A view from the other side

While operating together in the Gulf of Aden, HMAS Newcastle and the UK’s Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) replenishment ship Fort Victoria, conducted a cross-deck for the day for six lucky sailors.

While the ships conducted a replenishment at sea (RAS) the sailors got to see their ships from a different angle.

Taking a break from the fuelling, Assistant Marine Engineering Officer Lieutenant Gareth Giles was fortunate to be cross-decked to Fort Victoria for the day and said it was good to see the RAS from a different point of view.

“What are also interesting are the differences between how the RAN and RFA operate. The amount of space they have is amazing. I was taken on a detailed tour and it was difficult to come back to Newcastle after seeing the single cabins with ensuites and the living conditions experienced on a RFA vessel!”

Visiting Fort Victoria with Lieutenant Gareth Giles was Leading Seaman Marine Technician Mathew Bland, Able Seaman Electronics Technician Jerrad Comber, Able Seaman Combat Systems Operator Adam O’Brien, Able Seaman Maritime Logistics Personnel Operations Laura Johnson and Able Seaman Boatswains Mate Troy Bennett.

Leading Seaman Bland said it was a great to be able to see the RAS from the other side. He was taken on a tour of the Junior Sailors’ dining and living areas as well as the engineering spaces.

“It was such an amazing day and something I will never forget. It was so interesting to see how other sailors live and how their ship operates. The helicopter ride over there was also a first for me.”

Newcastle in turn also hosted several officers and sailors off the large replenishment ship, including Fort Victoria’s Medical Officer, Lieutenant Louise McMenemy.

Newcastle’s Medical Officer Lieutenant Natalie Boulton hosted Lieutenant McMenemy for a tour of the ship, and they watched a boarding operation from the Bridge before taking part in the sickbay afternoon tea session.

“The visit gave both doctors the opportunity to share professional experiences and foster an understanding of how both could assist each other if the unforeseeable need should arise,” Lieutenant Boulton said.

Boarding Officer and Officer of the Watch Lieutenant Alec Fieldsend hosted two RFA Maritime Warfare Officer Cadets.

“They were interested in talking about the cricket, funnily enough. I took them up showed them what a Warship’s Bridge looked like. They both enjoyed the experience, the opportunity to see how we do business on an Australian warship and observe a RAS from the customer’s point of view,” Lieutenant Fieldsend said.

Newcastle is deployed to the MEAO as part of Operation SLIPPER, the Australian Defence Force contribution to the international campaign against terrorism, smuggling and piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and for enhancing regional maritime security and engagement.

Her current deployment is the 55th rotation of an Australian warship to the MEAO since 1990.