Battle links two nations

ATTENTION: US and ADF personnel took part in a colourful ceremony in Blamey Square, Canberra, to commemorate the Battle of the Coral Sea.

In 1942 joint Australian and American taskforce turned back a massive Japanese invasion fleet, consisting of 5000 marines of the Japanese Special Naval Landing Forces in 12 transports, escorted by destroyers and cruisers with one light aircraft carrier to provide air cover.

This amphibious assault was known as “Operation MO”.

They were scheduled to attack Port Moresby in the first week in May, 1942.
Photo: ABPH Kade Rogers

 

Higher duties assigned to RAN officer

TOP JOB: CDRE Steve Gilmore assumes command of Coalition Task Force 58 onboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard.

An Australian has assumed command of Coalition Task Force 58, located in the Northern Persian Gulf.

CDRE Steve Gilmore assumed duties from RADM Christopher Ames of the US Navy in a ceremony onboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard.

CDRE Gilmore is the first member of the RAN to lead the multinational task force in what is the highest level of tactical coalition command provided by the RAN in the Middle East Area of Operations.

During the handover phase, RADM Ames said he it had been a true pleasure working with CDRE Gilmore during the three day turnover aboard USS Bonhomme Richard.

“As the baton is passed, I wish him and all the members of Task Force 58 continuing success in their critical efforts in the Northern Persian Gulf,” RADM Ames said.

CDRE Gilmore took command of Task Force 58 with the tradition-steeped phrase, “I relieve you, sir”, transmitted via a tactical radio circuit from his flagship, the US Navy guided missile cruiser USS Antietam.

“I think it has been a seamless transition,” CDRE Gilmore said. “We wish to maintain the momentum and continue the great work that has occurred so far.”

The RAN previously held the command role in Maritime Interception Operations in the Gulf in 2002/03, however, CDRE Gilmore’s role will focus in the wider command role of Maritime Security Operations.

The Task Force currently comprises of up to 10 Coalition warships from the US, UK, Australia and Iraq.

These ships include a cruiser, frigates (one of which is HMAS Darwin), patrol boats, coast guard cutters and a forward support ship. Also assigned to the force are USN maritime security detachments and shore based helicopters.

Task Force 58 will continue to patrol the Northern Persian Gulf conducting maritime security operations that includes the protection of Iraqi offshore oil platforms, interdiction of illegal maritime trade associated with Iraq and escort of US Military Sealift Command shipping.

A command staff of 15 RAN officers and sailors has deployed for this important role.

The RAN command team is scheduled to return to Australia in approximately five months.

 

Have your say

Young and old mix with each other at Anzac Day. But how do you feel it should be commemorated into the future, as the number of war veterans dwindle?

 

Bulletin board

Hunt for collectors
Toy soldiers club

We are looking for people in the Cairns and Far North Queensland areas who collect toy soldiers, covering all brands, makes, periods and sizes to form a club in the North Queensland area.
Meetings are currently held in Townsville on a bimonthly basis.

For more information contact Antony on 0416 230 348 or email on buckomp@iprimus.com.au.

Class of 1954-1955
Hawkesbury crewmen

John Sheahan is hoping to get in touch with past crewmen (1954 to 1955) from HMAS Hawkesbury. If you can assist with this please email sheahanshouse@optusnet.com.au.

20 years ago
Start spreading the news

Expressions of interest have been called for a 20 year reunion for the MT 13 (October 26, 1985 to April 30, 1986) HMAS Cerberus group.

At this stage, the reunion is likely to be held in Sydney on August 5 or 6 this year.

Contacts for the reunion include: Chris (Wombles) Freemantle, Weston ACT (chfr@bigpond.com) or Darren (Dolly) Gray, Ocean Shores, NSW (biggestfish1@bigpond.com).

New chapter beckons
Navy writers reunion

The national reunion of Writer Branch personnel, both serving and ex-serving, and partners will be held at Stamford Grand, Glenelg, from September 30 to October 3.

Information at PO Box 344, Brighton SA 5048, www.ranwriters.com or pmmail@senet.com.au.

 

 

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