By
LCDR Romina Barnes
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LSA
Daniel Warring hand signals to a fishing dhow to move out
of the restricted waterway, while HMAS Newcastle’s Seahawk
Tiger 76 patrols the area and warns fishing dhows to leave.
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Photo:
LSPH Kaye Adams
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HMAS
Newcastle (CAPT Gerry Christian) is half way through her operations
in the Northern Persian Gulf as part of Operation Catalyst - the
Australian whole of Government effort to assist with the rehabilitation
of Iraq.
Well into her third patrol, Newcastle continues to provide protection
to the Gas Oil Platforms (GOPLATS), and is providing maritime
security by regulating traffic from Khor Al Arab (KAA) and Shat
Al Arab (SAA).
These are the two main navigable waterways leading to ports in
Iraq. Umm Qasr is the only controlled commercial port open for
operations and is located in the KAA.
There are no authorised ports in the SAA so all vessels carrying
oil from there are considered illegal and detained by the coalition.
So far, Newcastle’s team has been kept very busy with 254 vessel
queries, over 200 boardings and 7 escorts. Forty-four health and
comfort checks of detained vessels have also been conducted since
coming on station in early August.
It hasn’t been all work for the crew though. They were recently
able to spend six days in a Gulf port for much needed and well
deserved rest and recreation.
During the visit, Newcastle co-hosted a cocktail party with the
local Defence Attaché, which was well attended by local and coalition
military personnel as well as other local dignitaries.
The event was great success and showcased the RAN’s professionalism
and Newcastle’s achievements to date. Three of the female officers
also had the opportunity to experience some unique local culture
during a visit to Women’s College.
This college offers post-secondary education to local women, mainly
in the areas of Information Technology and Media Courses.
The officers were given a guided tour of the college grounds and
had the opportunity to visit several classes for question time
with the students.
Most were interested in the kind of jobs women do in the Australian
Navy and whether females received equal pay to the men. The port
visit also offered an opportunity for the crew to play sport with
beach volleyball, rugby and golf being contested during the six
days.
