Perth ends two-year RAS drought

HMAS Perth conducted a replenishment at sea (RAS) with the civilian fuel tanker MT Badlands Trader while transiting through the South China Sea.

The evolution required precision and dedication to secure the delivery of nearly 200,000 litres of marine diesel fuel from the US tanker.

It also marked the first time Badlands Trader has resupplied an Australian ship at sea.

Navigating Officer LEUT Brynn Mackereth was in charge of the ship handling needed to bring the Anzac-class frigate alongside the tanker.

“There’s certainly an added layer of complexity when we are conducting a RAS with a new ship, but the evolution was carefully planned and briefed in advance,” he said.

“All departments on board came together to ensure the RAS went smoothly, and it’s pleasing to know that we’ve now proven that RAN vessels can safely RAS with MT Badlands Trader and other vessels of her type.”

The RAS operation required the ships to match course and speed so fuel could be pumped through a hose safely between the two vessels while underway.

As the bridge team manoeuvred the ship, the maritime engineering officer worked with his department to connect the probe to receive the fuel.

Forty personnel from different departments assisted with line handling.

It was a first for LSBM William Malcolm.

“I was excited to be a part of this RAS as the dump party IC. I’ve seen plenty of them but now I’m trained and ready to do my part,” he said.

“I was on the lookout for everyone’s safety and keeping everyone switched on, but I didn’t need to do much as we were all quite keen and alert to see how we RAS with a civilian ship.”

CO Perth CMDR Dylan White praised the crew’s efforts, ending a two-year RAS drought to the song Fuel by Metallica.

“RAS is a whole-ship evolution that relies on everyone for success,” he said.

“I’m happy with the team’s efforts of putting their knowledge and training into safely and efficiently completing the task.

“RAS procedures mean we’re able to remain at sea for longer, which in turn means HMAS Perth’s crew is more capable of continuing with our operations in the Indo-Pacific region.”

After sending over a ship’s coin and Australian gifts to Badlands Trader, the ships broke away and Perth continued on her regional presence deployment, navigating the waters in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

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