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New hardware on show
By LCDR Chris Cooper
Volume 50, No. 11, June 28, 2007 |
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NEW TECH: HMAS Farncomb was of considerable interest during IMDEX.
Photo: ABPH Justin Brown |
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NEW TECH: HMAS Bathurst was of considerable interest during IMDEX.
Photo: ABPH Justin Brown |
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PULL!: The Navy team participated in a sports olympiad to conclude IMDEX on a high.
Photo: ABPH Justin Brown |
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HMA Ships Bathurst (Attack Six – LCDR Chris Cooper), Adelaide (CMDR Rob Slaven) and Farncomb (CMDR Mark Hammond) are back in Australian waters having participating IMDEX ASIA 2007.
The biennial maritime defence demonstration was hosted by Singapore from May 14 to May 18. A total of 22 ships from 14 countries made this the largest IMDEX yet.
IMDEX was centred at two locations; defence industries from across the globe displayed the latest in naval technology at the Singapore Exhibition Centre while the ships berthed at Changi Naval Base opened their doors for trade visitors, professionals and official VIP delegates.
The opening ceremony took place at the Singapore Exhibition Centre on May 15, where the Guest of Honour, the Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, officially opened IMDEX Asia 2007.
Bathurst welcomed CN, VADM Russ Shalders, AO CSC RAN and Guest of Honour Dr Ng Eng Hen onboard and provided a tour of the RAN’s newest class of vessel. Considerable and worthwhile discussions developed on both the multi-crewing initiative and capabilities of the class.
The opening day ended with an official reception taking place at the Asian Civilisations Museum.
IMDEX saw a vast number of visitors both uniformed and civilian board the vessels at Changi and at the Exhibition Hall; all three RAN vessels generated considerable interest, with Farncomb in particular kept busy with VIP visits.
Singapore also showcased their new ‘Stealth’ Formidable Class Frigates.
A sports olympiad for visiting warships celebrated the conclusion of IMDEX. This atmosphere allowed for some friendly competition between attending countries.
The combined team from Adelaide, Farncomb and Bathurst put up an admirable performance to take fourth place in the olympiad.
One of the highlights came in the soccer. A goal scored by the Australian’s team’s goalkeeper, SMN Jacques of Attack 6, went from one end of the field to the other.
Attack 6, newly joining HMAS Bathurst, used the deployment as an opportunity to put an end to the myths and negative stories regarding the Armidale Class Patrol Boats.
After more than 158 hours steady steaming at 12 knots, as well as a short burst at 20kts, Bathurst arrived at Singapore with a credible amount of 50 per cent burnable fuel remaining.
The deployment to IMDEX and the return to Australia via Christmas Island had been very successful in demonstrating the endurance of the ACPB.
Altogether Bathurst travelled in excess of 4400nm and achieved two firsts for the class.
Bathurst was the first ACPB to cross the equator and the first to visit Singapore.
Initial indications are that recent upgrades to the fuel system and shafts have been very effective. |
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