No rest for the wicked
27 November 2007
"No rest for the wicked" as they say, October and the first half of November came and went at a frenetic pace for NUSHIP Maryborough and her current crew, Aware One.
Since our last update much has been achieved.
Aware One embarked in Maryborough on Thursday 27th September and quickly set about storing ship with the myriad of equipment and provisions, which are required for the operation of the ship. Monday 1st October, saw Maryborough commence her Departmental Management Audits (DMA), a demanding and thorough process. DMA's are a crucial step through which the ship is audited by independent authorities in order to ensure that fitted equipment, stores, and administrative processes are all in place prior to proceeding to sea.
Fortunately, during this period a brief window of opportunity arose, which enabled me to visit the ship's namesake cities in Queensland and Victoria.
While Aware One was being ably led by the ship's Executive Officer, LEUT Shane Jones, RAN, I accompanied by the Armidale Class Patrol Boat (ACPB) Project Liaison Officer, LCDR John Wilson, RANR, as well as members from Defence Recruiting Centre, departed for a journey south in order to actively engage both communities and reinvigorate Navy's ties with regional Australia.
From the reception received in both cities it became clear to me that Maryborough is indeed a very lucky ship as she has not one but two very beautiful namesake cities. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to visit them both and consider myself privileged to have the opportunity to meet the townsfolk and tour the sights. But by far the highlight for me for both visits was the opportunity to speak too many of the school students at a variety of local schools.
Upon returning to Darwin after yet another dash on the "Red Eye Special", and with the ship having successfully completed DMA, Maryborough made preparations to go to sea. On Friday 26th October, the Chief of Navy, VADM Russell Shalders, AO, CSC, RAN, granted Initial Operational Release (IOR) of NUSHIP Maryborough, this clearing the way for the ship to commence week one of a four week Work Up and Assessment process.
This process would see the ship tested to her limits, her crew develop new skills and learning how to operate the host of systems and equipment fitted to the ship. Ultimately this will allow NUSHIP Maryborough to join her sisters "On the Line" in Defence of Australia.
NUSHIP Maryborough departed Darwin Harbour with a Naval Crew for the first time on Tuesday 30th October. Since then Maryborough and her crew have been hard at it. The days have been long and hot, especially in the build up to the Northern Territory Wet Season. That said the crew remains focused and driven to complete Mission Readiness Evaluation (MRE) prior to Commissioning. NUSHIP Maryborough is due to Commission in Brisbane on the 8th of December 2007.
