The MSA BROLGA slipped her mooring from the Loloho jetty November 5, bound for Buka in the north of the Island of Bougainville.

On board were about half the members of the Australian Army Band - Sydney, all told some 13 people under the Command of the 2IC of the Band, CAPT Geoff Grey.

The group set sail in BROLGA hoping to arrive at Buka before nightfall.

Fading light, however and an absence of charts, saw the band and the BROLGA riding at anchor through the night off Buka.

That night the band played a "Concert Under The Stars" for the ship's company on the upper decks.

This sort of action is quite common throughout the Pacific Islands and its not just that charts are inaccurate, some times they just don't exist, so the term "entering un-charted waters" takes on a new and real meaning.

BROLGA has had a busy time in Bougainville delivering supplies, moving personnel and and escorting smaller vessels.

Almost the entire crew rotated on November 14, when LCDR Michael Kluddas relinquished command to WO Terry Imms. Only five of the crew of sixteen will remain on board when the crew of MSA WALLAROO took over the ship on November 14.

For the incoming crew its Christmas away from home, family and friends.

There were a number of promotions which carried with them some distinction in the Mine Warfare area. LS Andrew Haywood has been awarded his BWC and promoted to the rank of Petty Officer Combat Systems Operator (Mine Warfare) and AB Cassandra Gallagher has been promoted to the rank of Leading Seaman Combat Systems Operator (Mine warfare)

During the band's 10 day tour the ship's company assisted the band in many concerts by joining in the music making to distributing ChuppaChupps to many eager youngsters.

By LEUT Russell Wescombe
PRO Op Bel Isi