HMAS Sydney Departs
22 November 2007
Morale was high in HMAS Sydney (CMDR Guy Holthouse, RAN) as she sailed clear of North Head, in Sydney at the commencement of her North American Pacific Deployment on 17 September 2007. Initially heading for Apia, Samoa, for a refuelling stop, the passage to Honolulu was navigated using astronomical navigation, with Sydney's Officers of the Watch discovering the joys of ye oldé navigation.
During the 2415 nautical mile transit to Apia, Sydney's crew quickly settled into a deployment routine. As the weather warmed up, evening Steel Beach BBQs became a regular and pleasant experience watching the sun dip below the horizon, to the accompaniment of Sydney's own band, it was almost easy to imagine a tropical cruise. Also opportunities for afternoon dips in the ocean became a regular feature during the transit.
Sydney arrived alongside in Apia Harbour during the morning of 24 September and the refuelling 'pit stop' was complete in an afternoon, allowing Sydney to head north east for the 2256 miles to Hawaii. Crossing the Line on the afternoon of 26 September, a deal was struck with King Neptune allowing Sydney to proceed without the necessary regal visit, granting her permission to continue on her passage. The deal only being granted when an offer of sacrifice was made by Sydney, where all members of the Ship's Company were 'thrown into the deep'! Fortunately the ships seaboat came to the "rescue" and all were returned unharmed for Sydney to continue to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
As Sydney sailed into Pearl Harbor on the morning of 1 October, the anticipation and excitement of the crew grew. The week commenced with final preparations for the upcoming Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) firings. Initial meetings were also held for the Underwater Systems trials to be carried out in Nanoose Bay, Canada, later in the deployment.
Once the formal part of the port visit was completed, the Ship's Company took in the beautiful scenery of Oahu and relaxed on Waikiki Beach, enjoying the temperate climate that always exists in Hawaii. The crew took considerable advantage of the comparative bargains available at the US Navy Exchange and discounted organised tours around the island.
The week alongside quickly drew to a close, and before the crew knew it Sydney was sailing for the Pacific Missile Range Facility to conduct the long anticipated missile firings. The week was long and arduous, but ultimately successful with the Ship in defence watches to ensure systems and personnel were all well prepared.
