HMAS Toowoomba, USNS Big Horn Engage in RAS

On 17 October HMAS Toowoomba conducted replenishment at sea with United States Navy Ship (USNS) Big Horn.

USNS Big Horn supplied Toowoomba with 213 cubic meters of F-76 marine diesel, and nine cubic meters of F-44, aviation fuel.

Toowoomba’s Marine Engineer, Lieutenant Commander Sebastian Due Madsen, said that the replenishment was a key part of operations at sea.

Underway replenishment is a critical enabler to the success of Toowoomba’s mission in the Middle East Region as part of Operation MANITOU.

This type of replenishment provides us with extended endurance allowing the ship to continue in the expansive 25 million square kilometre area of operations.

HMAS Toowoomba is assigned to Joint Task Force 633 in the Middle East Region as part of Operation MANITOU to provide maritime support to international efforts to counter and deter terrorism and the trade of narcotics on the seas as part of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).

The Forces work to defeat terrorism, prevent piracy, encourage regional engagement, reduce illegal trafficking of people and drugs and promote the maritime environment as a safe place for mariners with legitimate business.

HMAS Toowoomba is the 58th Royal Australian Navy ship deployment to the Middle East Region since 1990.

Press release, Image: Australian Navy