Success in fleet concentration period
29 March 2009
Fleet Concentration Period 2009 (FCP-09) descended on the fleet during February, to blow off all the cobwebs from the reduced activity period, and HMAS Success (CMDR Simon Brown) was once again at the forefront of the action.
Success sailed along with HMA Ships Anzac and Stuart on a dark Sydney morning heading into the Eastern Australia Exercise Area for a week of shakedowns and trials.
The focus for week one was conducting trials with HMAS Sirius to endorse her as a replenishment ship. This included passing fuel and stores between the two ships and ultimately led to the stamp of approval for Sirius.
Week one also included the workup towards gaining proficiency to operate the helicopter. Sea King helicopter, Shark 20, embarked early in the week and, following a few training flights, an Air Sea Safety Assessment was conducted. This ultimately ended in an exercise crash on deck and the ship’s company came through with flying colours.
The week also brought a special guest to Success with Commander Joint Logistics, MAJGEN Cavanagh embarking by helicopter for a short visit.
Success spent the weekend alongside before heading to sea on 2 March for the war phase of FCP-09. The tempo of activity was quickly ramped up with Success conducting Replenishments At Sea (RAS) with HMA Ships Anzac, Sydney, Manoora and Stuart within the first two days. In total during FCP-09, Success conducted 17 RAS’s all of which were conducted safely and efficiently.
The bridge team was sufficiently tested during the war phase and Success held the best scores for screen plays during the night steam in company serials. This is a testament to the hard work and great team work that was fostered by the bridge teams. It ultimately led to the award of two Bridge Warfare Certificates, one to LEUT Helen Imlay-Gillespie and the other to SBLT Cristopher White. This award is a grand milestone and the culmination of many hours of training and earning the confidence of Commanding Officer, CMDR Simon Brown.
CMDR Brown was extremely happy with the Ship during FCP-09, saying, “ Success and her ship’s company did herself proud during the past three weeks, culminating in what was, in my time onboard, one of the most professional and slick looking RAS’s we have ever conducted.”
“The ship’s company have worked extremely hard during this Fleet Concentration Period and should be proud of everything they have accomplished”, he said.
