HMAS Geelong receives fresh water from HMAS Tobruk off Ashmore Reef last month.

By SBLT Simon Griffith

While at anchor off Ashmore Reef last month, HMAS Tobruk (CMDR Peter Laver) played host to HMAS Geelong (CMDR David Moncrieff) as she rafted up alongside to take on fresh water.

Geelong was on her way back to Darwin after a fisheries patrol when it became necessary to resupply.

Tobruk took the opportunity to conduct boarding training scenarios using Geelong as a practice SIEV and both participated in a Larne target 12.7mm machine gun surface gunnery serial before Geelong departed for Darwin.

The commanding officers of both ships share an unusual background as both are former Naval Aviators. CMDR Laver, (Tobruk), is a former Observer from 816 SQN, while CMDR Moncrieff (Geelong), piloted Sea Kings for 817 SQN, with his last aviation posting as Flight Commander on HMAS Success.

Tobruk and Geelong are currently part of the RAN’s commitment to Op RELEX II in Australia’s northern approaches.

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