This one didn’t get away

LAC Chris Dickson aboard HMAS Brunei with his catch, a dolphin fish.

HMAS Brunei (LCDR Jeff Williams) has been a welcome sight around Bougainville lately, providing the Peace Monitoring Group (PMG) with some well-earned rest and relaxation.

The PMG leads a very busy schedule in Bougainville, often working long hours, seven days a week. So when Brunei offered to take them on a cruise, including a banyan on a beach, they jumped at the chance to have a break. Brunei embarked thirty of the group and sailed into a pristine sea for Arovo Island, once a top quality resort before the crises.

Brunei beached and off-loaded the group who spent the next couple of hours snorkeling, swimming or just relaxing. All too soon it was time to get back onboard for the return trip to Loloho and the serious business of monitoring the peace.

And while ten knots may not be the ideal speed to get you anywhere in a hurry, it is perfect for a spot of trolling as LAC Chris Dickson discovered.

Chris was onboard for a passage to the southern end of Bougainville Island during service with Operation Bel Isi.

Trying his luck with the rod, he was delighted to pull in a magnificent dolphin fish, which supplemented the ship’s menu nicely.

• By LCDR Jeff Williams
  

.