By
LCDR Andy Schroder
 |
|
LCDR
Carlton Longhurst and ABSN Schneider gathering information
for the “fishrep” during a compliant boarding.
|
|
Photo:
LCDR Andy Schroder
|
HMAS
Bunbury (LCDR Andy Schroder) in company with HMAS Warrnambool
(LCDR John Navin) recently conducted a successful port visit,
to Lautoka in Fiji.
The aim of the visit was to encourage regional engagement while
simultaneously developing interoperability between the navies
of the two countries.
Three days alongside were well spent by all members of both ship’s
companies “regionally engaging” and soaking up local culture at
nearby island resorts.
Upon departure from Lautoka, the two RAN patrol boats sailed in
company with RFNS Kula and Kikau, two vessels provided to the
Fijian Navy under the Pacific Patrol Boat Program. Planned was
a 24-hour Passex while transiting the Fiji EEZ.
During the period a number of serials were conducted with the
highlight being the opportunity for all ships to conduct a Compliant
Boardex on their “opposite number”, and shop-window the boarding
skills of their own Navy.
As such, late on Tuesday afternoon RFNS Kula assumed the guise
of a FFV (foreign fishing vessel) with five members of her crew
acting as fishermen dressed in “Bula-Rig”.
A successful compliant boarding ensued allowing members of Kula
to observe and gain an insight into RAN FCPB boarding operations.
Roles were reversed the following day before Kula and Kikau were
detached and Bunbury and Warrnambool continued west to Noumea.
