HMAS Manoora in 2007
23 November 2007
Contents |
January
January saw HMAS Manoora welcome in the New Year berthed alongside Fleet Base East's (FBE) West Wall.
An Enlistment Ceremony for 18 new recruits was held on Manoora's flight deck, attended by family and friends.
For two days Manoora played host to 103 Australian Naval Cadets as a part of their annual continuation training.
This year Manoora had the honour of being the Australia Day Regatta Flag Ship and played host to over 100 VIP guests at the official Australian Day Regatta Committee Official Luncheon.
For the remainder of the month the ships company was kept busy with man overboard drills, swimmer of the watch training, boat drills, force protection exercises and helicopter operations briefs.
February
The start of February brought with it a visit by the Indian Assistant Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Pradeep Chauhun, VSM. He was provided with a tour and briefing on Manoora's amphibious capabilities.
Manoora sailed for Eden early in the month to complete ammunitioning, then headed to Sydney taking the opportunity to conduct flying operations and refresher training.
Upon arrival back at FBE, the ships company commenced preparations for the upcoming Exercise Sea Lion 07-1B with the embarkation of equipment from 4RAR.
Manoora successfully supported 4RAR Maritime Assault operations and returned to FBE to continue preparations for the next phase of Exercise Sea Lion 07-02, Operation Resolute and Exercise Talisman Sabre 2007.
March
The first two weeks of March saw Manoora prepare for and take part in Fleet Concentration Period (FCP) 2007, with Australian and New Zealand Fleet units.
An overnight training cruise was incorporated into the program with 110 personnel for the New Officers Entry Course (NEOC) embarking in Jervis Bay.
During the last two weeks of March, Manoora participated in Exercise Sea Lion 07-02. She was involved in building the RAN's amphibious capabilities during operations with HMAS Tarakan, 2 Army LCM8's, Sea King and Black Hawk helicopters in the vicinity Cowley Beach, Queensland.
After the exercise Manoora transited south to Townsville and disembarked Army personnel and equipment. Once completed Manoora conducted a passage to Darwin for Operation Resolute.
April
Operation Resolute was the focus for April with significant Boarding Party training completed on the way to Darwin, prior to Manoora's Mission Readiness Evaluation (MRE) by Sea Training Group (STG). With her MRE successfully complete, Manoora proceeded to take up patrol in northern Australian waters, as a part of Operation Resolute.
Throughout the patrol, Boarding Party training, small arms firing, Engineering Casualty Control Drills (ECCDs), seamanship evolutions, flying operations and ship handling drills were a high priority.
Between patrols, Manoora, returned to Darwin for a short port visit that coincided with ANZAC Day. After a Dawn Service on the flight deck, the ships company proceeded into town for the Darwin War Memorial ANZAC Day ceremony and parade.
During her second patrol, Manoora anchored in Koolama Bay near the entrance to King Georges River. This provided a stable platform to allow the crew to conduct maintenance, also take part in a steel deck barbeque and silver screen movie.
May
Manoora completed her Operation Resolute tasking in early May. After a short port visit to Darwin to embark stores, Manoora conducted a successful trial involving the new Army M1A1 Abrams Tank and M88 Hercules Recovery Vehicle. Manoora departed Darwin and shaped course for Tanjung Priok Harbour, Jakarta.
Manoora conducted a port visit to Jakarta during her South East Asian deployment, hosting an official cocktail party and ceremonial sunset onboard. Guests included the Indonesian Chief of National Police, General Sutanto and the Indonesian Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Bernard Kent Sondakh.
Manoora was well received in Jakarta, with a welcoming ceremony that included a military band and dancing display. The ships company also participated in a number of sporting events with teams fielded by the local embassy staff and expatriates.
Upon departure Manoora conducted a short passage exercise with Indonesian vessel, KRI Silas Papare, followed by passage to Singapore for some rest and recreation.
June
The month of June saw Manoora return from her South East Asian deployment and participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre (TS 07), a bi-lateral training activity conducted with United States.
Upon returning to Australia and clearing customs, Manoora anchored in the vicinity of Darwin. Once cleared the crew was kept busy with a major store ship. Manoora embarked a large number of military personnel, military police, the Amphibious Beach Team (ABT) and all their associated equipment. Needless to say Manoora was well loaded for TS 07.
With equipment and personnel embarked Manoora proceeded to the exercise area. During TS 07 Manoora conducted amphibious and flying operations with both Australian and United States Armed Forces.
On completion of the exercise, Manoora transported all personnel and equipment back to Townsville, before proceeding to Newcastle for maintenance.
July - October
July through to September saw Manoora enter an extensive maintenance period with the ship in dry dock in FORGACS dockyard, Newcastle. The ships company spent this time conducting training, maintenance and preparations for future exercises.
November
After an extensive maintenance period, November saw Manoora transit south to Adelaide for Exercise Sea Eagle, as part of the ongoing commitment to developing the Australian Defence Forces amphibious capabilities. December will again be a busy month for Manoora, taking part in Exercise Pacific Reach, a tri-annual Asia-Pacific submarine rescue exercise, in waters off Western Australia.
