Publication:The Fearless Times Issue 2 2009/A First for any Australian Warship
HMAS Toowoomba made RAN history by visiting the Port of Salalah in Oman, the first such visit for an RAN vessel. The port visit was for a three days logistical, and rest and recreation purposes.
Salalah, in the South near the border between Yemen and Oman provided some well needed respite from the oppressive middle eastern heat with temperatures in the mid 30s compared with previous port visits where the Ship's Company endured temperatures well above 40 degrees.
One venue that was a big hit with the Ship's Company was the Oasis Club, better known as the “Seaman's Mission”, which was only a short bus ride from the port. The Ship's Company welcomed the opportunity to relax and unwind and took the opportunity to watch the Tri Nation Rugby Springboks play the Wallabies in South Africa on the big screen.
All staff at the Seaman's Club made Toowoomba Ship's Company very welcome by ensuring that the club served good “pub grub” and when the Rugby wasn't on the big screen The Ashes was. Other features of the club included pool tables and a four lane tenpin Bowling Alley!
Those who ventured out further than the Seaman's Club found that Salalah offered a small number of interesting cultural sites such as the Tomb of the Prophet Job; the town of Taqah believed to be the location of the fort belonging to the Queen of Sheeba; and Khor Rori, where stands the ruins of an important and wealthy settlement dating back to the 4th Century.
The dusty gravel footpaths of the township of Salalah were in stark contrast to the lush green mountains a short distance away where many locals were picnicking with their families.
Salalah's population of just over 190,000 was swollen during the port visit accommodating tourists from other parts of the region for the 'Carnivale' season which runs from June to August. Some of the Ship's Company took the opportunity to check out the bright lights and colour of the night carnival which offered rides, games, exhibitions and food.
The port visit to Salalah was shared with several other navies operating in the region in support of Anti Piracy operations for Op ATALANTA, including Turkish, Greek, and Japanese warships. Op ATALANTA is the European Union Maritime Force contributing to Counter-Piracy in the Gulf of Oman (GOO), Gulf of Aden (GOA), and off the Horn Of Africa(HOA).
Also in port were two Iranian vessels which have been conducting the same type of operations in the Gulf of Aden (GOA).
Toowoomba recommenced patrols of the Arabian Sea in Maritime Support and Counter Terrorism Operations in support of TF150. In September, Toowoomba will be the first RAN ship to participate in Task Force 151 Counter Piracy Operations in the Gulf of Aden and off the Horn of Africa.
