Strengthening ties in the Far East
6 April 2009 By LCDR Tony Ashley
With an air of adventure combined with the thrill of the unknown HMAS Warramunga (CMDR A.M GORDON, RAN) visited Karachi, Pakistan between 5 – 14 March 2009. This visit to Pakistan heralded the end of a fourteen year hiatus by HMA Ships to the region. Warramunga travelled from the Central Arabian Gulf to Pakistan in order to take part in EXERCISE AMAN 09. The Joint Naval Exercise was actively participated in by eleven nations and observed by a further thirty-seven.
AMAN 09 was envisaged in order to develop inter-nation and specifically inter-navy response tactics, techniques and procedures against global threats to trade and sovereignty with the overall goal of “Togetherness for Peace”. The Pakistani Chief of Naval Staff (Admiral Noman Bakir NI (M)) stated that “the multinational exercise was a resounding success, with the bringing together of like minded nations.”
The sea phases of the exercise saw Warramunga conduct numerous varied and rousing evolutions. These included a gunnery exercise against the foreboding killer tomato which Warramunga successfully wounded prior to the Chinese Destroyer - Goungzhou staking their claim and finishing the menacing replica fruit off. A nine ship helicopter formation flypast involving Warramunga’s Seahawk along with six other nations preceded a Fleet Review by the Pakistani . The exercise continued with a combination of Maritime Intercept Operations, Air Defence Exercises and Asymmetric Threat Training, all the while being conducted in close formation in order to enhance Seamanship proficiency. The sea phase culminated in a formation anchorage and Commander Pakistan Fleet hosting all Commanding Officer’s for a Flag Echo dinner onboard Tariq.
During the harbour phase of the exercise a multitude of events took place. Some of the highlights were a Chief of Naval Staff dinner for selected ship’s company from participating nations. The dinner was attended by some 800 naval personnel and dignitaries, and allowed guests to interact with their counterparts whilst immersing themselves in the culinary and cultural delights of Pakistan. Warramunga hosted the highlight of the social programme with a well received and attended Cocktail Party and Ceremonial Sunset. Guests departed with appreciation and fond memories of the emblematic Australian hospitality.
Warramunga’s fighting spirit came to a head during the dalliances of sporting competition throughout the shore phase. Sports contested by the Ship’s crew included; Soccer, Squash, Golf, Volleyball, Shooting and Basketball. Of highlight were the victories in a torrid fought basketball match final, and a closely fought draw in the soccer against the crafty Chinese outfit. The Ship’s marksmen were in line for a clean sweep victory following an initial lead after the 9mm pistol round, however with some untimely winds and dubious lighting late in the day the team clinched third place overall.
Prior to returning to the relatively familiar waters of the Persian Gulf, Warramunga proudly hosted Pakistan onboard for a ship tour and high tea in the Wardroom. Both Pakistan and CO Warramunga spoke of the close ties and strengthened relationships stemming from Exercise AMAN 09.
Warramunga continues to conduct Maritime Interception Operations in Support of Op SLIPPER prior to return to Fleet Base West mid year.
