Arunta Replenishes as Part of Combined Maritime Force
Deployed to the Middle East region, HMAS Arunta recently completed her first underway replenishment in the Gulf of Aden, in company with United States Naval Ship Walter S. Diehl and Pakistani Naval Ship Shamsheer.
Arunta’s Navigating Officer, Lieutenant Stuart McPherson enjoyed the opportunity to conduct a replenishment with Walter S. Diehl. With Arunta on Walter S. Diehl’s port side and Shamsheer on her starboard side, both frigates simultaneously refuelled from Walter S. Diehl’s bunkers.
“Opportunities like this are a great way to gain valuable experience and learn how other navies operate. I look forward to working with both ships again in the future,” Lieutenant McPherson said.
“Experiences like this remind me why I love being on the bridge; helping mentor junior officers.”
On completion of the replenishment Arunta and Shamsheer conducted a set of officer-of-the-watch manoeuvres to provide ship handling experience for the Maritime Warfare Officers in both ships.
During her first patrol for MANITOU, Arunta has been busy conducting multiple boardings as part of efforts to combat illegal narcotics and weapon smuggling in the region that fund terrorist activities. Arunta also took part in a search and rescue operation off the coast of Socotra, Yemen. The replenishment at sea was vital to ensure Arunta can keep on task for a longer period.