Small group making big waves

By LCDR Fraser Vergelius

HMAS Cessnock helped to rescue 13 Taiwanese and Vietnamese fishermen during Operation Anode in December.

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The local village of Atoifi was out in force as HMAS Wewak delivered clothes to schools and hospitals in the area.

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HMAS Brunei’s AB David Centofani breaks through the language barrier with a bar of chocolate in the Solomons.

Photo: ABBM Adam Pownell

Although only a small Task Group, TG 635.5 is achieving some big things in support of Operation Anode in the Solomon Islands.

Recently, it provided food relief for cyclone-ravaged islanders, rescued 13 fishermen from a ship that ran aground and helped bring to justice criminals ranging from petty thieves to murderers.

Task Group 635.5 was created in late October 2003, from RAN units left in the Solomons after the departure of HMAS Manoora (CMDR Martin Brooker).

Some of the more interesting jobs recently completed since November 2003 have included:

• HMAS Cessnock (LCDR Richard Stevenson) rescuing thirteen Taiwanese and Vietnamese nationals from Roncador Reef (200nm from Honiara) on the December 28, 2003, when their long-liner fishing vessel, Pacific Tarker 116, ran aground and was in danger of breaking up.
  
• HMAS Wewak (LCDR Etienne Mulder) transporting some 90 tonnes of relief supplies to the remote, cyclone ravaged, islands of Tikopia and Anuta (600nm east of Honiara) in early December 2003. The local population, still recovering from cyclone Gina, were down to last of their food supplies.
  
• Supporting the Hydrographic Survey Operational Deployment Support Unit (HODSU), led by LCDR Mick Rigby, in conducting a survey of Munda Harbour. The three-man team produced a new nautical chart, allowing Munda to be safely used by TG 635.5 patrol boats to refuel and resupply in between patrols.
  
• Providing support to Police, which has led to the arrest and transportation of a significant number of criminals ranging from petty thieves to rapists and murderers.
  

  TG 635.5 operations were directed from the Combined Task Force HQ located near Honiara by LCDR Fraser Vergelius. He handed over the reins to LCDR Jim Hillock in early January.

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