HMA Ships Parramatta and Ballarat visit Surabaya

2 May 2011 By Petty Officer Jarne Dance

Able Seaman Leesa Brown hosts local Indonesian school children on AUSAID organised tour of HMAS Parramatta in Surabaya, Indonesia.

A traditional welcome by local dancers and regional Navy officials was received by HMAS Parramatta (Commander Heath Robertson, RAN) and HMAS Ballarat (Commander Guy Blackburn, RAN) as they arrived in Surabaya, Indonesia, the first port visit on their South East Asian Deployment (SEAD).

The successful visit with our regional neighbours began with CO Parramatta hosting a luncheon with local dignitaries. Ballarat held a reception with ceremonial sunset for guests ranging of TNI Officers, local officials and expatriate Australians. Parramatta and Ballarat also welcomed Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore AM CSC RAN who visited the ships during their time in Surabaya.

A highlight for members of Parramatta was a visit by local school children from the Mi Miftahul ulum kota butu, Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 3 Malang and Madrasah Tsanawiyah Negeri Kediri II schools. This visit formed part of the Bridge school program supporting Australia-Asia school partnerships, and enabled approximately 60 children to visit Parramatta for a tour the chance to meet some of the crew.

Soccer skills were also put to the test during the visit when the Parramatta Soccer team played the Indonesian Navy team. It was a hot and humid morning and the pitch was more akin to cattle grazing. Although Parramatta was ahead 2-1 at half-time following a stunning right foot volley from ABATA Christopher Marks and a well placed looping header from 18 yards from the Supply Officer, LCDR Russell Strudwick. Unfortunately the heat impacted the speed of the Parramatta team in the second half, with a last minute goal from the Indonesian Navy team, saw them victorious at 3-2.

It was the first time to Surabaya for the majority of the Ship’s company and the visit proved to be an enjoyable introduction to the SEAD. Next Parramatta heads to Lumut, Malaysia to prepare for MASTEX11 exercise with the Royal Malaysian Navy.

Local Indonesian school children conduct AUSAID organised tour of HMAS Parramatta.
A team from HMAS Parramatta competed against a local Indonesian Navy team.