part in BERSATU PADU. This was an international exercise designed to train the military forces of Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom in combined operations under the conditions which would prevail following the forthcoming withdrawal of UK forces from the region. The exercise's main phase took place in June 1970, and involved a large RAN task group.
During this busy, four month deployment, several favourite ports were revisited, and Derwent proceeded as far north as Osaka and Kobe in Japan. For many of her ship's company, it was their first visit to the land of the rising sun. The most popular attraction in Osaka was Expo 70, the international fair with its hundreds of pavilions set in the beautiful Senri Hills near the city. The buildings featured a bewildering array of futuristic architectural styles, including the towering hammer and sickle-shaped Russian building, the glittering and delicate light-studded Swiss pavilion, and, of course, the eye-catching Australian pavilion.
In mid May, Derwent bade the land of the rising sun 'Sayonara', and sailed south for further exercises with the Commonwealth Strategic Reserve, before returning home on 15 July 1970, via Darwin and the inner Barrier Reef.
Derwent commenced a seven month refit at Williamstown Naval Dockyard on 25 July 1970.
1971
Derwent started the year in refit at Williamstown Dockyard. Following post refit trials, she was fully occupied with shakedown, workup and exercises in the EAXA.
Derwent commenced a further tour of duty with the Strategic Reserve, when she departed Sydney on 5 June 1971, proceeding 'up top' via Manus and Guam. This deployment saw the destroyer escort making 17 port visits, including Guam, Kagoshima, Okinawa, Hong Kong, Subic Bay, Singapore, Bangkok, Ko Samui, Manila, Tacloban, and Vung Tau. Derwent's first visit to Hong Kong in July was interrupted by Cyclone Lucy; necessitating a hasty departure to escape Lucy's destructive winds.
On completion of the deployment, Derwent returned to Sydney 'west about' with port visits to Fremantle and Adelaide, before departing for Melbourne and a well-earned refit at Williamstown Dockyard.
1972
The period to mid-March saw Derwent completing her refit at Williamstown Dockyard. This was followed by exercises in the EAXA, before the ship departed Sydney once more for a four month deployment 'up top, arriving in Singapore on 10 August 1972, to relieve her sister ship, Stuart, which had completed a deployment with the Five Power Defence Arrangement.
Derwent's port visits included Bangkok, Hong Kong, Yokosuka and Manila, among others.
In October, Derwent and other RAN units were actively involved in Exercise SEA SCORPION in the South China Sea. More than 20 ships plus aircraft from the six SEATO nations took part in the exercise, the main phase of which tested convoy protection from submarine and air attack.
As part of positive steps to enhance Australia's relationship with Indonesia, in mid-November 1972, Derwent and Brisbane, took part in the first bilateral exercise with the Indonesian Navy off Surabaya. Exercise CAKRAWALA BARU (New Horizons) took place on passage from Surabaya to Bali with five Indonesian Navy ships. The exercise involved general fleet maneouvres, screening exercises, replenishment at sea and an impressive display of close range gunnery firings by the Indonesian ships.
Derwent arrived back in her home port of Sydney on 28 November for leave and maintenance.
1973
In the early 1970s, following the drawdown of the Royal Navy in the Far East, the Australian Government became increasingly aware of the growing political and strategic significance of the Indian Ocean, and made the decision to explore common interests with littoral countries. To this end, the RAN became actively involved in a 'Show the Flag' deployment and on 19 February 1973, HMA ships Perth, Derwent, and Supply departed Fremantle for a three month Indian Ocean goodwill and training deployment.
The first port of call was St Louis in Mauritius on 1 March, before sailing to Mombasa, Kenya. From Mombasa, Supply returned to Fremantle, whilst Derwent and Perth sailed for the Ethiopian Red Sea port of Massawa. At this point Derwent and Perth separated, with the latter visiting the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, whilst Derwent called at Bahrain. On the homeward leg of the deployment, Perth and Derwent visited the Pakistan port of Karachi, Bombay in India, the Sri Lankan port of Colombo and Medan in Indonesia.
The following snippets, which read like a travelogue, have been extracted from Navy News reports:
"The ships arrived at Mauritius for a 2 day visit on 1 March… As the ships approached, the island glittered in the morning sun – an emerald set in the blue of the Indian Ocean … The visit coincided with the spectacular Hindu festival of Maha Shivaratree…The official languages are English, French and Creole …At a reception aboard Perth, Muslim guests were informed that foodstuffs being served conformed to the rites of their faith. It was with great reluctance that members of the ships' companies had to leave this little paradise of the Indian Ocean … And now onwards to Mombasa."
Whilst visiting Mombasa, two of Derwent's sailors, CY John Wright and LROS Gary Rickwood, took the opportunity to go sky diving at Nairobi. As they descended, one of them took 'showing the Flag' to the extreme by flying the Australian flag from his parachute harness.
A series of safaris were also arranged and a large proportion of the sailors enjoyed a close-up view of the real African wilderness. On one such safari, four young lions were seen feeding on a warthog. Not even the noise of an antiquated Mercedes bus rattling itself to death deterred them from their meal, and the sailors were able to approach to within 20 yards.
Reportedly, the hospitality shown by the Mission to Seamen and the Kenyan Navy to the visiting ships was first class.
Having farewelled Supply, which was returning to Australia via Mahe, in the Seychelles, Derwent and Perth sailed into Massawa, Ethiopia's chief port on 21 March, firing a 21 gun salute which was returned by the Imperial Ethiopian Navy. His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie dined onboard Perth during the visit. Whilst at Massawa, numerous sailors took the opportunity to ride a camel, the traditional 'ship of the desert'.
A small group of sailors from both ships took an overnight bus tour to Asmara, a small city some 7500 feet higher than Massawa. A highlight of the tour was the actual drive there where the road continuously winds its way around hair-pin bends, climbing 6000 feet in a mere 30 kilometres. The drive, did, however, provide some of the most spectacular scenery in Ethiopia.
The visiting ships were particularly well looked after by the Imperial Ethiopian Navy which provided an overnight Banyan trip to nearby islands.
Following Massawa, the ships separated temporarily: Perth visiting Bandar Abbas in Iran, whilst the "Indian Ocean tourists" aboard Derwent went deeper into the Persian Gulf for a two day visit to the Arab Sheikdom of Bahrain, 29-30 March 1973.
Derwent was hosted by the Bahrainie Defence Forces, and generous invitations were received to see camel races at Rifa, sightseeing tours to historic temples and excavations. The ship's hosts also showed Derwent's soccer team the art of playing the game in the sand; Derwent lost 3-7.
Departing from Bahrain, Derwent joined up again with Perth, and together they sailed on passage to Karachi, Pakistan, where, on 2 April, they were greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of some 6000 people.
It was reported that Karachi was very popular for shopping. The opportunity was taken to play sport against the Pakistani Navy. Two classics were Rugby in the desert, which was won 46-0, and Soccer in the sand, which was lost 8-2.
A visit to Bombay followed on 6 April, where Derwent berthed alongside, surrounded by Indian Navy ships while Perth anchored in the harbour.
Perths and Derwents next port visit was Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, where they arrived on 11 April for a three day visit. Colombo they found to be a strange and fascinating blend of the ancient and modern, of east and west, and the common-place and beautiful. When they sailed, it was generally agreed that they were fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit Sri Lanka, but unlucky to have so few days in this friendly and beautiful island.
Enroute to the port of Belawan, chief port for Medan in northern Sumatra, the two RAN ships sailed in company with the Royal Navy frigate, HMS Chichester. Derwent's crew was bowled over by the hospitality of the Indonesian people. A bus tour to beautiful Lake Toba, a large volcanic lake which is reputedly the biggest freshwater lake in the world, was very popular. As was the Navy Race Day Meeting, which had been arranged to coincide with the ships' visit.
Singapore was just one day's steaming from Belawan, a 'home away from home' for the Australian sailors. Derwent and Perth berthed alongside at Sembewang on 20 April, apparently looking for time to relax after their hectic Indian Ocean Cruise.
During their eight day stay, the ships took part in the eight-sports Perth Cup challenge competition, which is contested whenever three or more Commonwealth Armed Forces are gathered together in Singapore. The end of the challenge saw the Royal Navy come first, whilst the Aussies comprising Derwent, Perth, Torrens, Ovens and the resident ANZUKERS came an equal second with the Malaysian Navy.
On Anzac Day 1973, the traditional Dawn Service was well attended at Kranji War Cemetery, with the customary wreath being laid.
The ships sailed on 26 April, and following exercises with Royal Australian Air Force Mirages and Royal Air Force Phantoms, and gunnery firings, course was set for Tandjuk Priok, where they arrived on 28 April for a short visit.
On 30 April, Derwent and Perth sailed for Australian waters, arriving in Darwin for a short visit 4-5 May, finally arriving back in their home port of Sydney on 14 May 1973.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Mr. Lance Barnard, described the cruise: "as being highly successful in demonstrating Australia's interests in the region. Australia considers itself as an Indian Ocean littoral state and the cruise had underline Australia's involvement as a neighbour of those countries bordering the Indian Ocean. The ships and their men have created a great deal of interest and goodwill in the countries visited, and had effectively demonstrated Australia's friendship and common interests with the people of the region."
On completion of her Indian Ocean cruise, Derwent spent the period to 9 July undergoing leave and maintenance. On 23 August, Derwent sailed once more for foreign waters; this time to New Zealand, where she visited Auckland during the period 29 August to 2 September.
The remaining months of the year saw Derwent operating in the EAXA, and concluded with ship in a leave and maintenance period alongside Garden Island Dockyard.
1974
Derwent commenced 1974 in a self maintenance period, which was followed by a refit at Williamstown Dockyard from which the ship emerged in late September. The only event of note was Derwent's participation in the Captain Cook Bicentennial Celebrations at Norfolk Island on 6 October.
The period 28 October to 20 November saw Derwent at Williamstown Dockyard.
On December 1974, Mr. Lance Barnard, the Minister for Defence, announced that approval had been given for the modernization and extensive refitting of the RAN's River Class Destroyer Escorts, including gunnery, anti-submarine weapons, hull and machinery, with the first modernization commencing in the second half of 1976 and the last finishing late in 1980.
1974 concluded with Derwent berthed at Garden Island Dockyard, Sydney for maintenance and seasonal leave.
1975
Derwent's maintenance period alongside Garden Island Dockyard soon ended, and the period to early February was occupied with activities in the EAXA.
On 5 March 1975, Derwent, now under the command of CMDR M. Ward, RAN sailed from Sydney for a five month deployment in the Far East.
Darwin was Derwent's last Australian port enroute to the Far East. A working party of three officers and 38 sailors was landed and contributed to the 'Navy Help Darwin' operation by assisting in the demolition of houses that had been badly damaged by Cyclone Tracy.
Surabaya was the next port of call, followed by participation in Exercise ORION with the Indonesian Navy. Derwent finally arrived in Singapore on 31 March, as Australia's contribution to the newly-formed Five Power Defence Agreement. After only three days in port, Derwent sailed to participate in Exercise PENANGEX 6, in company with a Royal Navy task group. On completion of the exercise, the task group continued on passage to the UK, whilst Derwent returned to Singapore.
On April 14, Derwent sailed for Hong Kong for a 19 day self maintenance period. Whilst on passage, one of the ship's sailors suffered acute appendicitis and was evacuated by helicopter to Changi Military Hospital, Singapore. According to Derwent's Navy News correspondent, "excitement was high when the ship berthed at HMS Tamar, particularly for the husbands whose wives were flying out for a two week break."
The ship's visit to Hong Kong coincided with an official visit by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. During the opening ceremony, Derwent manned and cheered ship, which was a first for the majority of the ship's company.
In mid May, Derwent undertook a Naval Gunfire Support (NGS) shoot, which the ship's gunnery sailors thoroughly enjoyed. A port visit to Penang followed, where the ship anchored at the Man-of-War Anchorage on 23 May. Navy News reported that 'soon after, the liberty boats began to run and in a short time thereafter, nearly the whole of the ship's company were ashore…During the stay, RAAF Butterworth provided some excellent sporting competition and every challenge was met.'
Back in the Singapore Exercise Areas in early June, Derwent exercised with the submarine, Otway, and over a four day period, completed over 57 hours of Combined Anti-Submarine Exercises, much to the professional delight of the ship's Operations and TAS departments.
On 3 June, Derwent had her second casualty evacuation, when another sailor was air lifted to Changi Hospital suffering acute appendicitis. The ship's Navy News reporter wrote that "This has been our second case in a comparatively short time and our CPOCK hotly denies rumours about his 'corned dog' from the Main Galley.'
Derwent's correspondent had this to say about the remainder of the deployment, 'We left Singapore in June and proceeded to Bangkok where we berthed in mid-stream alongside the Klong Toey Dolphins. This did not 'cramp the style' of our intrepid libertymen, so armed with many Bahts and smiles on their faces they went ashore (via Bangkok's premier means of transport, the V8 canoe).
The ship cleared Bangkok Bar … on 16th June and headed to Hong Kong – just another quick 9 day stopover! Time was spent wisely and quietly… tours, visits, shopping and relaxing…We had one unscheduled change to the programme and that was a three day docking at Kowloon. Repairs were carried out on a leaking valve and we had a hurried 'shave and paint' job before moving back to HMS Tamar. After a few finishing touches from Suzie's Side Party, we …bade farewell to Hong Kong for the last time and set course for Subic Bay.
Our host ship for the stay was the USS Badger. Many who had never been to Subic Bay before soon came to realize just what it was like…The facilities on the base were used to their full extent and we now possess some of the best archers, mini golfers and trap shooters in the Far East. Our appreciation must go to the Naval Base Command and our host ship for their efforts in making our stay so enjoyable.
Derwent sailed for the Subic Exercise Areas on Monday, 7th July and we spent the next three days in company with various units of the USN before proceeding to Cebu.
It took only 38 hours sailing time to Cebu, and the passage through the islands of the Philippines provided the OOWs with plenty of shiphandling practice in the form of avoiding numerous fishing boats intent on playing 'chicken.' The majority of our time in Cebu was spent on tours … so readily organized by the Philippines Department of Tourism. The main attracts of the city were the San Miguel Brewery and the Guitar Factory; the former because of the many free samples, and the latter because of the low prices and good quality. We now have enough guitars onboard to put Brazil 66 to shame, but the playing expertise is still somewhat lacking!!"
Derwent returned to Australia 'westabout' via Fremantle and Melbourne, and whilst in the latter port Derwent's annual inspection was carried out. The ship finally returned to Sydney on 8 August for leave and maintenance.
The remainder of the year was spent in Australian waters before commencement of a well earned Christmas leave period.
1976
Derwent's year commenced with a Change of Command Ceremony, when CMDR C.K. Callins, RAN, assumed command on 12 January.
The following weeks were spent working up in the local exercise areas; culminating with the ship's Operational Readiness Evaluation (ORE) and Disaster Relief Exercise in the Jervis Bay area, prior to Derwent's 1976 South East Asia deployment under the Five Power Defence Agreement. On 3 March, farewelled by friends and relatives in wet, blustery weather, Derwent sailed 'west about' for Singapore. On 17 March the ship passed through Sunda Strait, and, using Bottom Classification Sonar, carried out a series of runs over the position of the wreck of the modified Leander Class light cruiser, HMAS Perth, which was sunk during the Battle of the Sunda Strait on 1 March 1942. An object believed to be the wreck was located. Derwent arrived in Singapore on 19 March, berthing alongside USS Fox, a unit of the US Navy's Seventh Fleet.
Derwent then exercised with a US Navy submarine, giving the ship realistic practice in anti-submarine warfare procedures.
The remainder of the deployment was similar to those of previous years with official port visits to Penang, Subic Bay, Hong Kong and Yokosuka, whilst new ports of call included the Japanese ports of Maizuru, Otaru and Ominato. Altogether, Derwent spent three weeks in Japanese waters. The ship was welcomed to Maizuru by a Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force Band playing "Waltzing Matilda". This was Derwent's introduction to the overwhelming generosity and hospitality which was extended to the ship throughout her time in Japan.
During her subsequent visit to Hong Kong, Derwent temporarily became 'HMS Hero' when the crew filming the British television series 'Warship' utilized Derwent to stand in for the Leander class frigate feature in the series. The ship's company reported that this was a pleasant change to their daily work routine, and that they looked forward to seeing that particular episode.
Having been relieved by her elder sister, Parramatta, Derwent returned to Sydney from on 6 August 1976, having finished her second deployment in a little over a year.
The rest of the year was spent exercising off the East Australian coast. Following the successful completion of Exercise KANGAROO II, Derwent sailed south to rendezvous with the US carrier, USS Enterprise, for a combined visit to Hobart.
Derwent's year ended undergoing refit at Williamstown Dockyard, Melbourne.
1977
Derwent's nine month refit ended in September and was followed by a brief workup period before she deployed to New Zealand in company with Vendetta. The two Australian ships exercised with the New Zealand frigates Waikato and Otago and US Ships Gray and Agerholm before returning home for the Christmas period.
1978
In February 1978, Derwent deployed once more to South East Asia, this time proceeding 'east about via Brisbane. The start of the deployment was spent in company with a Royal Navy Task Group. The task group was made up of ships of the Royal Navy's Second Flotilla commanded by Rear Admiral Wemyss. The Admiral spent some time aboard Derwent, and took the opportunity to meet and talk with as many of the ship's company as his limited time allowed.
Sea-going Sports Days were a feature during Derwent's deployment with the task group. Tug-o-War, Deck Hockey, Soccer (sea-going version), Rifle shooting and Obstacle Races were contested. Port visits whilst in company included visits to Cebu, Subic Bay and Bangkok. Whilst in Cebu, volunteers from Derwent helped paint one of the new school buildings in Cebu's Consolacion District. When the call went out for blood donors, Derwent was not found wanting and some 40 pints were donated, including a pint from the Captain.
In Bangkok, the combined wardrooms of Derwent and HMS Cleopatra challenged HMS Rhyl to a cricket match. It was reported that US servicemen visiting Bangkok scratched their heads in bewilderment as strange figures in white wielded odd-shaped bats as they attempted to hit a little red ball out of the ground.
Detaching from the Task Group in March, Derwent continued her deployment to the 'mystic East', exercising with Thai, Philippine and Malaysian units as she visited each respective area.
Derwent celebrated her 14th birthday during a two-week maintenance period in Hong Kong. The celebratory cake weighed some 250lbs and measured six feet by eight feet!
Naturally a visit to 'Honkers' was not complete without a visit by Jenny's Side Party, which applied a new spring coat of paint to the ship's side.
Derwent returned to her home port of Sydney in early September for an assisted maintenance period and leave.
Derwent helped celebrate the recognition of the Northern Territory Government with a visit to Darwin on 2 July 78. Exercises of the east coast of Australia followed, including JUC99 and LONGEX 78.
Following the brief Celebrations Derwent returned to Sydney for a well earned rest.
1979
The year started with the familiar shakedown and workup off the East Australian coast, plus participation in Exercise SCREENPLAY. In March, Derwent departed Sydney, visiting the ports of Adelaide, Bunbury, Fremantle and Darwin, as part of a Task Unit comprising Derwent, Perth and Vendetta. In Exercise DIRK HARTOG, off the West Australian coast, the RAN ships exercised with, and against, four ships of the Royal Netherlands Navy.
Returning to Sydney in June, Derwent resumed the EAXA weekly running exercise program. In October she departed for the sunnier climes of North Queensland to participate in Exercise Kangaroo III, returning to Sydney in November. CMDR J.G. Longden, RAN, assumed command on 10 December 1979.
