Storm halts exercise

LASHED : Patrol Boats secured on the hardstand in preparation for cyclone warning. HMAS Fremantle (203), HMAS Wollongong (206) and HMAS Gawler (212).

Photo: LSPH Kaye Adams

It was a case of “calm before the storm” for more than 300 sailors and soldiers from two nations off the North Queensland coast earlier this month.

On March 7 they began a weeklong Minor War Vessel Concentration Period.

Five heavy landing ships, Labuan, Brunei, Tarakan, Balikpapan and Wewak, along with patrol boats Gladstone and Ipswich and the survey motor launches Benalla and Shepparton represented the RAN.

The French navy sent patrol boat La Moquese, while the Army dispatched the 51st Battalion and two units from Townsville’s Third Brigade.

Two Squirrels from 723 Squadron flew north from HMAS Albatross.

In all 10 ships and 300 sailors and soldiers were to participate.

One scenario was to do beach landings at Cowley Beach near Innisail.

Then nature intervened.

Tropical cyclone Ingrid developed in the Coral Sea and tracked east towards the Queensland coast. She headed towards Darwin, narrowly missing the city of 80000 people before causing extensive damage to the Tiwi Islands.

HMAS Coonawarra quickly formed into their cyclone watchbill with dutywatch personnel securing the area and remained on alert as they kept track of cyclone updates every three hours.

By Tuesday March 15, Ingrid had passed Darwin, moving towards the Timor Sea.

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