Suez Canal and Egypt visit
25 May 2009
For the first time since 2005, Australian warships have completed a transit of the Suez Canal. On 22 May HMAS Sydney and HMAS Ballarat transited northbound through the Canal from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, the first of two Canal transits for the Northern Trident 2009 (NT09)deployment.
For the Seaman Officers on NT09 the transit was both interesting and challenging. Ship movement within the canal is extremely restricted as it varies in width from 300 meters to 365 meters and has an average depth of 21 meters. It is also a busy waterway used by up to 80 ships each day. Due to its heavy usage and the restricted nature of the waterway, ships using the Canal must transit in convoys and must take on pilots for the 10 hour transit. “It was a rare opportunity. To navigate through such an important waterway in a warship is not something many people can say they’ve done,” said Seaman Officer LEUT Thea O’Conor of HMAS Ballarat.
The Northern Trident ships reached Port Said at the southern entrance to the Canal on the evening of 21 May. After dropping anchor, 59 members of Sydney’s ship’s company departed for an overnight stay in Cairo before visiting the Pyramids the next day.
“The trip to Egypt has to be the highlight of this deployment so far,” said Leading Seaman Cook, Darryl Ford.
“After arriving at our hotel in Cairo, we indulged in a huge platter of traditional Egyptian foods, like mixed dips, cured meats, olives, flat breads and dried fruits. Everyone then made sure they got an early night, in preparation for a tour of the pyramids the next day.
“We certainly weren’t disappointed. We got to see the Great Pyramids, The Sphinx and the Museum of Cairo which contained some amazing artifacts like Tutankhamen’s mask and his solid gold burial chamber.”
Meanwhile, back on board Sydney, CAPT Peter Leavy (CO Sydney) and CMDR Kevin Turner, (CO Ballarat) received a visit from Her Excellency Stephanie Shwabsky, the Australian Ambassador to Egypt.
“It was an honour to host the Ambassador on board Sydney,” said CAPT Leavy.
“She was extremely interested in hearing about Northern Trident 09, and met many members of the ship’s company as well as enjoying a tour of the ship.”
Later, Ambassador Shwabsky dined with both CO’s in the Captain’s cabin before departing via boat back to Port Suez.
It was an early start the following morning for both crews with the Suez Canal transit commencing at 0530, with both warships taking a privileged position at the head of the convoy. For the crew of Ballarat the excitement over such a unique transit opportunity was soon evident as those of all ages, ranks and service experience quickly lined the upper decks and remained there for much of the transit.
“After 32 years service, this is my first, and probably only Suez experience. For some of the crew it’s their first deployment and to have such an experience so early in their careers is quite special,” said Ballarat’s Chief Coxswain Peter Hilton.
Those on board Sydney chose to spend the transit of the Suez in a novel way, by participating in the Tour de Suez, a (stationary) bike ride covering 193km, which is the length of the canal. Technical sailors and officers squared off against non-technical sailors and officers in what proved to be an exciting challenge in very hot and dry 37 degree conditions.
Overseen by the race marshal, Lance Clubstrong (Leading Seaman Physical Trainer, Rhoderick Hunter), it was neck and neck for most of the race.
At the 50 km mark the techos were only two kilometres behind and gaining fast. Then all of a sudden they brought out their secret weapon ‘Brooksy’ (Leading Seaman Electronics Technician Ryan Brook) who put in some outstanding sprinting action to level both teams.
As the race progressed, the techos continued their strong performance and eventually took out the race, receiving the inaugural Tour de Suez trophy.
In the end, whichever way members of both ships’ companies chose to spend their Suez Canal experience, everyone is sure to take home some fond memories.
