After many months of preparations, HMAS Parramatta has arrived
on station in the Middle East to take up her patrol.
In support of Op Catalyst, Parramatta took over duties from HMAS
Newcastle when the two ships met in the Gulf of Oman October 30.
After briefings and an exchange of stores, both ships continued
their respective courses with a wave and a toot goodbye.
For Newcastle, it was southeast for a speedy return to Australia,
while for Parramatta, it was a northwesterly course for the Straits
of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.
What lay ahead was an uneventful transit between the straits that
separate Asia and Africa, with Iran to starboard and Oman to port.
Once inside the Persian Gulf, Parramatta conducted her first Replenishment
at Sea, (RAS) of the deployment, with FNS Marne, a French oiler
of the Durance Class and sister ship to HMAS Success.
The conditions were perfect and, in fine RAN tradition, the French
crew was subjected to a selection of music by Australian rock
bands.
Both COs exchanged pleasantries across the light line and their
discussions led to the first crossdecking opportunity of the deployment.
SBLT Jackie Penno and AB Julie Fairchild joined Marne for an overnight
passage to Bahrain. In return, Parramatta entertained LEUT Lawrence
Magne (Deputy Engineer) and PO Eugenie Fichot overnight.
The next morning, Parramatta navigated her way into port, berthing
alongside other ships.
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