First replenishment on first Manitou patrol for HMAS Arunta

Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac-class frigate HMAS Arunta recently completed her first underway replenishment in the Gulf of Aden during her deployment to the Middle East.

HMAS Arunta deployed under the Australian operation Manitou which supports the US-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) to fight terrorism and prevent piracy.

The frigate completed her first RAS in company with US Navy oiler USNS Walter S. Diehl and Pakistani Zulfiqar-class frigate PNS Shamsheer.

Arunta’s navigating officer, Lieutenant Stuart McPherson enjoyed the opportunity to conduct a replenishment with Walter S. Diehl. With Arunta on Walter S. Diehl’s port side and Shamsheer on her starboard side, both frigates simultaneously refueled from Walter S. Diehl’s bunkers.

“Opportunities like this are a great way to gain valuable experience and learn how other navies operate. I look forward to working with both ships again in the future,” Lieutenant McPherson said.

On completion of the replenishment Arunta and Shamsheer conducted a set of officer-of-the-watch manoeuvres to provide ship handling experience for the Maritime Warfare Officers in both ships.

During her first patrol for Manitou, Arunta has been busy conducting multiple boardings as part of efforts to combat illegal narcotics and weapon smuggling in the region that fund terrorist activities.

Arunta also took part in a search and rescue operation off the coast of Socotra, Yemen. The replenishment at sea was vital to ensure Arunta can keep on task for a longer period.