Publication:The Fearless Times Issue 1 2009/The Italian Job
By popular demand, pizza and pasta are set for a comeback onboard HMAS Toowoomba thanks to the Italian Navy and Italian Naval Ship (INS) Borsini.
Some of our people had a rare opportunity to participate in a Personal Exchange Program or "crossdeck" with INS Borsini after both ships departed the Gulf port of Abu Dhabi together. The crossdeck is an initiative intended to provide interesting professional insight, promote cooperation and foster good relations with other navies whilst Toowoomba is deployed to OP SLIPPER.
The opportunity was taken for personnel to swap places with their counter-parts for the day and experience a-day-at-sea in a "different navy". Some of the In-Company activities involved OOW Manoeuvres, Replenishment at Sea (RAS) approaches and the Borsini's Augusta Bell 202 helicopter, the "Godfather" conducting deck landing practices on Toowoomba.
One lucky participant was one of Toowoomba's chefs, ABCK Scott Tysoe who had a "Busman's Holiday" cooking in Borsini's galley. His Italian hosts were happy to trade secret recipes on authentic Italian pizza and pasta. It was a great experience for ABCK Tysoe who said "We already make authentic Italian food but some of these new tips on magic ingredients will come in very handy." ABMT Kane Turco, who also enjoyed the culinary experience, said "The food they served us was just like my Nona used to make." His Italian hosts were most impressed that Kane could also speak Italian.
SBLT Sarah Tame (Phase IV OOW) also had a unique experience when she found herself with the Con and in charge of Borsini for OOW Manoevres. This was a special achievement for Sarah given that she was the first foreigner to be given the Con of Borsini.
Later in the year, Toowoomba will be the first RAN ship to participate in Task Force 151 Counter Piracy Operations where she is likely to encounter her new friend Borsini.
