Publication:Navy Annual 2005/Message from the Maritime Commander
As an organisation that is typically forward focused and, constantly preparing for the next tasking, it is not often that we have the opportunity at Maritime Command to reflect on past Fleet activities. I am therefore pleased to have the chance to outline the Fleet's achievements over the past year and briefly outline what I consider to be the important hallmarks for my watch as Maritime Commander.
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Persian Gulf - Ongoing
Navy's ongoing contribution to patrolling waterways and vital oil terminals in the Persian Gulf has required three rotations of Royal Australian Navy Fleet units over the past year with HMAS Newcastle currently performing this important tasking at the time of writing this article. In August 2005, a team of fifteen Royal Australian Navy personnel returned from the Northern Persian Gulf after completing four months in command of Coalition Task Force Fifty eight (TF58) comprising up to 10 coalition warships and 1,700 personnel at any one time. The team was responsible for all coalition maritime security operations across the Persian Gulf, with specific tasks including the protection of key oil infrastructure, maritime interception operations and regional engagement. HMAS Tobruk also deployed for the first time earlier in 2005 in support of Operation CATALYST, providing the vital sea-lift capability to deploy the Al Muthanna Task Group to Iraq.
Operation SUMATRA ASSIST December 2004 - April 2005
HMAS Kanimbla's four-month deployment to the Banda Aceh and Nias Areas of Operations in Indonesia, as part Operation SUMATRA ASSIST I and II respectively, received national and international media attention. The Ship's departure on New Year's eve 2004 from Sydney Harbour was proudly witnessed by thousands of Australians as the extent of devastation by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami became clear. Tragically, the earthquake of 28 March 2005 wreaked further destruction. The Navy family and the Australian community were deeply saddened by the deaths of nine Australian Defence Force personnel in the 2 April 2005 Nias Sea King accident. The national outpouring of grief reflected the pride and sentiment Australians have for their Defence Force and the exceptional humanitarian work conducted by all the Ship's company and supporting authorities.
Fleet exercises and Deployments
The Fleet's ongoing exercise program featured the bi-lateral exercise with the United States of America, exercise TALISMAN SABER, in June 2005, and multinational exercises SINGAROO in August 2004, KAKADU in July - August 2005 and BeRSAMA LIMA in September 2005. In August 2005 HMAS Anzac returned from her six-month deployment, NORTHERN TRIDENT, in part retracing the historic 1914 World War I convoy route from Albany to Gallipoli. Highlights included the 90th Anniversary ANZAC Day commemorations in ANZAC Cove; the 200th Anniversary Battle of Trafalgar celebrations and the International Festival of the Sea in the United Kingdom. The ship also visited South Africa, the first Royal Australian Navy vessel to do so since 1968. Navy's highly capable submarines continue to excel, completing a number of international exercises and goodwill visits, with HMAS Rankin.
Operation SUMATRA ASSIST December 2004 - April 2005
HMAS Kanimbla's four-month deployment to the Banda Aceh and Nias Areas of Operations in Indonesia, as part Operation SUMATRA ASSIST I and II respectively, received national and international media attention. The Ship's departure on New Year's eve 2004 from Sydney Harbour was proudly witnessed by thousands of Australians as the extent of devastation by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami became clear. Tragically, the earthquake of 28 March 2005 wreaked further destruction. The Navy family and the Australian community were deeply saddened by the deaths of nine Australian Defence Force personnel in the 2 April 2005 Nias Sea King accident. The national outpouring of grief reflected the pride and sentiment Australians have for their Defence Force and the exceptional humanitarian work conducted by all the Ship's company and supporting authorities.
Fleet exercises and Deployments
The Fleet's ongoing exercise program featured the bi-lateral exercise with the United States of America, exercise TALISMAN SABER, in June 2005, and multinational exercises SINGAROO in August 2004, KAKADU in July - August 2005 and BeRSAMA LIMA in September 2005. In August 2005 HMAS Anzac returned from her six-month deployment, NORTHERN TRIDENT, in part retracing the historic 1914 World War I convoy route from Albany to Gallipoli. Highlights included the 90th Anniversary ANZAC Day commemorations in ANZAC Cove; the 200th Anniversary Battle of Trafalgar celebrations and the International Festival of the Sea in the United Kingdom. The ship also visited South Africa, the first Royal Australian Navy vessel to do so since 1968. Navy's highly capable submarines continue to excel, completing a number of international exercises and goodwill visits, with HMAS Rankin awarded the Gloucester Cup by the Governor General for the most proficient Fleet unit.
Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving assets continued progressing mine counter measures and explosive ordnance disposal skills during exercise DUGONG held in Two Fold Bay and Jervis Bay in August-September 2004, and the combined and joint exercises TALISMAN SABER held in Shoalwater Bay, and BERSAMA LIMA held around the Peninsula of Malaysia, Singapore and the South China Sea during September 2005.
Modernising the Fleet
The Commissioning of the first of 14 Armidale Class Patrol Boats in June 2005, HMAS Armidale, highlighted just one of the many ongoing achievements and intensive ship replacement and upgrade programs. This year also saw the commencement of the flexicrewing trial in two ANZAC frigates, designed to identify mechanisms to balance ships' crew requirements between training, leave and operational activities. The Hydrographic, Meteorological and Oceanographic Force Element Group also achieved a significant milestone in enhancing safe navigation with the completion of a series of Electronic Navigational Charts covering the entire Inner Great Barrier Reef shipping route.
I have highlighted what I believe are key events and activities of the last twelve months. I would reflect, however, that these are but a fraction of the noteworthy jobs that the men and women of the fleet have undertaken over this period. As we go forward, it will be our leadership, management of risk and sense of community that will ensure another successful and productive year. I consider these to be the most important elements in enabling Maritime Command to provide mission capable forces in the right place at the right time to fight and win in the maritime environment.
REAR ADMIRAL DAVYD THOMAS, AM, CSC, RAN - MARITIME COMMANDER
