By
SBLT Hayter
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Coastal
minehunter HMAS Hawkesbury is the last to undergo a refit
at ADI’s Carrington Newcastle plant.
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HMAS
Hawkesbury will be the last Royal Australian Navy coastal minehunter
to refit at ADI’s Carrington Newcastle plant following the decision
to conduct future refits in Sydney.
For almost 10 years, vessels have been constructed, refits have
been carried out and other major maintenance activities conducted
at the site.
Hawkesbury’s refit, which began in early December last year, will
come to an end after nearly four months in contractor hands.
During the refit there has been a large change of ship’s company
with over 60 per cent turnover of personnel.
Hawkesbury’s Commanding Officer, LCDR Paul Mandziy, took the opportunity
at the beginning of the refit, and at the end of a very busy and
eventful 2003, to award CO’s Commendations to LEUT Paul Taylor
(DIVO), PO Michael Clifford (CBM) and LS Sean Huron prior to their
respective postings.
CO’s Commendations were also awarded to LS Jason Clark and AB
Richard Kamprad who remain with the ship for 2004.
The award, which caused the most excitement was the 2004 Australia
Day Medallion for Achievement presented to LSCIS Michael Coulter
for his dedication and personal commitment to Hawkesbury during
2003.
While in refit the ship’s company took some time out for team-building
exercises that included fishing trips and some team paintball
action.
