The Australian Navy’s operational tanker, HMAS Sirius conducted a replenishment at sea (RAS) with Anzac class frigate HMAS Stuart, transferring the much needed fuel and thus ensuring Stuart more flexibility and time on station to achieve her mission off Christmas Island.
The replenishment was the first of five to be performed within the Operation RESOLUTE over the Christmas and New Year period, as part of Sirius’ routine re-supply runs from Fleet Base West, before she proceeds to scheduled maintenance in March.
What is more, Sirious carried out the operation under the command of new Commanding Officer of Sirius, Commander Darren Grogan, who relieved the Executive Officer CMDR Phillip Henry.
“The Ships Company executed the replenishment with the minimum of fuss and demonstrated the critical skills gained from what has been a busy year for the ship. Importantly, they showed me that they are mission ready and very capable,” CMDR Grogan said.
Personnel sailor Paul Sheehan, Petty Officer (PO) Maritime Logistics- RAS rig driver for the replenishment, commented that it was a challenging RAS evolution due to the wind and the angle needed to get the evolution underway.
“Like any seamanship evolution, safety is paramount. The teamwork shown by the two ships’ companies working together was the key to making this RAS happen smoothly,” PO Sheehan said.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, January 6, 2014; Image: RAN