HMAS Arunta Deployed in the Middle East
Australian Navy personnel and Defence civilians have deployed as one team to complete maintenance on deployment on an unprecedented scale. The beneficiary – HMAS Arunta, deployed for nine months on operations in the Middle East. This is the first time a combined team has been deployed to complete such a large number of maintenance tasks, which they hope will ensure Arunta can continue important duties with minimal disruption. Officer in charge of the team, Commander Rudi Overmeyer said the team was enthusiastic to undertake the maintenance aspect of the trial. “The first week has demonstrated a willingness by all parties to drive to a successful outcome,” he said. “All teams are taking a professional pragmatic approach to ensure the successful outcome to this external maintenance period.
Mitscher Transits the Panama Canal
USS Mitscher (DDG-57) successfully completed a northbound Panama Canal transit early morning on July 12, marking the first trip through the historic canal for the 13-year old warship. Mitscher entered the Miraflores Lock near midnight July 11, and then proceeded north through the Pedro, Miguel and Gatun Locks before emerging at 4 a.m. near Cristobal, Panama. “The Panama Canal transit was a fitting end to the Central and South American phase of our Partnership of Americas deployment,” stated Cmdr. William McKinley, Mitscher’s commanding officer. “Most of the crew had never made the transit and will never forget this event. Sailors were up through the night to assist in navigation and line-handling details, as Mitscher traveled the 44.5 miles of canal.
