A new Commanding Officer took the helm of HMAS Coonawarra during a formal handover-takeover ceremony in Darwin in December. As a former Commanding Officer of Fremantle and Armidale Class Patrol Boats (ACPB), Commander (CMDR) John Navin relieved CMDR Ben Favelle.
CMDR Navin said that the main focus under his command will be to continue to provide support to the patrol boats and major fleet units currently on government directed operations.
“With a high operational tempo it is a very challenging period at a time when we must continue to support visiting ships, major fleet exercises and any other Defence activities in the north,” he added.
Having in mind the fact that Australia’s Northern Waters play host to major Royal Australian Navy and multi-national exercises and operations involving around 100 visiting Australian and foreign major warships each year, 2014 will be a busy year for the new Commanding Officer.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, January 16, 2014; Image: RAN