Middle East anti-submarine warfare exercise a success
20 October 2010
 HMAS Melbourne shadowed by HMS Tireless during the ASWEX. |
 HMS Tireless conducts an emergency surfacing demonstration. |
HMAS Melbourne, under the direction of Commander Mick Harris, recently took a short break from operations to participate in a multinational anti-submarine warfare exercise (ASWEX) in the Gulf of Oman.
As the first upgraded guided missile frigate to operate in the MEAO, the exercise gave Melbourne an early opportunity to interact with coalition partners while maintaining war-fighting proficiency and gaining an invaluable insight into the performance of upgraded systems in a realistic threat environment.
With limited recent opportunities, this was the first deliberate and extended interaction for Melbourne with a submarine in some time.
The schedule of events was programmed over a four day period and imposed graduated operator training that increased in complexity as the operators became more comfortable with the oceanographic conditions. It also took in submarine tracking characteristics and traffic density in the region.
This provided Melbourne’s team with crucial ASW experience and knowledge that will be fostered within the broader RAN community on return to Australia.
The Royal Navy’s Trafalgar Class submarine HMS Tireless provided an outstanding service facilitating significant training opportunities that might otherwise have been lost. Additionally, the external air support – and in particular the opportunity to interact with the Royal Navy’s MERLIN helicopter, fitted with the Thales developed ‘Flash’ dipping sonar – provided valuable training for aircraft controllers and warfare officers.
Perhaps the highlight of the exercise for the select and fortunate few was the personnel exchange with Tireless. Not only was this an opportunity for Melbourne personnel to see first hand the operation of a nuclear powered platform; it was a chance to host crew members from the Tireless, some of whom – even after 25 years of service – had not stepped foot on a surface ship.
A number of Melbourne personnel also experienced being onboard during an emergency surfacing demonstration.
With numerous related RAN acquisitions on the horizon the exercise was a timely and valuable opportunity for all involved.
Melbourne is currently patrolling the Arabian Sea in support of Command Task Force 150 which contributes to maritime security and the global war on terror.
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