Canberra rotates through Relex II
At dawn on August 9, the ship’s company remembered the 61st anniversary of the sinking of HMAS Canberra I near Savo Island.

Coordinated by LCDR Patrick Davitt

Canberra's boarding party aboard SIEV 13 at Port Hedland

Sailors of the Quarter, ABMT Mallett and ABSCO Heather

The Administrator of the Commonwealth, Sir Guy Greene breakfasts with members of Canberra's ship's company

In September HMAS Canberra (CMDR Stuart Mayer) completed an Op Relex II rotation. In some ways completely unremarkable, it included some notable moments.

Shortly after relieving HMAS Arunta (CMDR Braddon Wheeler) Canberra was ordered to Port Hedland to intercept a SIEV. The ship arrived in time to assist Customs and Immigration personnel who had detained a Vietnamese vessel, SIEV 13.

Over 50 people were aboard, including several children. Canberra was ordered to embark the SIEV’s passengers for transfer to Christmas Island. This went smoothly, and the levels of care given by Canberra’s crew to her passengers showed exceptional sensitivity, professionalism, and enthusiasm.

The ship hosted Sir Guy Greene, the Administrator of the Commonwealth and Lady Greene for a short visit.

Sir Guy joined the ship’s company for breakfast followed by a guided tour of the ship. On completion he presented her with a plaque and then presented three Sailor of the Quarter awards, after which the ship’s company conversed informally with the Vice Regal couple before they disembarked.

Ship manoeuvres were practised during a PASSEX with the Canadian frigate, HMCS Calgary (CMDR Dan MacKiegan).

Despite the limited time both ships took full advantage of the opportunity. Over 48 hours they conducted OOW manoeuvres, RASAPS, a surface firing and an all night CASEX using an EMATT target.

A highlight was the simultaneous operation of Canberra’s embarked Seahawk with the Canadian’s Sea King. This opportunity to carry out ASW with a ‘dipper’ was a first for Canberra’s aircrew.

Other activites included personnel exchanges and a series of general drills as a matter of honour between the ships.

On completion of the kite flying, PT sessions, and hula lessons, Canberra prevailed by a narrow margin before Calgary resumed her transit west. On August 8 the crew gathered to scatter the ashes of former Acting Petty Officer Bert “Bull” Oliver.

PO Oliver was also an Honorary Rat of Tobruk - an honour extended by the “Rats” to sailors whose ships went in under enemy fire to evacuate them at the end of the Siege.

Then, at dawn on August 9, the ship’s company again fell in to remember the 61st anniversary of the sinking of HMAS Canberra I near Savo Island.

A wreath of Christmas Island frangipani was then cast into the sea. During the deployment a variety of sport and recreational activities was conducted.

The CI footy team answered the ship’s challenge. The ship’s team made a noble effort against the locals, but, despite a valiant effort, Canberra yielded the day to CI.

Sporting events were also held aboard. They included volleyball and relays, but the perennial favourite was the interdepartmental Tug-of-War. Other more exotic opportunities presented themselves.

Several crewmembers organised a diving expedition, while fishing from the foc’sle yielded some impressive catches.

Finding recreational activities while on deployment is a challenge; Christmas Island proved once again it has much to offer.

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