It was the second time that Sirius had conducted a replenishment with ‘the Green Ghost’ (HMAS Hobart), whose speed and manoeuvrability was on display during the evolution.

Lieutenant Robert Swift, the Deputy Maritime Logistics Officer in Choules, was excited by the opportunity to conduct the replenishment during the ship’s URE.

"It was a fantastic opportunity and such a huge milestone for Choules and Sirius. Having Sea Training Group embarked was highly beneficial to us all," LT Swift said.

In addition to transferring fuel, the replenishment provided the Maritime Logistics departments on all three ships with an opportunity to exercise ‘materiel screens’, with an item of supply transferred from Hobart, through Sirius to Choules.

Sirius has now returned to Australia following her successful trip to the south-west Pacific.

The port visits conducted by HMAS Choules are part of the 'Pacific Step-up' strategy, which incorporates a number of different focuses, ranging from economic and infrastructure development, combined with a renewed Australian strategic and defence commitment to the broader Pacific region, which were outlined by Prime Minister Scott Morrison as part of the 2018 APEC leadership conference in Port Moresby. 

Stephen Kuper

Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.