Diamantina on deployment

By SBLT Vince Carroll

Diamantina’s boarding party with MV Belama.

LEUT Sean Logan spreads the RAMSI word.

Exploring the Blue Lagoon

CPOCD Matt Hurley and LSCD Jason McCann conduct a beach survey near Honiara.

On Monday September 15, HMAS Diamantina (LCDR Paul Scott) slipped from her homeport and steamed out of Sydney Harbour for a three-month deployment to Op Anode.

Prior to departure, the ship’s company and their families gathered on the wharf at HMAS Waterhen to be farewelled by the Maritime Commander.

RADM Gates also took the opportunity to present two awards to members of the ship’s company. CPOCD Matt Hurley and CPOMT Arthur Mitcherson were each recognised for outstanding professionalism and performance by the award of a Maritime Commander’s Commendation.

After a two-day visit to Brisbane, Diamantina sailed for the Solomon Islands. After a day alongside HMAS Manoora for briefings and re-supply, Diamantina officially relieved her older sister HMAS Hawkesbury.

Barely 24 hours in the AO passed before Diamantina was dispatched on her first operational tasking. The mission involved a patrol to the northern-most extremity of the Solomon archipelago, to a picturesque atoll called Ontong Java.

The ship’s role was to provide transport and logistic support for the embarked Australian Federal Police officer.
An army security section and a specialist- engineering contingent were also embarked.

The ship also hosted two unusual guests for the patrol – explosive detection dogs Kylie and Buster were taken along for the ride.

These two intrepid K9s and the rest of the Army personnel soon settled in and seemed to enjoy themselves.

Diamantina spent ten busy days conducting boardings, village visits, and generally spreading the word of RAMSI (Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands) to this remote and beautiful part of the South Pacific.

HMAS Diamantina will return to Sydney from deployment as announced by the Minister for Defence Senator Robert Hill.

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