Busy patrol for Whyalla

HMAS Whyalla on patrol in our Northern waters. Photo courtesy HMAS Whyalla.

By SBLT ADAM SIMEONI

When HMAS Whyalla (LCDR Mark Leach) sailed for a six week patrol recently, she was set to become a very busy boat indeed.

Her patrol saw her involved in OP RELEX II and OP CRANBERRY with a host of new personnel including the XO, Navigator, 4th Officer, POCIS, PONPC, ABCK, SMNBM, SMNMT, and a Fisheries representative.

After a brief stop over at Thursday Island to refuel, Whyalla encountered some of the toughest seas she has seen in years in the Gulf of Carpenteria.

With waves literally passing over the wheelhouse, some fought through seasickness (finding their sea legs) for another day before arriving at Darwin.

After sailing to Ashmore Island, again in rough seas, Whyalla commenced patrolling areas north of Ashmore Island as part of OP RELEX II.

Five days later, Whyalla rafted up to HMAS Tobruk to conduct refuelling and transfer of stores and mail, which was a challenging evolution for the executive department.

It gave some junior members of ship’s company an opportunity to cross-deck and experience some MFU time, while Whyalla embarked a LSCIS and ABCIS from Tobruk for the day.

By the 27th word came through that another FCPB had two FFV’s in tow, which left us without a replacement, so, still in high spirits, the ever-ready Whyalla kept on keeping on, extending her OP RELEX II patrol.

After a well-earned two-day break in Darwin, Whyalla sailed for OP CRANBERRY and after only a day out, was tasked to investigate a possible FFV.

Upon arrival, an efficient boarding operation was conducted and with another FFV in close proximity, there was no rest for boarding party. By sunset two FFV’s were apprehended and under escort back to Darwin.

It wasn’t long before steaming party grew in numbers, with Whyalla boarding and apprehending a third FFV. With moderate seas, she headed for Darwin for a short rest.

It was only two days however, before Whyalla was once again back out to board and apprehend another FFV. The patrol boat was in form.

Then, steaming again toward Darwin with FFV 1 in tow and just as things were settling down, gear re-stowed, a keen eye spotted a second FFV. So with no hesitation, the pipe was made (along with a “you’re not going to believe this”) and Whyalla boarded and apprehended FFV 2, to be taken under escort.

Whyalla arrived back in Cairns at the end of last month for a four and a half-week Assisted Maintenance Period.
With five boardings, the first patrol for 2003 was successful, with a high level of professionalism and hard work shown by all, with morale remaining high.

The officers and sailors of HMAS Whyalla are looking forward to a well earned break, ready to for another OP RELEX II / OP CRANBERRY Patrol in April.

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