More work to be done
CN addresses Gulf’s boundary riders

Chief of Navy VADM Chris Ritchie stresses the importance of remaining vigilant in the area of operations to ship’s company members of HMAS Anzac. He said to “stay alert. Look out.”

Medics from HMAS Darwin, LSMED Tristan Venning, POMED James McKenzie and SMNMED Maryanne Rowbottam.

By LSCISSM Rachel Irving

“It’s important I come here to you while you’re still in the theatre, to say to you ‘congratulations’ and to tell you how much I appreciate what you’ve done and how much the country appreciates what you’ve done”.

These were the words of Chief of Navy, VADM Chris Ritchie, as he visited Navy personnel serving in the Middle East last week.

Accompanied by WO-N, David Turner, VADM Ritchie visited HMA ships Anzac, Kanimbla and Darwin, as well as calling on our clearance divers, ASNCE HQ personnel in Qatar and the RAN Logistics Support Elements in Bahrain and Dubai.

He also called on the British Maritime Component Commander, RADM David Snelson RN, COM5THFLT VADM Keating USN, and DCINC Central Command GEN Abizade.

CN conducted walk-throughs of each ship and sat down in the various messes to talk to the officers and sailors and to field questions from them.

VADM Ritchie stated in his address to each of the ships’ companies, “The reason I came up here is that Slipper, and as it turned into Falconer, has been a significant operation for the ADF. It has certainly been a very big thing for Navy because of the achievements of people such as yourselves.

Each ship and element has made an important but different contribution to the overall coalition effort in the Middle East. Certainly one of the more high profile contributions has been Anzac’s firing.

“The fact that Anzac was able to provide Naval gun fire support was important to the ship’s company of Anzac and it’s important to Navy and the way Navy shapes it’s future. “We spend a lot of money on surface combatants such as frigates, and hopefully on air warfare destroyers in the future, and we haven’t used them in anger in some time.

This has been a timely reminder they can be used in anger and they can be used very successfully in the way Anzac has done it.”

CN told each of the groups to cherish the bonds they had developed with each other.

“You have all gone through a similar experience which will stay with you for the remainder of your naval time but will become more important to you when you leave the navy. You will be the people who will march together under one banner on Anzac day 20 years on and remember the things you have achieved together on this particular deployment.”

VADM Ritchie fielded questions from personnel throughout his visit to the region, but there were several topics that proved popular.

“One issue they wanted to know about was medals, that is, what sort medals they would receive. They were also concerned about their programs when they get back and in particular Op Relex. Relex is an ongoing operation and all should expect to share the load.

“The divers were positive about the fact that they are self sufficient and were proud of their capability. I also met with the people in the ASNCE HQ who are remaining positive and with the exception of the divers, everyone I have met with is looking forward to going home. The divers were asking to stay!”

“It was important to visit our people now while they’re still in theatre, before they left, so they understand how much people appreciate their contribution and what they’ve done.

“I think from a Naval point of view there is still plenty of work to be done. For example, during my time in Darwin, it was satisfying to see one of the boats (with boarding party) working away until the early hours of the morning, and then as we left they were out again, trying to control the vessels coming out of the Shatt Al Arab, from going back into the KAA a potentially dangerous situation. They could come out and put mines in the water, meaning the clearance effort would be for nothing. So there are still things to be done.”

CN said to our sailors, “I know your thoughts are probably starting to turn to home but I would say to you don’t relax just yet. You are still in an area of considerable uncertainty. I am aware of the force protection burden on you but I would say to you, that remains important in this area. So stay alert.”

CN assured personnel that the government is delighted with the contribution that the ADF has made and the Navy has made.

He said, “Be proud of what you have achieved. You have served your country and in time that will become very important to you. Right now you are probably thinking about going home but as time passes you will realise you are some of the few people in this day and age who have actually been out there and put their lives on the line for Australia. You’ve done that and you should be proud of that. From me, well done and congratulations.”

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