Minehunters achieve more firsts for RAN
HMA Ships Gascoyne and Huon have notched up a number of achievements during the ships' north east Asian deployment - first mine located by sonar and by divers during an exercise conducted with the Republic of Korea Navy; HMAS Gascoyne was the first Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Minehunter to visit Kure Naval Base in Japan; and, along with sister ship HMAS Huon, the first RAN Mine Warfare vessels to sail over 4000 miles north of Australia.
During the Tri-lateral Mine Warfare Exercise (MIWEX) with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) and the United States Navy (USN), Gascoyne and Huon achieved another milestone while secured alongside JMSDF Ship Bungo in the waters off the south coast of Japan. During the ‘rafting up’ evolution, Gascoyne conducted replenishment by taking onboard fresh water, becoming the first RAN vessel and Australian Minehunter to replenish with Bungo.
Commander Task Group and Commanding Officer of HMAS Gascoyne, Lieutenant Commander Richard Brickacek said he was proud of both crews who completed the task at short notice with excellent seamanship and safety on display.
“I am appreciative of the JMSDF for the opportunity to exercise our maritime skills,” said LCDR Brickacek.
“The ability for a RAN ship to practice this activity during a major exercise is quite significant.
“Combining this with the opportunity to share the knowledge with a regional partner contributes greatly to the unit’s operations and endurance.
“We have successfully proven this capability for any future interaction with the JMSDF for the RAN Minehunters,” said LCDR Brickacek. (RAN)
RAN Minehunters lead the pack in mine detection, identification and neutralisation
Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Minehunters HMA Ships Gascoyne and Huon have been commended by Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Captain Yasushi Noguchi, the Commanding Officer of Mine Warfare Division Three, for their excellent result in successfully finding all underwater mines in a designated exercise area in minimal time.
Lieutenant Commander Ryan Kelly, Chief of Staff to the Australian Mine Warfare Squadron and embarked Liaison Officer on JMSDF Ship Bungo, noted the fine performance of the RAN units.
“For the JMSDF, Australia’s involvement in Exercise HYUGA NADA was been hugely successful.
“Our participation here has set the standard for future mine warfare exercises in the region,” said LCDR Kelly.
During the exercise, both RAN units operated ships sonar and remote mine disposal vehicles (MDV) in the detection and identification of six underwater mines. The search and discovery phase was assisted by excellent external conditions. Crews approached the task with enthusiasm and a small amount of competition.
“The Australian units acted swiftly and set a high benchmark for the JMSDF,” said CAPT Noguchi.
In conjunction with the Mine hunting activities, the RAN units deployed clearance divers in Explosive Ordnance Demolition diving training. Both dive teams conducted multiple dives which tested all team members and achieved the required outcomes.
For Gascoyne’s Diving Officer, Lieutenant Jason Dawson, the diving exercise was the culmination of high-quality training conducted prior to arrival in the region.
“Despite reduced underwater visibility, the team excelled thanks to good preparation,” said LEUT Dawson. (RAN)
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