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HMAS Ballarat completes its first replenishment at sea in four years.
HMAS Ballarat is back in action, conducting its first replenishment at sea in 1,617 days. Sailing approximately 170 feet from USNS Rappahannock for almost two hours in late September, the routine was a complex and highly thorough mission.
“Two ships steaming side by side in close proximity for hours requires precision navigation, teamwork and constant attention to detail,” Navigating Officer Lieutenant Michael Carpenter said.
“Working this closely with our partners at sea shows not only the skill of our sailors but also the trust and cooperation that underpins successful operations at sea.”
Replenishments, which resupply active naval vessels at sea without the need to port, are a key feature of keeping ships operational and active while on deployment. Commanding Officer Ballarat Commander Dean Uren said they are the “cornerstone of sustained maritime operations”.
“Such practices directly contribute to the security and stability of the region by building mutual understanding and interoperability between partner nations.”
Despite the fact that the process of replenishing an active naval vessel is complicated and takes great organisation and planning, Chief Petty Officer Will McCombe said this was a valuable and insightful experience for the crew and everyone involved.
“Seeing team Ballarat gain confidence and experience in such a demanding seamanship evolution was a real highlight,” he said
The replenishment was conducted while Ballarat was on a regional presence deployment in the Indo-Pacific region. Ballarat’s deployment in the area represents Australia’s commitment to protecting national interests in maintaining peace and security in the region, as well as strengthening ties with regional partners and allies.
“These evolutions are a clear demonstration of our commitment and ability to maintain operations across the Indo-Pacific,” CMDR Uren said.
HMAS Ballarat will continue to conduct exercises and training in the Indo-Pacific region until December, as well as continue to promote interoperability in the area while in deployment.
