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ACTION-PACKED:
A demonstration for families onboard Westralia.Photo: ABPH Joanne Edwards |
A real-life
emergency provided a closer look at Navy life for 75 family members and friends
of HMAS Westralia’s company than their familiarisation day intended as Westralia
was deployed to provide medivac assistance with them onboard.
The incident
occurred on January 18, when the familiarisation day coincided with Westralia’s
full-power trial after having had main engine repairs completed at Fleet Base
West (FBW).
Just as Westralia was to return to FBW after a day of activities,
she received a call from HMAS Sheean requesting assistance to medivac an injured
crewman. Rendezvous in vicinity of Rottnest island was made and a boat transfer
was undertaken to embark the injured sailor.
Far from being an uncomfortable
event for the friends and families, the boat transfer with a real-life submarine
at sea instead proved to be the main event for those onboard.
The earlier
events also included witnessing the ship’s boat crew go through their paces
with an impressive display in Cockburn Sound, and even the dolphins joined in
to wish them a safe passage.
The executive department’s static gun
display was also a huge hit with both young and old alike, while the ship’s
fire fighting abilities were demonstrated by Standing Sea Fire Brigade.
The
supply department also outdid themselves with an impressive banquet provided for
the 75 extra mouths, and all onboard agreed it was a very successful day.
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