Early Start of Year for HMAS Tobruk

HMAS Tobruk (CMDR Tim Watson RAN) 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 13 January to assume duties as the long-haul Major Fleet Unit (MFU) for Operation RESOLUTE.

Tobruk transited the Great Barrier Reef, completing a Long-haul Mission Readiness Evaluation and then after a quick visit to Darwin to load stores, sailed for Christmas Island.

Heading into rough seas, Tobruk demonstrated how tough the oldest Major Fleet Unit in the Fleet still is as she met the challenges brought on by Cyclone Iggy.

Once on station Tobruk assisted an Armidale Class Patrol Boat by patrolling in the vicinity of Christmas Island and delivering valuable stores to the Island.

On completion of OP RESOLUTE tasking, Tobruk conducted the First of Class Flight Trials with the RAN’s latest helicopter, the MRH 90, on the way home to Sydney.

Tobruk’s mission as the OP RESOLUTE long-haul MFU and in conducting the MRH 90 trials proves that, after her Extended Maintenance Availability (EMA), the oldest MFU in the fleet is still a versatile and highly capable asset that has an important role in current and future RAN operations.

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Naval Today Staff , February 23, 2012; Image: navy