Students have successful time in Tasmanex 2003

HMNZS Canterbury approaches for a RAS during Tasmanex 03. Photo ABPH Yuri Ramsey.

By LEUT Chris Woods

Ninety personnel from the Australian Command and Staff Course (ACSC) embarked in HMAS Success (CMDR John Connor) for an action packed sea-going experience during Tasmanex 2003.

The sea-day was the first opportunity for many of the students to witness operations from a resupply vessel in a purely maritime environment.

The students came from all three services and included a number of officers from Canada, UK, Malaysia, NZ, and Kuwait.

The ship’s company treated the visitors to tours of the ship, demonstrated damage control and air defence procedures as well as providing a close up view of a double hook-up RAS with HMA Ships Sydney and Adelaide.

One of the students, Major David Hay said the sea day was a good way to deepen Army and RAAF personnel’s appreciation of the Navy.

“The details and demonstrations provided by the sailors really illustrated the degree of multi-skilling required to man a ship at sea and how well the crew works together,” he said.

Apart from service personnel a number of Defence civilians were also among the ACSC students.

“This snap-shot of navy life will really help with some of our projects on the course”, Fiona Southwell from DMO’s Aerospace Systems said.

The day in Success was of great benefit despite the inclement weather. This made viewing the RAS a wet and windy affair followed by a bumpy boat trip back to the wharf at HMAS Creswell.

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