Praise for HMAS Darwin
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The US Navy Admiral in charge of the USS Nimitz carrier strike group says HMAS Darwin (Commander Brian Schlegel) has played a vital role in the protection of his fleet from multiple threats during Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2012 (RIMPAC 12).
United States Navy Rear Admiral Pete Gumataotao, Commander Carrier Strike Group 11, addressed Darwin’s ship’s company during a recent visit.
“HMAS Darwin has been doing an outstanding job during RIMPAC. When I look at the value of the coalition force, I know I can always turn to this ship to get things done,” Rear Admiral Gumataotao said.
Joining the Nimitz strike group was in part due to Darwin’s embed experience off the coast of Japan with Aircraft Carrier USS George Washington in 2011.
One of the key tasks for Darwinat RIMPAC 12 was to provide Air Defence Coordination for Nimitz, a role usually delegated to United States Navy cruisers.
Several Darwin personnel, cross-decked to USS Princeton for training in ADC.
“HMAS Darwin’s role is actually multi-dimensional, so to say that you are tied to just air [would be] an understatement because you do so much for me,” Rear Admiral Gumataotao said.
He also had high praise for HMAS Darwin’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities.
“Of course the biggest threat that I am always concerned about is submarines.
“If you look at all of Darwin’s capabilities, you have a very capable ASW suite here and a very, very experienced team,” RADM Gumataotao said.
RADM Gumataotao also impressed upon the ship’s company the significance of being able to participate in exercises such as RIMPAC.
“For the 30 plus years I’ve been in the Navy; I’ve been sailing with the Royal Australian Navy from day one. I’ve always been impressed by your spirit, your can-do spirit.”