Publication:The Fearless Times Issue 2 2009/Fleet Commander's Visit
HMAS Toowoomba welcomed Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Nigel Coates AM, onboard prior to the Ship's departure for its second Operation SLIPPER patrol.
The first thing the Fleet Commander noticed about the Ship's Company was their cheerful, enthusiastic and upbeat manner, evident at all levels within F156. The Toowoomba catchphrase that “Attitude Is Everything” is evidently being embraced. “The attitude makes the difference between a good ship and a great ship, and Toowoomba definitely has that attitude” RADM Coates said.
During the three day visit, the Fleet Commander toured all parts of ship but most importantly, he spent quality time meeting and talking with Toowoomba's crew. The opportunity to be hosted and dine in the Wardroom, the CPO's and PO's Messes and the Junior Sailor's Café was particularly appreciated.
"It was important for me to take this time to visit Toowoomba now that she is well established in the MEAO, to see what they're doing and hear about their successes and challenges, and take feedback back to Australia to see if we can assist her in her future operations," said the Fleet Commander.
During the visit, the Admiral was able to see Toowoomba go about her everyday business witnessing Mini-Typhoon and Pirate Decoy firings, Boarding Party training, Fast Roping, Command and Operations briefings. A particular highlight of Fleet Commander's visit was accompanying the Executive Officer, LCDR Simon Howard on Evening Rounds of the messes.
The next day, the Admiral addressing a Clear Lower Deck congratulated the Ship's Company of Toowoomba on their achievements to date. He told them “I haven't seen you since you finished your work up period and MRE but I need to add a congratulatory note for your efforts and results during the work up. All the reports I received from Sea Training Group indicated that Toowoomba 'aced it' and you can be very proud of that,” he said. However, he reminded the crew of the need to remain alert to the risk of complacency – particularly as Toowoomba will face new and different challenges in contributing to Counter-Terrorism and Anti-Piracy Operations, the first RAN tasking under CTF150 and CTF151.
The Clear Lower Deck was also used for the Admiral to make a number of important presentations and awards. Amongst them was a Fleet Commander's Commendation for CPOET Morris Nash for his outstanding contribution to the management of the Weapons Electrical Engineering Department and the 2008 Silver Platter Fleet Award to the Supply Department of Toowoomba for excellence in food service hospitality in the maritime environment. Other important presentations included promotion of Brent Hawkins to Able Seaman and award of Toowoomba's 'Sailor of the Quarter' for the period of April to June 2009 to POB Craig Range.
The Commanding Officer described the visit as a rare opportunity for a RAN Ship to host the Fleet Commander for three days underway. “The Fleet Commander's time is extremely valuable and so it is an enormous privilege for Toowoomba to benefit from such a significant visit whilst we are deployed on operations”, said CMDR Ivan Ingham.
