HMAS Darwin is “Resurgent” again; having recently completed a major maintenance docking, which involved more than 140,000 hours of contracted work. Emerging from the dry Dock in mid May, her crew began the tireless work required to transform the industrial worksite back into an operational warship.
“Darwin ’s crew is excited to be completing a long external maintenance phase and returning the ship to sea to do what she was designed to do,” said the ship’s Commanding Officer, CMDR Brian Schlegel.
In the three weeks since completing the maintenance and repair activities, Darwin has completed an external Fleet Technical Audit, Mariner Skills Evaluation, Aviation Air Sea Safety Assessment (ASSA) and commenced a period of Sea Qualification Trials. The crew has worked tirelessly together to breathe life back into the platform.
“ Darwin was particularly well presented,” said the Commander Sea Training Group – Major Fleet Units, CMDR Jonathan Ley. “A positive attitude and significant drive by the crew onboard has led to Darwin truly living up to her motto – ‘Resurgent’.”
During her first week of Sea Qualification Trials, Darwin ’s aviation capability was proven when her embarked Seahawk Flight conducted a successful ASSA. Tiger 78 completed evolutions including Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), Transfers, Recover Assist Secure Traverse (RAST) Operations, Normal and Emergency Recoveries. Achieving the ASSA in such a quick time after returning to sea is a significant achievement that the crew is proud of.
This milestone will enable Darwin to proceed onto her next challenge, as she prepares for an operational deployment in 2014.
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Press Release, August 9, 2013; Image: Australian Navy