Giant SOS Leads to Rescue of Three Sailors Stranded on Pacific Isle
Three Micronesian sailors stranded on a remote Pacific island drew a giant SOS message in the sand to attract the attention of rescuers, who found them three days after they went missing at sea.Australian and U.S. aircraft located the men on tiny Pikelot island, about 200 km (124 miles) west of where they had set off in a seven-metre (23-ft) skiff before veering off course and running out of fuel."I am proud of the response and professionalism of all on board as we fulfil our obligation to contribute to the safety of life at sea wherever we are," the Australian Navy's Capt.
Australian Navy Officers Excel with AEGIS Training
Royal Australian Navy officers were amongst the first to graduate from the new AEGIS combat systems course delivered at the Combat Systems Engineering Development Site in Moorestown, New Jersey after completing a thorough and rigorous two months of training. Dr Darrell Tatro, director, Center for Surface Combat Systems International Programs, presided over the ceremony. “Today’s milestone event is the result of CSCS partners coming together to develop the Combat Systems Officer course that provides a combination of functional and operational systems instruction with warfighting applications applied for the newest Air Warfare Destroyers, which are equipped with the AEGIS Combat System,” Dr Tatro said.
Australian Warship's Huge Drugs Haul
HMAS Darwin has struck again against drug smugglers, intercepting another vessel in the Arabian Sea and seizing more than 6.2 tonnes of narcotics with an estimated street value of almost $250 million, informs the Australian Defence Force. Darwin’s boarding parties located 315 bags hidden onboard the dhow. Each bag contained between 20 to 21 kilograms of hashish (also known as cannabis resin). Darwin’s Commanding Officer, Commander Terry Morrison, said the removal of more than 6248kg of narcotics would have a significant impact on the funding of terrorist organisations. “HMAS Darwin remains focused on countering terrorism and I am proud of the continued dedication and professionalism of the crew onboard Darwin and the role they play as part of the Combined Maritime Forces…
Australian Warship's Fourth Large Drug Seizure
Defence Minister David Johnston has congratulated the ship’s company of 'HMAS Darwin' for a second major drug interception within a week during a patrol in the Arabian Sea. This is the fourth drug seizure by HMAS Darwin in the past four weeks, Commander Terry Morrison and his dedicated crew are making a tangible difference in the fight against the illicit drug trade on behalf of Australia and the international community,” Senator Johnston said. Senator Johnston said HMAS Darwin seized a total of 786 kg of hashish in 37 bags hidden on board a dhow in international waters, with the street value estimated to be AUD $30 million. Senator Johnston said last month HMAS Darwin recorded the largest ever amount of heroin seized from a vessel on the high seas…
Australian Navy Seizes $268mln in Heroin
An Australian warship patrolling the Indian Ocean has seized more than a tonne of heroin worth A$289 million ($268 million) from a dhow in Kenyan waters, Australia's Defense Department said on Friday. The frigate, HMAS Darwin, intercepted the vessel on Wednesday night 27 nautical miles east off Kenya's port city of Mombasa and confiscated 1,023 kg (2,255 pounds) of heroin in 46 sacks hidden in bags of cement, the department's website said. The drugs were destroyed, the online statement said. "This is a major heroin seizure, which has removed a major source of funding from terrorist criminal networks," Commander Terry Morrison, HMAS Darwin's Commanding Officer said.
Australian Warship Bags Record Heroin Haul
On the eve of Anzac Day commemorations, Royal Australian Navy (RAN) frigate 'HMAS Darwin' seized and destroyed more than one tonne of heroin. The record 1032 kilograms of heroin was discovered on board a dhow in the Indian Ocean, approximately 27 nautical miles east of Mombasa, Kenya. RAN explains that the record 1032 kilograms of heroin was discovered on board a dhow in the Indian Ocean, approximately 27 nautical miles east of Mombasa, Kenya. Late on the 23rd April, HMAS Darwin located a suspicious dhow and deployed her boarding team.
Australian Navy Assists French Fishing Vessel
While patrolling in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa, Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Darwin provided emergency medical assistance for a heart attack victim on a French fishing vessel. The French Fishing Vessel (FV) Cape Saint Vincent called for assistance late on the night of April 10. The French Joint Headquarters requested Darwin’s assistance through the United Kingdom led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150. Darwin sailed overnight to rendezvous with FV Cape Saint Vincent which was approximately 390 miles off the coast of Tanzania.
