Publication:Newcastle News Issue 1 2009/Newcastle Shows Her Enterprise

As a participant in Exercise Talisman Saber (TS09) this year HMAS Newcastle has become a decisive member of a lethal fight ing force comprising RAN, USN and Canadian Ships who are conducting a multitude of tasks including Air Defence, Surface, Anti-Submarine and Amphibious Landing activities designed to improve the interoperability between our forces. For Newcastle which has only recently been out of her FFG Upgrade program there has been no better a time for her crew to show off the Ship's new capability in the international arena.

A multinational exercise of this size would not be possible without the provision for Replenishment At Sea (RAS). Newcastle has conducted a number of RAS's with both USNS Amelia Earhart and HMAS Success. Replenishing with Amelia Earhart in particular, which is less than twelve months old, allowed Newcastle to be the first RAN ship to come alongside her imposing 42000 tonne bulk. Newcastle was not alone however, with the Arleigh Burke USS McCambell already hooked up on her starboard side and with USS Mustin on standby station awaiting her turn. As reported by the Newcastle Navigator LEUT Phil Alley, "This is cool, absolutely cool, a Navigators dream."

Equally noteworthy was the opportunity to conduct operat ions with an Aircraft Carrier. Newcastle had the opportunity to take stat ion next to USS Essex during her flying operations with a spectacular show put on by four of her US Marine Sea Harriers conducting short take off's with vertical landings. This event was made even more exhilarating with the crew looking forward to the RAN soon having two ships with similar capability.