HMAS Rankin
(MPEG video 3.07 MB)
 |
|
ABEWASM
Serg Martinez conducting small arms refresher training while
underway in the west Pacific Ocean.
|
HMAS
Rankin (LCDR Steve Hussey), recently commenced a six-month deployment
that will cover 18,000 nautical miles with visits to four ports
and a road trip to Cobar for a Freedom Of Entry.
Before leaving, HMAS Rankin (the Black Knight) took part in a
rigorous work-up, with West-based frigates Adelaide and Arunta.
The sub also celebrated its first birthday since commissioning
with Black Knight award- winner LSMTSM Sean “Critter” Creighton
cutting the cake.
Captain Submarines CAPT Mark Sander, along with CST SM and his
team then put the crew of the Black Knight through their paces
for Unit Readiness Evaluation.
Following the URE the crew prepared the boat for deployment in
a busy week alongside Fleet Base West.
The ship’s company was joined by a two-person film crew who will
remain with them for the next four months producing a documentary
on submariners.
Diving through the deep waters of the East Indonesian Archipelago
the crew enjoyed a crossing of the line ceremony where 30 pollywogs
received their certificates.
After a day on the roof, Black Knight dived and proceeded into
the Northern Hemisphere for the first time.
After clearing the Archipelago the Black Knight continued north
surfacing again in the pre- dawn Pacific for an Anzac Day service.
The service touched on the deeds of the crew of the first Anzac
submarine AEII and its exploits during WWI.
The crew all enjoyed some fresh-baked Anzac biscuits before diving
again for the final leg of the passage to Jinhae, Republic of
Korea (ROK).
The visit to ROK is part of the harbour phase of the multinational
Pacific Rim submarine escape exercise, Pacific Reach.
The exercise is hosted by the ROKN and involves submarines and
escape vehicles from ROK, Japan and the USA in addition to Rankin.
On completion of exercise Pacific Reach, Rankin will visit the
Japanese port of Kure.
