More Defence news 2008
FINAL PORT OF CALL FOR HMAS PARRAMATTA'S NORTH EAST ASIAN DEPLOYMENT
By Lieutenant Matt Sekulitch, on board HMAS PARRAMATTA
Cebu Island is one of 7107 islands that make up the Republic of the Philippines, with Cebu city being the capital of the island and oldest city in the Philippines. Although Cebu Island is relatively small in size, only some 225 kilometres from North to South, Cebu is the Educational Centre for two thirds of the Philippines.
Cebu is one of the most developed provinces in the country and the main center of commerce, trade, education and industry in the central and southern parts of the archipelago. It has five-star hotels, casinos, white sand beaches, world-class golf courses, convention centers, and shopping malls.
Although thriving in its own right today, Cebu served as a vital Japanese base during their occupation in World War II in 1942. Here the Empire of Japan was provided with a strategic and vital port for the supply of crucial oil and supply routes to the Japanese occupied colonies to the south.
Realising the importance of Cebu and surrounding islands to the Empire of Japan, in October 1944 the Allies commenced the invasion of Leyte, not far from Cebu, in order to cut off these supply routes. What occurred was the largest naval battle in modern history and a significant victory for the Allied forces.
Although the last port of call on our North East Asian Deployment, the formal end of the deployment will not occur until we berth at HMAS Stirling, Western Australia, in late October. For many onboard however, transiting the Lombok Strait, between the island of Bali and Lombok, will signify the end of the Up-top deployment; here we leave the sheltered and smooth seas of Asia and head out into the open seas of the Indian Ocean.
At 0800 Parramatta met up with our escort boat Philippine Navy Vessel Abraham Campo and pilot vessel to embark not only our pilot but Captain Vic Jones, Defence Attache to Philippines. What ensued on Parramatta’s bridge, was an important meeting to confirm the depth of water under the hull at our berth; a variable that was somewhat unknown up until that point. With the depth confirmed, Parramatta commenced her journey into Cebu.
Although the city looked like any other city from a distance as we headed up the channel, the realisation that Cebu is still somewhat less developed soon became very apparent. The main waterway into Cebu was littered with canoe fisherman man-handling nets far greater in size than their meager vessel; what made their job even more precarious was that half the space of the canoe was filled with an engine that should be powering a vessel significantly larger!
Halfway down the channel our destination became obvious with yet another large contingent of military personnel standing by and military band giving its best shot of playing the Australian National Anthem.
Just as Parramatta was ready to pass her first line, the heavens erupted like nothing we’d seen thus far. Unfortunately this ended the outdoor welcome ceremony before it even started as the only undercover tent area barely sheltered the military contingent and band! With the torrential rain continuing, the Philippine welcome party was invited into dry confines of Parramatta’s wardroom to continue the formalities and ensuing media interview.
The visit to Cebu was an important one for both countries as it provided the necessary forum for the Maritime Training Activity; a tabletop exercise under the Defence Cooperation Program agreement. The exercise meant much of the port visit was a working one for many of the senior team with lengthy meetings being held each day. The result was very positive.
The first night in Cebu was the last time Parramatta’s Supply Department was put to the test as we hosted a reception for Philippine Military personnel and local dignitaries. Worthy of mention, in attendance was the Governor of Cebu Ms. Gwen Garcia – the first female Governor of Cebu and a sparkling personality.
Yet again the Supply Department provided the guests with a fine sampling of Australian and local foods beautifully prepared by Parramatta’s chefs. This time the supply of kangaroo and crocodile struggled to keep up with demand as the locals relished the simple and decadent taste.
The ceremonial sunset completed a fantastic evening, and like previous performances the guests not just delighted with the ceremony but in awe of the band playing the Philippine National anthem with perfection.
For the ship’s company, official duties consisted of a visit to local primary school and goodwill sport against Philippine Military teams. With the primary school, a team of 35 personnel spent the day painting the entire school with the kids whilst some of Parramatta’s technically apt individuals conducted some basic running repairs. The experience was not just the day’s work but the journey getting to the school. The journey made the group really appreciate the value of their own efforts and good it would provide to the very needy community.
Sport for the visit was basketball and volleyball against the combined military team. Unfortunately, the Parramatta’s team was winless for the deployment going down 102-86 in the basketball and losing 2 games to 1 in the volleyball.
Although winless, the loss was soon turned into a win when the team was treated to a traditional Boodlefight feast provided by the Philippine Naval Forces Central. Here traditional foods from all through the Philippines were put on show, much to the delight of the weary sports men and women.
The return official reception was held at the Philippine Headquarters Naval Forces, not far from the primary school community relations project. Equal to the task, our Philippine hosts provided a beautiful banquet with a difference; some of their own local delicacies. Although the suckling pig and customary dishes provided much delight to the group, the delicacies were only tried by a handful of staunch individuals.
Once the official part of the evening was over our group was soon witness to some of the best Karaoke singing we’d seen thus far. After a short while it soon became apparent these two ladies were no ordinary singers; not only were they sisters, although one was in the Air Force and the other the Navy, but their eldest sister happened to be a highly successful professional singer in the Philippines – that explained the perfect harmony! Not to be outdone, the Commanding Officer of our Escort ship also happened to be an excellent sole guitarist and singer as well; what a fantastic night’s entertainment.
Encouraged on by our hosts, some of our seasoned deployment karaoke singers gave it their all in a valiant attempt to equal the superb vocals of our hosts. Although not in the same league, our efforts were well received!
The departure ceremony was simple and warm, our hosts were not only appreciative of our acceptance of them and but sorry to see us depart and although Cebu was our shortest port visit it was a very enjoyable one to end the deployment.