Colourful year for White crew

LCDR Stuart Harwood, CO 723 Squadron, relaxes after completing his 1700th deck landing.

HMAS Townsville rendezvous with HMAS Melville. Photos courtesy LEUT Damian Casey

By LEUT Damian Casey

HS White crew (CMDR Gareth Cann) embarked in HMAS Melville, recently returned from its third deployment to Op Relex.

It is 12 months since HS White crew embarked in HMAS Leeuwin and undertook the first hydrographic ship deployment to Op Relex.

As part of the preparations for this deployment both Leeuwin and Melville were repainted ‘warship grey’.

Two 7.2-metre RHIBs were supplied and the necessary modifications completed to accommodate them.

Significant training was undertaken and the ship’s company increased from 48 to over 120.

That first deployment was a challenging and at times arduous operation.

It was, however, highly successful and the HS White crew intercepted and returned two SIEVs containing a total of 150 unauthorised arrivals.

It is significant to note that since that time, there have been no further illegal attempts made by boat to reach Australia.

(No people smugglers have tried to reach Australian shores since December 2001).

During the most recent deployment, a wardroom mess dinner was held on the flight deck, involving guests from all three services.

It commemorated the anniversary of Beerasheba Day and helped MIDN Krystelle Venn celebrate her 18th birthday.

The dinner also provided continuation training for the stewards ABSTD Karen Pankhurst and ABSTD Tania Millard, while principal chef LSCK Ron White prepared a three-course meal.

To allow Melville to stay on station, a resupply of provisions was provided by HMAS Westralia (CMDR John Alexander).

The re-supply was a first for both ships.

Melville and Westralia remained underway while the ships’ RHIBS transferred 25 pallets of fresh, frozen and other stores.

A replacement RHIB was also supplied.

Like the rest of Australia, HS White crew enjoyed a day of horse racing excitement on Melbourne Cup Day.

A steel-deck horse race, sweepstakes and a magnificent lunch were enjoyed by all on the quarterdeck.

November 11 saw HS White crew at sea where a Remembrance Day service was conducted.

The stokers had made and sold poppies amongst the ship’s company raising $200.

Upon return to Darwin, CMDR Cann presented the $200 to the President of the Darwin RSL Sub-branch, Mr Ray Chin.

The money went to Legacy.

Another significant milestone was recorded in the latter half of HS White crew’s deployment when, on December 10, the commanding officer of 723 Sqn, LCDR Stuart Harwood completed his 1700th deck landing.

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