Alongside
Loloho in Bougainville, LCDR Jeff Williams found the swivel on
the starboard anchor of his LCH, HMAS Brunei, had seized, so he
put in a call to the Army for some heavy lifting equipment.
Brunei’s Seaman Department jumped at the opportunity to not
only free the swivel but also give the anchor some TLC. SMNBM
Matthew Tarbotton cleans the anchor (above).
Brunei
wraps up Bel Isi
HMAS
Brunei (LCDR Jeff Williams) had the honor of being the first landing
craft heavy into Bougainville for Operation Bel Isi II in May
1998 and now, have the honor of being the last out in August 2003.
The five-year operation has seen all six RAN LCHs rotate through
the Area of Operation. The forty-two rotations have included survey
ships, mine sweeper auxiliary (MSA) and New Zealand minor war
vessels.
The ships have travelled all around the island supporting the
Peace Monitoring Group, delivering peace monitors to some of the
most remote villages on the shores.
The LCH has been an ideal platform for the task, often beaching
in secluded bays to land vehicles and personnel to deliver the
all important message of peace.
As Operation Bel Isi II draws to a final end, Brunei will, for
the last time, embark PMG equipment for the long trip home.
