Tobruk’s load of armour

Attention: HMAS Tobruk loads equipment for elements of 1 Bde deploying as the Al Muthanna Task Group, at Fort Hill Wharf, Darwin. Photos by Sgt John Carroll

Confident: Tpr Clint Gordon, 2 Cav Regt, about to drive his ASLAV on to HMAS Tobruk.

By Capt Al Green

IT’S a typical day in Darwin – stinking hot. An overnight storm clears to blistering heat as the HMAS Tobruk loads Al Muthanna Task Group (AMTG) stores bound for Iraq.

The wharf gently shakes as 20 2 Cav Regt ASLAVs drive in through the bow door under direction of the Ships Army Detachment.

Meanwhile at RAAF Darwin, a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III on loan from the UK, loads an ASLAV Command Vehicle and additional stores under direction of RAAF load-team members.

These events demonstrated not only the seamlessness of triservice cooperation and teamwork at its best but also highlighted the importance of supporting personnel to the success of the deployment.

As he released the ropes securing the departing HMAS Tobruk, AB Scott Morris from Port Services at HMAS Coonawarra put it succinctly:

“The best way we can support these guys is by doing our job as professionally as possible – they do their thing and we do ours.”

Tpr Daniel O’Neill, who did not deploy on this rotation, lent a hand by manoeuvring the 2 Cav Regt ASLAV Command Vehicle aboard the C-17 before handing over the key.

“I’m sure if I were deploying, I’d appreciate help getting the vehicles loaded – it’s one less thing the boys have to worry about so I’m happy to help,” he said.

About 40km south at Robertson Barracks, the troops were being farewelled by Prime Minister John Howard, Minister for Defence Robert Hill and CDF Gen Peter Cosgrove.

Although the media and political spotlight was on the deploying troops, the praise for support staff was effusive.

Deploying logistics NCO Cpl Susan Davis believed an efficient logistics chain and training would make the task-force fly – “that’s largely due to great backup in Australia”.

5/7RAR’s Lt Tim Fankcombe agreed, saying “We’re as ready as we’ll ever be and we can thank units like CTC for helping prep us with some focused and realistic final training.”

For the soldiers who have deployed, the importance of the mission as a means to help the Iraqis help themselves was important.

“The best part,” Sgt Dale Kirkman, 2 Cav Regt, said, “is helping rebuild the country – helping a new democracy.”