Publication:The Trade December 2003/HMAS WALLER
"ALWAYS TENACIOUS"
2003 has been a busy and eventful year for the crew of WALLER. After commencing the year with an AMP, shakedown and MSE, WALLER then deployed to the East Coast. Participating in exercises with the Eastern Skimmers, WALLER also conducted Special Operations work with AUSCDT One. The Float on Float Off operations were extremely successful with a lot of experience gained in both camps. Following these operations WALLER conducted a PR visit to Melbourne where numerous tours were conducted for civilians, CERBERUS recruits, Naval Cadets and various associations. Thankfully the tours were over, and WALLER ended up in sunny Hobart for Anzac Day. Stopping at Maria Island enroute, the Governor of Tasmania Sir Guy Green, the Tasmanian Police Commissioner and the Mayor of Hobart were embarked for a sea ride. All three VIP's reported having an excellent time on board, and were keen to reciprocate our hospitality once in Hobart. Hobart continues to be an extremely hospitable port, and the entire crew had a fabulous time. WALLER led the Anzac Day March through Hobart and explored the various nightspots available.
Upon returning to FBW WALLER assisted in HMA Ships CANBERRA and WARRAMUNGA's workups and conducted weapon certification. A submarine vs submarine Exercise with USS LOS ANGELES proved how quiet WALLER can be! The Submarine Warfare Officers Course was embarked for their sea phase off Albany. We had some fun with them! Finally WALLER departed for the warmer weather in Darwin and Exercise KAKADU VI. Meeting up with DECHAINEUX in Darwin, the crew enjoyed some warm weather for a few days prior to commencing KAKADU VI. During the Exercise, WALLER provided some valuable experience for the Ships by providing "in-contact" time and participating in many facets of the Exercise. Sinking as much tonnage as possible prior to departure, WALLER made a strategic exit to return to FBW in time for Exercise LUNGFISH. Along with USS City of Corpus Christi, Exercise LUNGFISH was conducted to provide training for the Submarines, Australian and US P3 Aircraft, and to conduct Choke Point Operations off Cape Naturaliste. WALLER was then bombarded by the USN's Potential Commanding Officer's course for the duration of PCO OPS. A few weeks of weapon firings, inshore operations, underwater looks and generally showing them how an SSG does it's business (we think they were impressed!). Of course all members had to eat Vegemite and have a beer issue just to get in the spirit of it all! (After all his sea riding, SWO - CMDR Kevin Jones had to be inducted as a member of the wardroom!) The Ship's Ball was held on 20 Sep 03 at the Fremantle Sailing Club. A fantastic night was had by all who attended.
The year will finish off with Exercise Fincastle, PWO Sea Week and ASWEX, prior to WALLER proceeding into a Docked Maintenance period and a well-earned rest for the crew! In addition to numerous exercise commitments, the focus of 2003 was largely training, and WALLER qualified the following:
- 17 x SMSQ's (1 SMN, 2 MEO, 1 WEEO, 6 MT, 3 ET, 1 AWA, 1 STD, 1 EWA & 1 CIS)
- 2 x P1 Operators
- 1 x P2 Operators
- 4 x Petty Officers of the Watch
- 2 x WE and 1 x ME Command Qualification
- 2 x DSC operators
