Publication:The Fearless Times Issue 2 2009/Ships we have operated with
Since arriving in the Area of Operation, HMAS Toowoomba has operated with a number of ships in one capacity or another. Some ships we have operated very close to conducting replenishment at sea, where we receive fuel and food, and others at slightly longer distances such as the American aircraft carrier USS RONALD REAGAN.
The first vessel we met as we entered the area was an American supply ship, the USNS SACAGEWA, in the Gulf of Oman on 22 Jun 09.
After leaving Abu Dhabi and transiting the Strait of Hormuz we joined up with Commandante Borsini, an Italian Corvette on 30 Jun 09. We conducted a series of exercises with her for approximately six hours.
Our next replenishment at sea was on 01 Jul 09 with the French tanker, FS MARNE. As well as being a supply ship, Marne doubled as the headquarters at sea for Commander Task Force 150 for whom we worked conducting anti-smuggling operations.
Beside the supply ships we also formed a close bond with the ships of the American aircraft carrier task group which include USS RONALD REAGAN and USS CHAN-CELLORSVILLE with whom we operated between 10 and 13 Jul 09.
A highlight of the trip so far was when we were close to the Iranian frigate NAGDHI on 05 Aug 09. We were both operating in vicinity of Salalah, Oman when the chance meeting happened. Three days later
Toowoomba hosted a number of Iranian Officers for discussions onboard. The Iranian Officers in-clude the Task Group Commander, the captain of the NAGDHI and the captain of the Iranian tanker, BAN-DAR ABBAS.
After
Toowoomba visited Karachi we operated with the Pakistani Frigate BADR for a period on 19 Aug 09, where we conducted a series of exercises.
