Publication:The Trade December 2003/From the Men in Green (STG-SM)
As this edition of 'The Trade' goes to print the men in green have just returned from Karratha and Dampier having completed SHEEAN's Operational work-up and Unit Readiness Evaluation in northern waters. With Safety and Operational work ups programmed for WALLER and DECHAINEUX over next two months, this will indeed culminate in a very busy year for the Sea Training Group.
Looking back on 2003 one may well ask the question, what did we, as submariners, collectively achieve this year. From the Sea Training perspective we have continued to train our personnel to operate submarines in a controlled and safe environment. This can only be achieved when personnel are working as a team, committed to achieving the objective. The commitment and devotion demonstrated by the crews to maintaining a high standard of professionalism through self-training and assessment periods throughout 2003, is to be commended.
Since the last edition of ' The Trade ' the composition of the STG has changed with LCDR Lachlan King, or 'Mother Goose' as he is now more affectionately known by the crew of SHEEAN, and CPOEWASM Smith 'BJ' posting out. Their replacements are LCDR Nick Watson and CPOEWASM Bromfield. STG would like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing members for their hard work and dedication during their posting to STG-SM. Additionally, a special thanks to all the 'ring-ins' we have press ganged into action throughout the year. Without your valuable assistance it would not have been possible to conduct submarine work-ups simultaneously, during conflicting program requirements. It is also rumoured that POETSM Gunn-Brockhoff will be promoted early next year, well done Gunny.
As this would not be an STG-SM article without some formal advice from your friendly sea trainers. The following is a summary of the more common areas that required attention during staff assisted days in 2003.
- Smoke awareness/containment
- Attack and Support parties dressing
- Ability to listen to SITREP's
- Knowledge and use of the Status 250S
- Providing coverage and overlap in all areas
- Personal protective equipment? Think about self preservation
2003 - The Year that was
When things go wrong as they sometimes will and your daily trek seems all up hill Spare a thought for the men in green and the bloke that carries the smoke machine The year began with a hectic rush a demanding program placed on us To answer the call we donned the green, dragged out the dummy and the smoke machine.
DECHAINEUX was first she had to sail to those foreign ports through lightening and gale Her safety assessment and op work-up went fine with no rest for the crew, or the green team to dine Debriefs completed, reports all done, the boss gave the signal we were off at the run Out through the hatch onto the boat back to the office for a brew and a smoke The Trelleborg issue gave some respite so the men in green went home for the night.
World events were not looking bright, Force Protection had to be right Gear was issued scenarios planned to test the boats security band Dare devil divers came to our aid would be terrorists to invade Crews stood fast held their ground but alas a few went down Lessons learnt on the day will help to keep bad guys at BAY. (Force Protection) Phones rang hot CST answered the call SHEEAN and RANKIN were still lashed to the wall With work-ups on SHEEAN and RANKIN combined, out went the press gang with one thing in mind Two teams were needed, we wanted the best, so a balding young man was dragged out of the chest Off to the airport life jackets in hand the men of the B- Team had one cunning plan With the A-TEAM on SHEEAN out in the bight, they could stay in Port Lincoln one extra night Out onto RANKIN at dawns first light the men of the B- Team helped prepare for their noisy delight Try as we might and wanting to stay, neither A or B team members were there on the day. (Shock Trials)
SHEEAN was stored and ready to run so the team headed north for a spell in the sun/KARRATHA Accommodation was scarce in that part of the land with Big Al's burgers in great demand Back from the red dust gas fields and sun WALLER's work-up had begun. WALLER was checked and sent on her way back to the builder for a short stay.
DECHAINEUX undocked and pulled alongside requesting the team take one more ride Little did we know there and than the drop off point was south again/BUNBURY Back in the office surrounded by gear the team had time to reflect on the year Training completed work-ups done all in all we had some fun.
From the men in green, have a happy and safe Christmas and New Year with your loved ones and we look forward to working with you again next year
