Bad weather hampers Leeuwin

By LEUT Chris Walter

HMAS Leeuwin has completed two-month survey of shipping routes around Flinders Island, the first time the waters have been charted in half a century.

Leeuwin (HS White - LCDR John McGannon) was tasked to survey sea lanes to aid navigation in the region, which had not been surveyed since 1953.

Bass Strait turned on both its best and worst weather for Leeuwin’s deployment.

Continued bad weather eventually forced the ship to seek shelter in Jervis Bay where the survey reconstitution inspection was undertaken by HMFEG staff.

The opportunity was also taken to work with 723 Squadron and the RANSSSS for continuation training, and several anti-aircraft firing and tracking exercises with a Learjet from Pelair Nowra.

An overnight stop in Port Kembla gave an opportunity for Hydrographic Office and HSPO personnel, Naval Cadets and friends and family to embark for the passage.

She made a brief stopover at Lady Elliot Island in the Great Barrier Reef on her return passage to Cairns for the traditional End of Survey buffet, before continuing passage to HMAS Cairns.

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