The Royal Australian Navy helicopter frigate HMAS Anzac recently completed working up its whole ship skills in preparation for NORTHERN TRIDENT 2015, a global deployment that will see it represent Australia at the Centenary of Anzac commemorations at Gallipoli in April.
In contrast to the Dardanelles campaign of 1915, Anzac’s role 100 years on is a peacetime one, but the ship must still be ‘ready for anything’ as it deploys far from home over a six month period.
All Royal Australian Navy ships must hone their war-fighting and mariner skills prior to deploying and be prepared to perform duties across the entire span of maritime operations.
Diplomatic, constabulary, humanitarian relief and ceremonial duties are just some of those routinely undertaken during the course of any overseas deployment.
The workup program that Australian Navy ships undertake in the modern era is by necessity a complete test of a warship’s capabilities providing all with a sense of confidence that a ship is in all respects ready.
HMAS Anzac is currently deployed on NORTHERN TRIDENT 2015 during which it will participate in the Centenary of Anzac commemorations in April, followed by a series of important international engagements.
Image: Australian Navy