The official newspaper of the Royal Australian Navy Volume 55, No. 3, March 1, 2012
SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE
olume 55, No. 3, March 1, 2012
Navy
FARE WELL
HMAS MELBOURNE
DEPARTS P6
PARRA BUSTERS
NARCOTICS HAUL
IN THE GULF P3
SALUTE SALUTE TO THE
TO THE FALLEN FALLEN
HONOURED:
LCDR Eric Thompson (retd) salutes with his ne
w Navy ball cap at the Darwin International Airpor ahead of being a guest t of honour at the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin.
Photo: ABIS James Whittle
12
Sailors play leading role in Darwin Sailors play leading role in Darwin bombing commemorations
bombing commemorations Centrepiece Centrepiece
PERSONAL CONNECTION: LSPT Corrine Williams, whose step great- grandfather died during the Japanese bombing of Darwin on February 19, 1942, presents arms at the Cenotaph during commemorations for the
02 NEWS
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advertising@defencenews.gov.au CPL Melanie Schinkel
AFTER almost a week of bat- tling mozzies, midges and putrid mud in sweltering con- ditions the ADF Emergency Support Force departed South West Queensland’s flood-strick- en communities and returned to their home units on February 14.
Led by 7 Bde, the ADF Emergency Support Force (ESF) comprised 30 Fleet Support Unit (FSU) sailors from Fleet Base East and 120 Brisbane-based soldiers from D Coy, 6RAR, and 2CER.
A t t h e r e q u e s t o f t h e Q u e e n s l a n d G o v e r n m e n t , t h r o u g h E m e r g e n c y Management Australia, the ESF was called upon to provide vital flood relief and support to the inundated communities of Roma, Mitchell and St George on February 8.
C o m m a n d e r J o i n t Operations LTGEN Ash Power said he was proud of the force’s tireless efforts.
“Soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen are always pre- pared to get their hands dirty and help those Australians hav- ing a rough time. What makes me most proud though is that they always do their jobs with a smile on their faces,” LTGEN Power said.
After arriving in Roma and Mitchell the force began clear- ing mud out of houses and removing damaged items, rub- bish and debris.
Two days later 30 FSU sail- ors joined the force and formed part of the element that moved from Roma to assist in St George.
On February 12 the remain- ing personnel in Roma and Mitchell shifted to join the main recovery effort in St George before completing works and returning to their home units.
The OIC of the ESF’s Navy contingent, LEUT Michael Hodgson, said although it was a
“hot and smelly job” the sailors didn’t complain and enjoyed the community service.
“As a result of the main river in St George rising, a lot of sep- tic tanks and toilets overflowed – it was a hot and stinky job and
many of the sailors had to dis- pose of their grubby DPNUs,”
LEUT Hodgson said.
“We were very well received by the St George community including the state emergency services and local authorities.
The sailors had offers of fresh laid eggs, watermelons and mangoes.”
He said even St George’s Mayor Donna Stewart showed her appreciation by shouting three Navy and two Army per- sonnel lunch on February 13.
Twenty-one-year-old ABBM Desmond Taylor, of FSU, said it was his first time providing flood relief and he was glad to help his fellow Australians dur- ing their time of need.
“Work asked for volunteers and I couldn’t say no. When we arrived the locals in St George were really happy to see us and appreciative of us being there – they were just so thankful,”
ABBM Taylor said.
“Their resilience surprised me. They had smiles on their faces despite going through such a difficult time and that made me feel pretty good about what I was doing to help them.”
On the sailors’ second day in St George they helped 6RAR and 2CER soldiers restore Warrawee Retirement Village.
“I was shocked when I walked through the retirement village. Room after room was covered in mud-soaked debris, but at the end of the day we had most of it cleaned up and eve- ryone was impressed by what we had managed to achieve,”
ABBM Taylor said.
“That day was a big turning point in the operation because it made Navy and Army active- ly work together. Up until then we had been completing different tasks separately. We worked really well as a team and wouldn’t have achieved the job without each other, that’s for sure.”
Although the ADF’s flood a s s i s t a n c e h a s c o n c l u d e d , it remains prepared to pro- v i d e s p e c i a l i s t s u p p o r t t o Queensland flood areas under Defence Assistance to the Civil Community arrangements.
Many hands fight floods
Assistance timeline
January 26-27
Two Black Hawk crews from the Oakey-based Army Aviation Training Centre conduct aerial reconnais- sance along Lismore’s flood-affected Northern Rivers region and evacu- ate an elderly woman trapped by floodwaters in the township of Ewingar.
February 2
Air Force’s 37 Squadron transports sandbags and flood assistance equipment in a Hercules to help residents of Moree, NSW.
February 3-9
A detachment of 50 personnel, four Black Hawks and four Kiowas from Oakey are assigned to assist the flood-stricken regions of Roma, Mitchell, St George, Dirranbandi and south-east Queensland. Two people are hoisted from a rooftop in Charleville, a family of five are recovered from a flooded property in Galonga and seven people are rescued from a property south of Charleville.
February 5
Thirty-two Warrawee Retirement Village residents aged 67-97 years, 17 stretcher-bound, are evacuated from St George by Air Force’s 3 Expeditionary Health Squadron and a 37 Squadron Hercules.
February 8
Enoggera-based 7 BDE deploys the ADF Emergency Support Force (ESF) comprising 90 soldiers from D Coy, 6RAR, and 2CER to begin flood relief operations in Roma and Mitchell.
February 9
Upon arrival in Roma the ESF provides manpower to the local resi- dents and concentrates its clean-up efforts on the inundated main town- ship. Meanwhile, another element of the force supports the entirely submerged community of Mitchell.
The force assists by cleaning out houses as well as two local schools, the community museum and swim- ming pool.
February 10-13
Flood recovery operations con- tinue in Roma and Mitchell but the majority of the ESF is relocated to St George to provide assistance to the community. Thirty sailors from FSU Sydney join the force and work together with the soldiers to restore 50 flooded houses and the Warrawee Retirement Village.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard arrives to inspect the flood damage and commends the force on its efforts.
Engineers from 2CER clear trees and debris from the only bridge in the region that crosses the Balonne River, allowing it to be reopened for community use.
February 14
Force personnel conclude their work in Roma, Mitchell and St George.
CLEAN-UP SMN Christopher Fairley drags underlay (above) from the front yard of a home in the Queensland town of St George as Navy personnel from Fleet Support Unit unload supplies (below) and (inset) PO Andrew Lim speaks with Prime Minister Julia Gillard about the Navy’s involvement with flood relief efforts.
Photos by LAC Leigh Cameron
03
NEWS
LEUT Peter Croce
CMDR Nick Watson has waited his entire life to order his elder brother, CMDR Tim Watson, around and it took an Operation Resolute patrol to make that dream a reality.
The pair linked up for a fortnight in early February on Operation Resolute – the ADF’s contribution to protect Australia’s natural resources and maritime approaches.
CMDR Nick Watson, the operations officer at Headquarters Joint Task Force 639 in Darwin, said it was “simply part of the job” as he found himself directing his older brother around northern Australian waters as CMDR Tim Watson commanded the amphibious ship HMAS Tobruk.
“We have both been in the Navy for a long time but we have never been able to serve in the same place, let alone the same operation, for that entire time – in fact most of the time we have been at opposite ends of the country,” CMDR Nick Watson said.
“It’s something I’ll never forget and to top it off he and his crew did an outstanding job.
“As brothers, we have always got along, however, this is the only time I can recall where my brother has actually done what I have asked him to do.”
For CMDR Tim Watson, commanding his own vessel on operations at sea was more than enough to soothe the sibling rivalry.
“It’s not often you get to work side by side with your brother on a military operation and though he may have got a kick out of ordering me around on this occasion, I know deep down he was jealous to be stuck in the office,” CMDR Tim Watson said.
“It was actually my graduation ceremony at HMAS Creswell that inspired him to join the Navy and I feel very privileged that we have been able to finally link up on an operation together.”
The Watson brothers have a strong family connection to the ADF with elder brother Mark Watson serving as an instructor on Kiowas for the Army and younger brother Glenn formerly an Army Reserve officer. Their father Don Watson was a national serviceman in the Air Force.
CPL Melanie Schinkel
H M A S Pa r ra m a t t a s e i z e d a n d destroyed more than 240kg of illegal narcotics valued about $5 million dur- ing an investigative boarding of a sus- picious dhow in the North Arabian Sea on February 3.
Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150), part of the US-led Combined Maritime Forces, granted Parramatta clearance to conduct a standard flag verification boarding as the suspect vessel was not flying a national flag.
Parramatta rapidly responded by sending in her Enhanced Boarding Capability, led by a chief petty offic- er clearance diver and comprising a translator and nine clearance divers from AUSCDT 1.
T h e O I C o f t h e E n h a n c e d Boarding, whose name cannot be dis-
Drugs seized from dhow
closed for security reasons, said the team identified a number of clues that indicated the vessel was involved in illegal activities.
“Once we suspected something wasn’t right, we put a request through to Parramatta’s command team to request a higher level of search capa- bility from CTF 150,” he said.
“The approval came through quick- ly and we informed the dhow’s master that his vessel was to be searched for illegal cargo. From there the boarding team conducted a detailed eight-hour search which involved opening up unlocked compartments – it’s similar to enforcing a search warrant.”
He said the dhow’s master and crew were cooperative during the search and that one of the clearance divers discovered a drum filled with a white substance.
“The clearance divers conducted a number of drug tests on a sample found among the vessel’s bulk food stowage. Another sample was also sent back to Parramatta for further testing.
“After extensive tests it was deter- mined they were illegal and illicit sub- stances – mostly amphetamines and heroin. We disposed of it all by pour- ing it overboard. When we departed
there was no sign of the illicit sub- stances left on the sea surface.”
With the drugs destroyed and the dhow safely underway, the boarding party returned to Parramatta to con- duct post-boarding reports, ensure the evidence and intelligence gathered was recorded correctly and reconstitute in preparation for their next mission.
“Although we had been on the go for about 12 hours and were dirty, hun- gry and tired, we felt satisfied with what we had achieved. We took mil- lions of dollars worth of illicit sub- stances out of the equation – now that money can’t fall into the wrong hands.
“It was a good day and fulfill- ing after months of training and hard work. As a team we performed very well and are pleased to have had such a big win in the counter-smuggling arena.”
MILLIONS WORTH: Boarding parties from HMAS Parramatta board a vessel suspected of trafficking illegal narcotics. Photo: CPO John Alderton
Brothers in arms
GIVING THE ORDERS: Brothers CMDR Nick Watson, left, and CMDR Tim Watson who served together
on Operation Resolute. Photo: ABIS James Whittle
Michael Weaver
THE Chief of Navy has welcomed the West Australian Coroner’s findings into the Christmas Island boat tragedy on December 15, 2010.
The Chief of the Defence Force, GEN David Hurley, also praised the actions of ADF, Customs and Border Protection personnel, along with other Commonwealth officers who worked with Christmas Island residents to rescue 41 people.
“These men and women showed tremendous courage, particularly the crew of Assail Three embarked on HMAS Pirie, who performed admirably in extremely difficult and dangerous conditions at great risk to their own personal safety,” GEN Hurley said.
The Coroner also made no adverse findings against the Navy.
CN VADM Ray Griggs said the actions of those involved were in the finest traditions of the Navy.
“I applaud the effort by the CO and crew of Assail Three, who along with the crew of the ACV Triton, conducted the search and rescue in dangerous circumstances, put themselves in harm’s way and placed the safety of others on the sea above that of their own,” VADM Griggs said.
“I echo the WA Coroner’s comment that the bravery of those involved in the rescue effort, both Navy, Customs and local residents, was exceptional.”
I n N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1 , t h e International Maritime Organisation awarded a letter of commendation in the Bravery at Sea category to 12 ADF members of Assail Three embarked on HMAS Pirie.
Defence also recognised the efforts of Assail Three with individual and group commendations.
Defence and other government agencies will now consider the Coroner’s recommendations.
High praise after
Coroner’s findings
on boat tragedy
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NAVY NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/navynews March 1, 2012
04 NEWS
Michael Brooke
ROCCO’S bark was worse than his bite until a Navy dentist stepped in to ease the military working dog’s painful toothaches.
The Belgian shepherd needed root canal surgery after he chipped and fractured his teeth by chewing his metal water bowl.
LCDR Daniel Allan, of Darwin Health Centre, jumped at the opportunity to sink his teeth into the challenge of getting Rocco “fit to bite and fit to fight” once again.
Rocco required root canal surgery to repair cracked and chipped fangs.
But with no qualified animal dentists available, Rocco and his Air Force handler faced a costly interstate trip when LCDR Allan responded to an SOS to fix the dog’s busted fangs.
“The opportunity arose when I was approached by the RAAF working dog sec- tion to assess one of their dogs with a dental problem,” he said.
“After a thorough evaluation, we recog- nised that the injury needed attention and worked through a solution with the Parap Veterinary Hospital.”
Following the fang fix on February 14, Rocco recently resumed his role with 13SQN
Security Police Flight, which protects assets and operations around the clock at RAAF Base Darwin.
Rocco’s handler, LACW Tegan Bowden, said LCDR Allan did a fantastic job repairing Rocco’s chipped and fractured teeth that were the result of him chewing his metal water bowl.
“Rocco and I have been partnered for almost three years now and normally I’d be worried about such surgery but I had com- plete faith in the RAN dentist,” she said.
LCDR Allan said it was not unusual for ADF dentists to carry out urgent specialised procedures on animals.
“Rocco provided an opportunity to work beyond the scope of normal practice while still contributing to the dental health of our ADF members,” he said.
LACW Bowden said Rocco is again fight- ing fit.
“He has launched right back into attack work and biting, and now that his teeth have been cleared and are in good form, there are very little limitations to our training now,” she said. “He is quite accident prone and a little bit erratic but always recovers fast so hope- fully he will continue to mature, learn and protect for many years to come.”
Navy dentist fills the gap
FIT TO BITE: LCDR Daniel Allan fixes Rocco’s chipped fangs. Inset, Rocco feels fighting fit again with LACW Tegan Bowden, of 13SQN, at RAAF Base Darwin.
Photos: ABIS James Whittle
Hydrographers gather for Pacific nations workshop
THE Australian Hydrographic Service hosted 14 representatives from 10 south- west Pacific nations for a technical workshop and meeting on shallow water bathymetry from February 13-16.
The event reviewed international nautical chart schemes and electronic navigational chart coverage, developed further capacity building initiatives in island states and raised the awareness of the importance of hydrography in the region.
The Hydrographer of Australia, CDRE Rod Nairn, said the workshop placed special emphasis on liaising with other regional maritime organisations and techniques for collecting and analys- ing information to improve the quality of nautical charts in ports and coastal areas.
“The technical workshop was a train- ing opportunity for our counterparts in the southwest Pacific and part of Australia’s commitment to taking a lead- ership role in the region for higher accu-
racy hydrographic surveying,” CDRE Nairn said.
He said the southwest Pacific’s island nations were all reliant on shipping for imports and exports.
“In Australia, for example, 99 per cent of our trade by volume is trans- ported by sea,” he said.
“Trends in shipping across the south- west Pacific include increased tourist demand for ocean travel to places ‘off the beaten track’ and, secondly, deeper draught ships whether for tourism or trade. These bigger ships sit lower in the water which means they are more at risk of grounding unless there are accurate and up-to-date surveys of shallow waters and ports.”
The International Hydrographic Office supported the workshop as part of its capacity building efforts. The office provides support to developing hydro- graphic services as well as annual fund- ing for training and capacity building activities in the southwest Pacific region.
CHARTING THE SEAS: SMNHSO Glen Cooksey mans the sonar on board HMAS Paluma during the minor war vessel concentration period.
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05
NEWS
Michael Brooke
HMAS Kuttabul hosted royalty on St Valentine’s Day when the Queen Mary 2 (QM2) luxury ocean-liner berthed for a 14-hour visit to embark and disembark almost 1000 passengers.
The port visit highlighted Kuttabul’s ability to accommodate large ships in the countdown to the arrival of the Canberra-Class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD).
The QM2 – at $800 million, the most expensive cruise ship in the world – majestically sailed past the RAN’s biggest and newest warship, HMAS Choules, before berthing at Fleet Base East.
Kuttabul’s Port Services Manager, LCDR Glenn Robinson, said he helped to pilot the 150,000 ton ocean-liner through Sydney Heads to her berth at Fleet Base East.
“It was quite a challenge to pilot the largest, longest, widest, tallest and most expensive passenger liner in history,” he said.
“Despite her gargantuan size, the vessel can manoeuvre majestically as she is fitted with four Azipod thrusters aft and three bow-thrusters.”
LCDR Robinson said the 42-metre height of the bridge gave the command team a luxury bird’s-eye view of proceedings below.
Kuttabul was a hive of activity for the QM2’s 2500 passengers, most of whom disembarked on a day trip to see Sydney before embarking prior to the cruise ship’s midnight departure.
CO Kuttabul, CMDR Todd Willson, said the arrival of the royal heavyweight marked an auspicious start to the year for the RAN’s busiest shore-establishment.
“The visit by QM2 highlights the flexibility and capacity of Kuttabul to support a ship of almost any size or function, which comes about from the professionalism and dedication of our port services team,” he said.
Valentine’s Day royalty on show
Tobruk unit ready
HMAS Tobruk was back out at sea enhancing the Navy’s capability in support of Operation Resolute just weeks after becoming the latest amphibious ship to achieve unit readiness.
Tobruk sailed from Sydney on January 13 to assume duties as the long-haul major fleet unit for Operation Resolute.
The ship transited the Great Barrier Reef, completing a long-haul mission readiness eval- uation and, after a quick visit to Darwin to load stores, sailed for Christmas Island.
Heading into rough seas, HMAS Tobruk showed her resilience as the oldest major fleet unit as she met the challenges brought on by Cyclone Iggy.
Tobruk assisted Armidale Class Patrol Boats by patrolling in the vicinity of Christmas Island and delivering valuable stores to the Island.
On completion of her Operation Resolute tasking, Tobruk conducted first-of-class flight trials with the Navy’s latest helicopter, the MRH 90, on the way home to Sydney.
WATCHFUL: LEUT Claire Dempsey keeps an eye on HMAS Larrakia while on board HMAS Tobruk.
INQUIRY INTO UNRESOLVED RECOGNITION FOR PAST ACTS OF NAVAL AND MILITARY GALLANTRY AND VALOUR INVITATION
The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal (the Tribunal) is directed to inquire into and report on the appropriate recognition for specifi c acts of gallantry or valour performed by the following naval and military personnel:
Gunner Albert Neil (Neale) Cleary - Army Midshipman Robert Ian Davies - Navy Leading Cook Francis Bassett Emms - Navy Lieutenant David John Hamer - Navy Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick - Army
Lieutenant Commander Robert William Rankin - Navy Able Seaman Dalmorton Joseph Owendale Rudd - Navy Ordinary Seaman Edward Sheean - Navy
Leading Aircrewman Noel Ervin Shipp - Navy Lieutenant Commander Francis Edward Smith - Navy
Lieutenant Commander Henry Hugh Gordon Stoker - Royal Navy Leading Seaman Ronald Taylor - Navy
Captain Hector Macdonald Laws Waller - Navy
The Tribunal is directed to make recommendations on the eligibility of the naval and military members, as listed, to be awarded the Victoria Cross, the Victoria Cross for Australia or other forms of appropriate recognition for their gallantry or valour.
The Tribunal is conducting public hearings to hear evidence in relation to this matter. The following hearings will be conducted in March 2012.
Brisbane – Tuesday 13 March 2012 commencing at 1pm at the Royal on the Park, Corner of Alice and Albert Streets, Brisbane.
Canberra – Wednesday 14 March 2012 commencing at 9am at the Alastair Swayn Theatre, 35 Brindabella Circuit, Brindabella Business Park, Canberra.
After a preliminary consideration of the submissions received concerning the naval and military members listed above, the Tribunal has invited a number of those who have made written submissions to appear as witnesses at these hearings.
Interested members of the public are invited to attend the Tribunal’s hearings.
For administrative purposes, please register your interest in attending by contacting the Tribunal via telephone
(02) 6266 3486 or e-mail DHA.Tribunal@defence.gov.au.
The terms of reference for this inquiry can be obtained by reviewing the Tribunal website at:
www.defence-honours-tribunal.gov.au
NAVY NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/navynews March 1, 2012
06 NEWS
FEDERAL politicians could soon see first-hand pirates being inter- cepted in the Gulf of Aden after the launch of the ADF Parliamentary Program by VCDF AIRMSHL Mark Binskin and Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Senator David Feeney on February 8.
Members of Parliament will have the options of going to sea aboard an Anzac-class frigate, HMAS Choules or working with the submarines at Fleet Base West.
Positions are open for 19 politi- cians, ranging from five to 10 days and set to occur during Parliament’s recess periods through autumn and winter.
AIRMSHL Binskin said politi- cians should find the ADF members to be an impressive group of young people.
“I am confident you will find them to be well trained, dedicat- ed, articulate and truly fine young Australians,” he said.
“They are proud of the job they do and I know they will welcome you to their unit, squadron or ship, particularly in the circumstances of this program where you are pre- pared to join them in their daily routines without the constraints of a VIP visit.”
Later in the year, 15 Defence personnel will attend Parliament House during a sitting week to see the inner workings of Parliament.
Pollies get set for a bird’s-eye view
Michael Brooke
FAMILY and friends who gath- ered to say farewell to the 236 men and women embarked in HMAS Melbourne as she sailed for her third tour of duty as part of Operation Slipper on February 11 got an unexpected surprise.
Cheers rang out when a cheeky Kiwi sailor performed the haka on the aft-flight deck of HMAS Melbourne as she departed Fleet Base East on a six-month deploy- ment.
Melbourne’s ship’s company stood stoically at attention, waving goodbye to their loved ones, when ABCS Dylan Thomas’ rendition of the Maori war dance shattered the silence.
ABCS Thomas performed the haka with great conviction, much to the delight and amusement of hundreds of well-wishers who cheered and applaud- ed the performance.
“I did the haka as a sign of encouragement for the crews’ families and loved ones,” he said.
“Although a traditional Maori war dance, the haka can be performed as a sign of respect and apprecia- tion, or to mark good luck and to give encourage- ment.”
ABCS Thomas is one of three New Zealand sailors who have joined M e l b o u r n e t o a s s i s t with the operation of the RHIBs during the deployment.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Dr Mike Kelly, and the Commander Australian Fleet, RADM Tim Barrett, were among well-wishers on the wharf at Fleet Base East to farewell HMAS Melbourne, which will relieve HMAS Parramatta as the 28th rotation of a RAN fleet unit since September 2001.
Commanding Officer CMDR Richard Boulton thanked family and friends gathered for the sup- port provided to their loved ones while they prepared for their mis- sion.
“During the past months we have worked long hours and spent much time away preparing for this deployment,” he said.
“Today I’d like to recognise the commitment and sacrifices made by our families and friends.
Without your support, care and encouragement we would not be ready to deploy. For everything you have done and everything you will do, we thank you.”
KIWI FLAVOUR: ABCS Dylan Thomas performs the haka as HMAS Melbourne departs. Photo: ABBM Kerrin Humphrey
Haka steals the show
FAREWELL: CMDR Richard Boulton addresses those on the wharf of Fleet Base East as the ship’s company forms up for the final farewell. Photo: ABIS Dove Smithett
LEAVING HOME: Above, ABET Joshua Prior with mum Felicity and dad Eric on the wharf before departing for the Middle East Area of Operations. Right, ABCIS Daniel Antwis and Diana Smith say goodbye on the wharf. Photos:
ABIS Dove Smithett, ABBM Jesse Rhynard
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07
NEWS
Skills honed
at Triton Storm
Michael Brooke
A COMBINED task group of RAN and Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) warships, maritime helicop- ters and clearance divers have honed their capacity for high-end war-fight- ing during Exercise Triton Storm 12 off Jervis Bay.
Ex Triton Storm 12 (Phase One) from February 13 to 24 involved HMA Ships Ballarat, Huon, Yarra, AUSCDT-1, and Squirrel helicopters from 723 Squadron as well as HMNZ ships Te Kaha and Endeavour.
Tr i t o n S t o r m s e r v e d a s a n important shake-down after the annual break and marked another vital step forward with important training outcomes and operational preparedness for Navy.
Operating east of Jervis Bay for the first part of the exercise, the combined task group conducted live firings, seamanship evolutions, boarding training, anti-aircraft exercises and mine hunting.
The exercise also featured highly realistic air warfare scenarios involving Air Force F/A-18 Hornets, Hawk jet- fighters and surveillance aircraft.
Exercise Director CAPT Heath Robertson said the Triton Storm series provided valuable opportunities for all the units involved to hone mariner and war-fighting skills in a multi-unit, multi-threat environment.
“Triton Storm provides at-sea opportunities across all training domains, including individual training for competency and qualification achievement, as well as readiness evaluations through batched work-ups and collective training,” he said.
T r i t o n S t o r m ( P h a s e Tw o ) i nv o l v i n g H M A S h i p s Pe r t h ,
Ballarat, Warramunga, Sirius and Collins, as well as the RNZN ships Te Kaha and Endeavour will be conducted from March 5 to 23.
This next phase will enable Perth and the HMNZ ships Te Kaha and Endeavour to undertake unit and directed readiness evaluations.
SEEING RED: AMBM Matt Bennett fires a 50-calibre machine- gun on HMAS Ballarat during the exercise;
left, HMAS Ballarat (left) and HMAS Huon (right) participate in Triton Storm.
Photos: Michael Brooke
Navy News will provide additional coverage of the exercise in the next edition.
Choules set for Army
Michael Brooke
HMAS Choules’ ship’s company is ready for the challenge of embark- ing and disembarking an Army combat team for the first time from the RAN’s newest and big- gest warship.
Exercises Sea Lion and Squad Ex in far north Queensland this month will mark Army’s first exposure to Choules, an 16,800- tonne amphibious warship pro- cured from the Royal Navy last year.
The exercises will hone amphibious procedures for the ADF’s transition to a true expedi- tionary capability in 2014 when the 22,000-tonne Canberra-class Landing Helicopter Docks are scheduled to come into service.
CO Choules CMDR John Cowan said their work-up pro- gram would be conducted during Squad Ex and the unit readiness evaluation during Ex Sea Lion.
A major feature of the force integration training is the transfer of soldiers, vehicles and equip- ment to landing craft for an assault.
The exercises will be con- ducted during Choules’ work-up program and mariner skills evaluation, which are essential for operational certification.
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This painting is the most accurate depiction to date of the dawn landing at Anzac Cove on 25th April 1915. Brigadier Chris Roberts AM, CSC (Rtd)
To see more go to www.sandsofgallipoli.com.au/SALT or call SALT on 02 6123 2939
09
NEWS
LEUT Andrew Ragless HMAS Albatross will soon be home to three new Bell 429 helicopters with the first to arrive in March and undergo testing before entering into service with 723 Squadron in May.
C o m m a n d i n g O ffi c e r 7 2 3 Squadron CMDR Matthew Shand said the Bell helicopters would bol- ster the squadron’s existing fleet of 13 AS350BA Squirrel helicopters.
“It’s been an active start to a promising year,” CMDR Shand said.
“With their composite construc- tion, full glass cockpit and advanced
systems, the Bell helicopters will be leased from Raytheon Australia and are set to be the most modern naval aircraft in Australian skies.”
In preparation to receive the Bell helicopters, the squadron has been building its experience on three Agusta 109E aircraft, also on lease from Raytheon Australia.
CMDR Shand said training flights on the Agusta aircraft had provided valuable opportunities for junior aircrew to practise planning and executing tasks in a wide vari- ety of environments.
“We recently used the Agustas on a mission to Queensland where
they were prepared to conduct relief during the floods, however their ser- vices were not required.”
Aviation Warfare Officer LEUT Trine Themsen said she had found operating the Agustas valuable while at the squadron.
“The experience we’ve had fly- ing the Agustas has had a big impact on improving our ability to plan and execute complex missions,” LEUT Themsen said.
“We’re extremely excited about introducing the Bell into the squad- ron, refining our skills and seeing what it can do.”
Time to ring in the Bell 429s
READY FOR ARRIVALS: 723 Squadron (above) has been training on the Agusta 109E aircraft (inset) in anticipation of the arrival of three new Bell 429 helicopters this month.
They will enter service in May.
Photos: ABIS Hayley Clarke and LSIS Yuri Ramsey
ENGINEERS from the Anzac system project office and Navy’s Fleet Support Unit in Western Australia have repaired and restored hull-mounted sonar domes on the Anzac-class platforms.
Deputy Engineering Service Manager at Anzac System Program Office CPOMT Paul Wilcox said the project provided significant challenges in tight timeframes and with limited resources.
“At the end of last year, our engineer- ing section faced the dilemma of obtain- ing a serviceable sonar cradle to HMAS Anzac when a one-for-one replacement was not available,” CPOMT Wilcox said.
“The removal and installation of hull-mounted sonar domes on the Anzac-class platforms is a meticulous procedure and therefore only carried out during docking availabilities.”
He said it required a purpose-built cradle to support the fragile sonar dome while it was being manoeuvred into place under the bow of the ship.
In this case, the Anzac team engaged the Fleet Support Unit to develop an effective solution.
Restoration of the cradle required multiple tasks in support of preservation, design and carpentry before testing and certification of the equipment could occur.
“This was achieved in an extremely tight three-week period following initial receipt of an unserviceable cradle late last year,” CPOMT Wilcox said.
“It involved a systematic and coor- dinated scheme of work to achieve the timeframe where a number of people were instrumental in achieving a suc- cessful outcome.”
“CPOBM Jock McQueen and his team completed preservation activities such as sand-blasting, priming and painting.
Working together on home for dome
THE Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is advancing the progres- sive application of new radar-absorbing material to the Collins class sub- marine fleet.
DSTO researcher Andrew Amiet said the new absorbing material was designed, formu- lated and tested by elec- tromagnetic signature management specialists.
“The new material is tested for peel and tear, to help ensure it adheres effectively to the masts,”
Dr Amiet said. “It is designed to reduce the range at which other sea or airborne platforms could detect a Collins class submarine.
New radar material
“FSU CPOMT Gavin McDonnell and team were key in completing tasks such as the manufacture of chocks to support the sonar dome during removal and installation.
“One of the team member’s skills in boat building, gained in a previous life, also proved useful in the carpentry work.”
Final testing of the cradle and certifi- cation for lifting weight was completed late last year and the cradle dispatched to Fleet Base East.
CRAFTED CRADLE: The sonar dome cradle after being refurbished (inset) and the finished product with sonar dome in place.
CRAFTED CRADLE Th
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NAVY NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/navynews March 1, 2012
10 NEWS
LCDR Sam Dale
THE Nowra-based 816 Squadron was witness to the change of com- mand from CMDR Shane Craig to CDMR Grant O’Loughlan on January 20.
C D M R C r a i g l e d 8 1 6 Squadron from December 11, 2009, seeing the Fighting Tigers through the deployment of five Seahawk flights to the Middle East for Operation Slipper, as well as participation in exercises RIMPAC, Kakadu, Singaroo, Double Trouble, Talisman Sabre and Triton Fury, plus the ongoing training of Seahawk aircrew.
With CMDR Craig at the helm, the squadron won the McNicholl Trophy in 2010 and 2011 – a pres- tigious award presented annually for carrying out designated tasks with the highest degree of safety, efficiency and distinction.
At his farewell, CMDR Craig reflected on more than 20 years with 816 Squadron.
“Serving at 816 with people who show such professional- ism and dedication made com- ing to work every day a pleasure.
Getting to know them and many of their families was a privilege. I was constantly humbled by peo- ple, especially families, who gave so much to support our efforts,”
CMDR Craig said.
“I leave with great sadness
MIDN Nicole Tidyman
THE personnel of HMAS Waterhen farewelled their Commanding Offi cer, CMDR Jason Sears on January 17.
After a very successful two years, CMDR Sears handed over to CMDR David Jones with the offi - cial passing of the weight, where the entire ship’s company attended the quarterdeck ceremony, along with CMDR Sears’
wife and their two sons.
CMDR Sears’ fi nal speech focused on the
concept of team Waterhen, where various report- ing chains all worked to achieve the common goal of support to the mine warfare and clearance diving force.
CMDR Sears previously served as the sustain- ment manager at the MCD System Program Offi ce at Waterhen and saw previous COs develop the concept.
Team Waterhen was realised through not only fantastic leadership, but a strong connection with base staff on all levels and a good understanding of what each brought to achieving the mission.
CMDR Sears will be remembered for both his approachability and dedication to his staff. He was a patron of community service and a renowned support for instilling the signifi cance of health and fi tness in his sailors.
CMDR Sears has since taken his post as the Fleet Supply Offi cer, Garden Island.
HMAS Waterhen says goodbye to its CO
MOVING ON: CMDR Jason Sears.
816 Squadron change
but many, many happy memo- ries and a sincere wish that the Fighting Tigers continue to prosper and do what they do best by providing an aviation capabil- ity to the fleet.”
CMDR Craig was posted to the commissioning crew as a midshipman in 1991.
He went on to serve in a num- ber of positions, including opera- tions officer, flight commander, executive officer and ultimately commanding officer, demonstrat- ing his passion and dedication to the Fighting Tigers.
CMDR Craig was given a traditional send-off as he hand- ed over to CMDR O’Loughlan, with passing on of the cer- emonial 816 Squadron com- manding officer walking stick and a rousing cheer ship from personnel.
During his farewell speech, CMDR Craig thanked his family for their support, and it was fitting that his wife Anne and son Tristan were able to mark the occasion with a helicopter tour of the area.
Further testament to the infec- tious nature of CMDR Craig’s
passion and dedication is the fact that two of his sons, SBLTs Tom and Tim, are posted to 816 Squadron. They are undergoing operational flying training and are eager to uphold the family tradition.
CMDR O’Loughlan paid tribute to CMDR Craig’s ten- ure as CO, thanking him for the excellent state he received 816 Squadron.
“Winning the McNicholl Trophy for the past two years shows the dedication of CMDR Craig and 816 Squadron,” he said.
FAREWELL: CMDR Shane Craig prepares to depart 816 Squadron in a Squirrel helicopter with his family, from left, SBLT Tim Craig, Mrs Anne Craig, Tristan Craig and SBLT Tom Craig; below, CMDR Craig, right, hands over the ceremoni- al walking stick to CMDR Grant O’Loughlan.
Photos: ABIS Hayley Clarke
11
NEWS
S
IX Australian veterans of the Malayan campaign were given a standing ovation during a moving memorial service at the Kranji War Cemetery in Singapore on February 15.The veterans, chosen to represent all Australians who served in the Malayan campaign and the Battle for Singapore, stood together as a large crowd gathered to show their appreciation for the sacri- fices and hardships faced by those who fought in World War II.
The service, which marked the 70th anniversary of the fall of Singapore, was held at dawn.
Australia’s Federation Guard mount- ed a catafalque party, presenting arms as the Last Post sounded and a minute’s silence was observed.
The guard contingent joined the six veterans and Veterans’ Affairs Minister Warren Snowdon to commemorate the anniversary, participating in services in Gemas and Parit Sulong in Malaysia,
and Changi Chapel and Kranji War Cemetery in Singapore.
The Kranji War Cemetery is the final resting place for Allied soldiers who died during the Battle of Singapore and the subsequent Japanese occupation of the island from 1942 to 1945.
There are 4461 World War II casu- alties buried or commemorated at the cemetery, of which more than 850 are unidentified.
Within Kranji War Cemetery stands the Singapore Memorial, bearing the names of more than 24,000 casualties of the Commonwealth land and air forces with no known grave.
Veteran and former POW George Smith said he appreciated the contri- bution of the Federation Guard to the services.
“The boys have been great – they made us feel young again,” he said. “We appreciate the hospitality – they looked after us – and it’s great to have the guard all around you in formal ceremonies.”
Pausing for battles past
IT WAS an emotional return for six veterans of the Malayan campaign who travelled to the Changi Chapel to remember those who died during their internment as POWs.
For veteran George Smith, who spent more than three years as a POW at the Changi camp, the cere- mony was a reminder of the suffering he endured.
“Usually I try not to think about it – you get too upset otherwise,” he said.
“But this service is great. It’s very moving to come here.”
Australia’s Federation Guard mounted a catafalque party as
wreaths were laid to honour the suffering of the POWs. More than 22,000 Australians were cap- tured after the fall of Singapore on February 15, 1942.
More than 100,000 allied POWs were crammed into the Changi camp, which was originally a British Army barracks, after the fall of Singapore.
POWs suffered from hunger, malaria, dysentery, ulcers and extreme exhaustion while imprisoned at the various camps. More than a third of Australian POWs died.
For those who survived, many returned home with chronic illnesses and injuries.
CHANGI COURAGE
AUSTRALIA’S Federation Guard marked the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Gemas at the exact time and place the battle started in Malaysia 70 years ago.
Eighty-one Australians from the 2/30th Battalion were killed in the battle, the first real contact between Australian and Japanese troops.
The guard mounted a cata- falque party at the 2/30th Battalion Memorial as the six visiting veterans of the campaign watched.
On the morning of January 14, 1942, a company from the 2/30th Battalion mounted a successful ambush against the Japanese 5th
Division at a wooden bridge west of Gemas.
Following their success and as the ambush party withdrew, the Australians found themselves encir- cled by a fast-moving Japanese force. Though the situation looked dire, most Australians managed to get through and continue on to Gemas, where the battle raged on into the night and for the next day.
On the afternoon of January 15, the Australians retreated to avoid suf- fering further casualties.
More than 1000 Japanese ser- vicemen were killed during the battle.
BACK TO GEMAS
A CONTINGENT from Australia’s Federation Guard sounded the Last Post on January 22 as a mark of respect for the 107 Australian ser- vicemen killed in 1943 after the battle of the Muar River against Japanese forces.
Veteran George Smith, who was taken as a POW and held by the Japanese for three years and eight months, laid a wreath during the service.
“It has been humbling to come back and pay tribute to those who fought and died here,” Mr Smith said.
Members from the 2/29th Battalion, 2/19th Battalion and allied
Indian forces fought in the Battle of Muar River on January 22, 1943, and retreated when it became clear that their position was untenable.
More than 150 wounded Australian and Indian servicemen were captured by the Japanese and kicked and beaten with rifle butts and bayonets.
At sunset, the prisoners were roped together and led away. A sur- vivor reported they were machine gunned, doused in petrol and inciner- ated. Of the 110 Australians taken prisoner, only three were known to have survived.
A DARK DAY
Six veterans of the Malayan campaign joined Australia’s Federation Guard to mark the 70th anniversary of Australia’s darkest World War II campaign, LEUT Nikola Johnson reports.
THE RAN’S FIGHT
AFTER Japanese troops started landing in northern Malaya in December 1941, the RAN found itself facing a new enemy and fighting a new war. A war that was to last four years and see Australian ships and person- nel operate across the vast expanse of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Before the outbreak of hostilities six corvettes had already been based in Singapore.
HMAS Vampire formed part of the escort of HM Ships Prince of Wales and Repulse on their ill-fated sortie to attack Japanese landing forc- es at Kuantan on Malaysia’s east coast. She rescued 225 survivors after both capital ships had been sunk by Japanese naval aircraft.
In Japanese waters on February 27, 1942 a com- bined Australian, British, American and Dutch striking
force composed of five cruis- ers, including HMAS Perth and a number of destroyers, engaged Japanese forces covering the approach of a landing force.
In this action, the Battle of the Java Sea, the Allies lost two Dutch cruisers and three destroyers with damage to a British cruiser.
While attempting to reach Australia through Sunda Straits, Perth, accompanied by the cruiser USS Houston, ran into a Japanese force landing troops in Bantam Bay.
Both cruisers were sunk with heavy loss of life. Many of the survivors subsequently died as prisoners of war.
HMAS Yarra was surprised by a Japanese heavy cruiser squadron and sunk. Vampire was also sunk by a Japanese carrier aircraft off Ceylon.
Source: Sea Power Centre
REMEMBERING OLD MATES: Veterans (front row from left) Gordon Butler, Roy Cornford, Peter Dimopoulos, (back row from left) Derek Holoake, George Smith and William Ennis rest in the shade after an emotional service at Changi Chapel to remember those who died as POWs of the Japanese during WWII.
Photos: CPL Melina Mancuso
HONOURING THE BRAVE: Members of Australia’s Federation Guard stand proudly at ease while providing ceremonial support to the Singaporean service held at Kranji War Cemetery in Singapore.
GENERAL SALUTE: SMNBM Michael Matsioukkou presents arms as part of the catafalque party.
March 1, 2012
NAVY NEWS
www.defence.gov.au/news/navynews
CENTRESPREAD
12 13
P
ERSONNEL from the ADF have helped revive the largely untold story of the bombing of Darwin to the nation.A cracking defence of Darwin re- enactment from members of 8/12 Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, a 92WG AP-3C Orion flyover and Navy’s Armidale Class Patrol boats on station in Darwin Harbour formed a spectacu- lar backdrop to the commemoration services.
Following the main service, Navy personnel assisted the Canadian Defence Force in marking the efforts of No.1 Canadian Special Wireless Group who were stationed in Darwin during World War II.
Personnel from all services were also involved in ceremonial duties on the day.
More than 7000 people attended the main commemoration at Darwin’s Cenotaph, led by Governor-General Quentin Bryce, Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Vice Chief of the Defence Force AIRMSHL Mark Binskin and international dignitaries.
About 250 people were killed and 400 wounded as a result of the attack by 188 Japanese aircraft at 10am on February 19, 1942.
Ten ships were sunk and around 30 aircraft destroyed and much of the town’s infrastructure was destroyed or damaged.
Of the total killed, 131 of those were US personnel. The biggest concentrated loss of life on the day was on board the destroyer USS Peary – which was bombed, set on fire and sunk.
Witnesses attest it fought to the last, with the loss of 89 of its crew.
SUPPORT: LS Anthony D’heureux stands to attention at his post during the
USS Peary Memorial. Photo: LSIS Helen Frank
POIGNANT: CHAP John Marshall reads a prayer at the USS Peary memorial as CHAP Yogananda Juste-Constant bows his head in prayer. Photo: LSIS Helen Frank
LEUT Andrew Ragless
LCDR Eric Thompson (retd) doesn’t think of himself as a hero.
On the morning of 19 February 1942, LCDR Thompson, the gunnery officer aboard the corvette HMAS Deloraine, was strolling along the Darwin esplanade, heading for the Navy’s administrative building.
At 9.58 the air raid siren pierced the air and he glanced up in time to see a Mitsubishi Zero aircraft, guns blazing in his direction.
“I picked up my pace” he said. “I took shelter in the administration building, but after a few minutes I knew I had to get back to my ship.”
It took some persuasion, but the young lieutenant was soon granted permission to return to the Deloraine which lay at anchor, deep in the harbour.
LCDR Thompson fled to the embankment with another member of Deloraine’s crew, stumbling over a field of oil and debris in what the officer could only describe as a “terrible struggle”.
On arrival the two stole a rowing boat and headed out to the ship amid intense dive bombing and machinegun strafing from the Zeros.
The two men were picked up half way, ironically by the minesweeper HMAS Tolga, which LCDR Thompson would take command of later in the war.
Once delivered to the Deloraine, LCDR Thompson and the crew went about refuelling the vessel at the damaged Stokes Hill Wharf.
“I noticed the ship started to tilt progressively with the outgoing tide,” he said.
“We had come to rest on the funnel of a steam locomotive, which had been blown off the pier in an explosion”.
Eventually the Deloraine was hauled off the wreck and helped with rescue operations throughout the day.
“It was just the proper Navy tradition,”
LCDR Thompson replied. “We just kept on doing what we should do”.
This story was just one of many Mr Thompson regaled the crew of Ardent II with when he was piped aboard HMAS Bundaberg at HMAS Coonawarra during the commerations for the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin.
Ardent II’s Commanding Officer, LCDR Carlton Longhurst, said it was an absolute honour to host the 98-year-old veteran.
“His lucid recollections of the day are remarkable and, by his actions and his character, he sets a very fine example for my crew.”
Although he continued to command Tasmanian Sea Scouts after the war, Mr Thompson’s boarding of the Armidale Class Patrol Boat was perhaps the first on a fighting ship in nearly 60 years.
After viewing the bridge and the ship’s modern sensors, Mr Thompson said the technology onboard was astonishing.
“In my day we just had a wheel, a voice pipe, a chart table and a compass on the bridge – that was it,” he said.
Reluctant hero speaks up
LEUT Peter Croce reports on the ceremonies held in and around Darwin on February 19 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the bombing of the city.
By LCDR Tom Lewis
PEARL Harbor is often compared to the Darwin attack but the similarities are very few. Although both were surprise initial raids on an enemy of the Japanese Empire, the destruction caused in each raid was dispro- portionate in the extreme. Here are a few comparisons:
Deaths
Some say more civilians were killed in the Australian raids. Untrue. Two thousand three hundred and eighty- eight lives were lost in the Pearl Harbor raids compared to about 251 killed in Darwin. It’s generally held 68 civil- ians were killed at Pearl Harbor and 25 were killed in Darwin.
Bombs
Many say “more bombs fell on Darwin”. True enough, but it is just used to be sensationalist. The tonnage of bombs which fell on Pearl Harbor was greater; the Japanese were using smaller bombs in the Darwin raid.
It is a bit like saying the Darwin assaults were more sig- nificant than the Nagasaki raid because the attack on Japan only used one bomb.
Ships
What about the ships sunk? Ten ships were sunk in and around Darwin, including eight inside the harbour.
The largest warship was a destroyer, the USS Peary, with 89 of her crew killed. At Pearl Harbor all eight bat- tleships of the US Pacific Fleet – the most important capital ship at the time – were sunk or badly damaged.
The size difference between a destroyer and a battle- ship is immense. The comparison is similar to that of a car set beside a three-trailer truck. The firepower is commensurately similar. Three cruisers, five destroy- ers, and seven other ships were also sunk or grounded.
Most ships were raised and repaired, although for many this took years.
Aircraft
The strike at Pearl Harbor was a massive loss for American aircraft, too, and that raid was far more destructive than Darwin’s. For example, 350 aircraft were destroyed or damaged whereas in the Australian town about 30 were lost. Some people say that the Darwin raid led to the worst death toll from any event in Australia. Untrue. In the loss of HMAS Sydney 645 men were killed. In the sinking of the Montevideo Maru – a ship carrying POWs off Rabaul in July 1942 – 1050 Australian lives were lost. In terms of natural disasters, Cyclone Mahina in 1899 struck Cape York and caused the death of more than 400 people. In August 1845 the barque Cataraqui was wrecked on the west coast of King Island, in Bass Strait, with the loss of 400 lives.
Darwin defences
Some commentators suggest Darwin was poorly defended. In fact, there were 18 anti-aircraft guns based around the town. One group of heavy weapons alone, those based on the Darwin Oval, fired 1050 rounds in the two raids of February 19 and the gun bar- rels were red-hot at the cease-fire. Rather than just a few defenders, there were 10,500 troops in Darwin at the beginning of December 1941. It was home to many warships, serviced by hundreds of people ashore. Jack Mullholland, who was an AA gunner on February 19, 1942, says there were about 7000 troops in Darwin on the day of the first raid, as well as 2000 civilians. Added to the dedicated AA weapons, there were scores of machine-guns in use around the town. At least three Japanese aircraft were shot down on February 19.
Aftermath
None of this is to say that the Darwin strikes (there was a second raid on the first day) were insignificant.
They were significant. The attacks were the first on the Australian landmass, and signalled a new stage of the war, which if Australians had not stood alongside the Americans and prevailed in New Guinea, may well have led to invasion. The writer Douglas Lockwood called his 1960s book, the first published about the raids, Australia’s Pearl Harbour. It’s a good and deserved title.
But the important differences should be emphasised, not minimised, to do historical justice to both attacks.
Dr Tom Lewis is the author of 10 history books, and has served as an officer in the Navy for 19 years, seeing service in Baghdad, Iraq and East Timor.
DIFFERENCES WITH PEARL HARBOR
LIVING LEGEND:
LCDR Eric Thompson (retd) in his serving days (above) explains a ship’s system to superiors and (left) chats with HMAS Coonawarra CO CMDR Ben Favelle, right, and of Ardent II CO LCDR Carlton Longhurst, left, at HMAS Coonawarra.
Photo: ABIS James Whittle
LEUT Peter Croce
LSFT Corrine Williams (pictured) says performing ceremonial duties at the Darwin Cenotaph was a fitting way to honour a step great-grandfather she never met.
PO Frank Moore (inset) was killed in Darwin Harbour on February 19, 1942 when his ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft.
He rushed to the upper decks to man the ship’s anti-aircraft guns when he was hit in the hip. He was taken below decks for emergency treatment.
When crew members returned, he was dead from the wound.
LSPT Williams said the
commemorations had a special place in the hearts of her family, which had travelled to Darwin several times to honour PO Moore.
“This is the fourth time we have laid a wreath to honour him. To be part of the catafalque party in front of the Governor- General, the Prime Minister and this massive crowd is a fantastic way for me
to honour this family connection,” she said.
“He was 42 years old when he died and was six months from retiring.”
LSPT Williams said PO Moore’s body was transferred to a naval hospital ship which was bombed and later sunk.
“It’s such an honour to be a part of these
commemorations and also that we are now starting to learn about the largely untold story of the bombing of Darwin.
“The fact we are remembering those who fought and died, and are educating people about this story, is a fitting memorial to their wartime efforts.”
Family connection
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14 HISTORY
Death of a Death of a
Tribal Warrior Tribal Warrior
HMAS ARUNTA I was launched on October 30, 1940, by Lady Gowrie, wife of the then Governor-General.
The ship showed some reluctance to enter the water and stuck on the slipway, remaining there overnight.
She captured her only Japanese prisoner of war on January 16, 1944, when she recov- ered an airman shot down by US fighters off Saidor, New Guinea.
When she was paid off into Operational Reserve on December 21, 1956, she had steamed 357,273 miles since com- missioning in 1942.
Everyone was so proud of the ship and no one wanted to see it turned into razor blades. The day after she sank all the crew were celebrating.
ON THE WAY OUT: HMAS Arunta I under tow in Sydney Harbour before her final farewell 42 years ago this month.
Photo courtesy of Sea Power Centre
T
HE Tribal Class destroyer HMAS Arunta I inspired such loyalty from her crew that even 24 years after WWII, they were not prepared to let her fall into enemy hands.The ship sank 65 miles off Sydney Heads on February 13, 1969, while under tow by the Japanese tug Toko Maru to a scrapyard in Taiwan.
It is rumoured that several former crew members had visited the ship the night before to say goodbye, and myth has it the stokers loosened the sea cocks.
Former AB Ray Northrop, who served in Arunta from May 17, 1943, to after Victory over Japan day in August 1945, said stop cocks in her hull were smeared with a soluble material and the metal cleats securing them were loosened.
“The movement of the ship at sea caused the cleats to become ineffective and the stop cocks were displaced,” he said.
“Sea water entered causing the ship to founder, resulting in a dignified and honourable burial at sea of a true Tribal Warrior.”
But what inspired former crew mem- bers to take this extreme action?
AB Northrop said Arunta “really was a special ship”.
“She was the first Australian-built Tribal Class and she had a very good war record.
“She sank the Japanese submarine RO-33 off Port Moresby on August 24, 1942, killing all 42 crew, and evacuated soldiers from Timor in January 1943.
“She served in the South Pacific, Coral Sea, Timor, New Guinea, the Solomons,
New Hebrides, Dutch East Indies, the Philippines and Borneo, firing four torpe- does at the Japanese battleship Yamashiro during the Battle of Surigao Strait.”
Arunta suffered her only WWII casualties off the Philippines, in January 1945, when a Japanese suicide bomber killed two sailors, wounded five and caused a loss of power and steerage.
Shauna Phillips, archivist for the HMAS Arunta Association, whose father, LS John Hillard, served in Arunta during WWII, said there was a big sense of family among the ship’s crew.
“As a child I remember everyone connected with the ship was called
‘uncle’ and ‘aunty’,” she said.
“The ship’s dentist became my dentist.
“Everyone was so proud of the ship and no one wanted to see it turned into razor blades. The day after she sank all the crew were celebrating.”
The Australian-built Tribals differed from the British-built ones in that the height of the second funnel was reduced, giving them a more rakish appearance.
They also had a better anti-aircraft system.
CMDR John Alliston, former captain of HMAS Warramunga I, said of the ships, “Whichever way you looked at a Tribal Class Destroyer, she was not just handsome, she was beautiful.
“The balance between the hull and the superstructure and the proportions of the funnels were perfect.
“Added to this, the strong clipper bow with a graceful sheer running back to the break of the fo’c’sle, and you have a word picture that does not do justice to the actuality of the best looking destroy- er ever built.”
