June 18 saw a change at the top aboard HMAS Tobruk when her Commanding Officer, CMDR Brenton Smyth, formally handed over the keys of the ship to CMDR Peter Laver.

The change of command occurred while the ship was alongside Fleet Base East.

CMDR Smyth has steered Tobruk through a very eventful and busy 18 months.

During most of the period Tobruk was employed on Operations Trek, Relex, and Relex II, providing valuable support, control, and deterrence of illegal immigrants in Australia's north.

Largely unsung in the publicity surrounding these operations, the Sydney-based ship has quietly and efficiently got on with the job. She operated between Nauru and Christmas Island, transporting a total of 609 illegal immigrants or Suspected Unlawful Non Citizens (SUNCs).

She also provided logistic support to the Army's 21 Construction Company, which was providing humanitarian aid to remote Aboriginal communities near Broome.

The short periods spent alongside in the last year were also very intense for Tobruk, with an intensive Fleet Assisted Maintenance Period (FAMP) and an emergency docking in Brisbane after a propeller blade was damaged in a collision with a submerged container.

CMDR Smyth's last day at sea in command was spent with his family, as the ship conducted a family and friends cruise from Newcastle to Sydney.

The ship's company took advantage of the great weather to host over 120 family members and friends.

CMDR Smyth has been posted as Director Naval Operations at Strategic Command in Canberra.

CMDR Laver has assumed command of Tobruk during a very busy Fleet Assisted Maintenance Period, which is preparing the ship for its return to Australia's north in support of Relex II.

When complete she will continue her duties with the quiet aplomb with which she has become synonymous.

By SBLT Timothy Cox