It was the 417th replenishment at sea (RAS) for HMAS Sirius but for the ship’s company of HMAS Anzac, the successful refuelling while underway marked the first since Anzac’s recent anti-ship missile defence upgrade.
The replenishment took place while Anzac was returning home to Fleet Base East from Western Australia after taking part in the Albany Convoy Commemorative Event, marking 100 years since troopships left Australian shores for the battlefields of the First World War.
Anzac’s Commanding Officer Commander Matthew Doornbos said:
Today proves that Anzac is fully prepared to take on anything that can be put to her in short order and she will continue to strive to make each and every evolution safe and efficient.
The ability for Anzac to be able to RAS has shown that the crew is ready for many of the challenges that will be thrown at them over the next four months as the crew prepare for further sea qualification trials, work up training and finally unit readiness at the end of February 2015.
Anzac is preparing for a busy year ahead, preparing to deploy to the northern hemisphere and to part in further commemorations for the Anzac Centenary throughout 2015.
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Press release, Image: Australian Navy