Warriors treat MP to sea life

Novocastrians LEUT Anita Sellick (presenting the obligatory cap) and Sharon Grierson alongside in Darwin, after rough seas, target practice, boarding parties and man-overboard drills.

Sharon Grierson, Member of Parliament for Newcastle, spent a week on patrol with HMAS Warrnambool (LCDR Mark Sorby) across Australia’s northern maritime approaches

Departing the wharf at Darwin Naval Base Ms Grierson soon became acquainted with the routines and environment of Naval life and some of the more nauseating consequences of being aboard small ships in lumpy weather. In a sheltered anchorage in the morning she experienced the daily fare of briefs, damage control exercises, and watchkeeping.

Ms. Grierson experienced first hand the use of the 5.56 mm Steyr rifle and after dark boarding stations conducting a boarding and safety of life at sea exercise. Part of continuation training, Sharon took part in exercises required for the ship’s company to have the skills to be able to deal effectively with every eventuality of a naval patrol.

The next day with good weather the ship weighed anchor to rendezvous with HMAS Sydney. In company west of Bathurst Island, the full range of sea going evolutions was demonstrated including light line transfer, stern chase, and boat transfer.

Onboard HMAS Warrnambool LEUT Anita Sellick, herself a Newcastle girl, has for the past half a year been a top gun navigator. As the navigator’s equivalent of Lara Croft with a pelorus, she has endeared herself to the ship’s company with her prowess on the bridge and her stamina ashore.

Both LEUT Sellick and Ms Grierson were able to reminisce and rekindle Newcastle loyalty as well as discuss the MHC’s with which they both have a strong association. Anita’s departure for HMAS Watson to undertake the Long Navigation Course will cause the odd tear at the loss of a fellow “BOOL” warrior and a great friend.

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