Approaching HMAS Supply from the starboard beam, HMAS Choules executed a simultaneous vertical replenishment and replenishment at sea. 

The two ships rendezvoused in the South China Sea, while Choules transited from Subic Bay. 

Choules is supporting Exercise Pacific Partnership, a United States-led humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness exercise held annually in the Indo-Pacific, with members from the United States, Canada and Germany embarked.

A replenishment at sea is a whole-of-ship evolution that allows ships to refuel at sea without returning to port. 

This critical capability enables Royal Australian Navy ships to remain at sea and on task for longer periods. It involves ships sailing in close formation while connected by a fuel line.

After connecting with Choules, Supply commenced vertical replenishment evolutions using the Seahawk helicopter ‘Blackout’ to transfer more than seven pallets of supplies between the two ships.

Commanding Officer Choules Commander Paul Hardman said he was proud of the personnel involved in both activities, which demonstrated their professionalism, skill and readiness.

“Without the professionalism and proficiency of both crews, these activities would not have been achievable. Everybody came together to make them happen,” Commander Hardman said.

Many members of the multinational Pacific Partnership contingent on board Choules made their way to the upper decks to observe the activities, enjoying the music Supply was playing on their loudspeakers.

One of the US Navy members of the Pacific Partnership Band on board Choules, Musician First Class Micah Lewis, was impressed by the atmosphere on board throughout the evolution.

“It was such a great environment to be in the middle of. Even though all the boatswains were focused on their jobs, there were smiles everywhere, particularly once we completed the breakaway from the other ship and started playing,” Musician Lewis said.

It is customary for the receiving ship to play a breakaway song at the completion of a replenishment at sea. 

As Supply and Choules prepared to commence their breakaway, the Pacific Partnership Band performed a rendition of AC/DC’s Highway to Hell, signalling the end of the replenishment activities.