On her way home from Operation LANDSCAPE, HMAS Choules stopped off in Townsville and used the newly commissioned Berth 10 to clear customs and quarantine.
This was the first operational use of the new facility since it was commissioned in late October. Commanding Officer Choules, Commander Ashley Papp, said the facility was impressive.
“Berth 10 is a purpose built wharf and has improved access for large ships coming into Townsville. It also includes a new state of the art Bio Security Cleaning facility run by Joint Logistics Unit- North Queensland (JLU-NQ).”
“During our short visit, we picked up stores and offload the Townsville based cargo, watercraft and vehicles that were essential to the success of Op Landscape,” said Commander Papp.
The port upgrade will enhance the capability to support the Navy’s Landing Helicopter Dock and the capacity to provide access for other visiting and Royal Australian Navy ships.
Choules is on her return voyage to her homeport Sydney, following a successful mission supporting the Department of Immigration and Border Protection operation on Manus Island, Papua New Guinea.
[mappress] Press Release, November 06, 2013; Image: Australian Navy