Success and Anzac cross the line

5 May 2010 By LEUT Beaver, HMAS Anzac

It was the first clear morning in a week for the task force sailing for Exercise Bersama Shield 10. The seas were smooth and the sky was blue for HMA Ships Anzac (CAPT Peter Quinn, CSC) and Success (CMDR Tony Rayner); it was almost as if His Majestic Self, King Neptune had seen fit to provide perfect weather for what would later be his first visit to Anzac since 2008.

Not to waste an opportunity as promising as this, Anzac was fuelled and ammunitioned alongside Success whilst steaming ever forward towards the Equator.

In what was to be an exceptionally proficient evolution by the crews of both ships, the dual replenishment at sea was conducted quickly with the last pallet of ammunition being passed as the two ships crossed the Equator.

For the two weeks previous the two Ships had sailed in company with HMNZS Te Kaha (CMDR Mat Williams) from Cairns and the Task Group had taken every opportunity to advance the proficiency and experience of its crews who would see their work cut out for them in Exercise Bersama Shield 10.

The culmination of this period of training resulted in an advanced dual RAS(L) and Heavy Jackstay being conducted professionally and quickly by Anzac and Success.

Following the Replenishment, King Neptune and His Beautiful Queen graced HMAS Anzac with their presence and a very amusing Captain Quinn pleaded the innocence of his numerous Pollywogs to the King.

Nevertheless King Neptune’s right hand man Davey Jones saw fit to ‘induct’ the Pollywogs into the brethren of the sea under Neptune’s watchful gaze.

Paying tribute to His Beautiful Queen, and after sufficient and well-earned fun, HMAS Anzac was given permission to proceed by Neptune and His minions.

It was an eventful day for the Task Group which culminated in a fun and enjoyable Crossing the Line Ceremony for HMAS Anzac before commencing Exercise Bersama Shield 10.