30 November 2015

AUS: HMAS Canberra clears lower decks for FCP15

LEUT Nicholas Robinson (author), 
LS Helen Frank (photographer)

Rear Admiral Stuart Mayer speaks to the ship's company and embarked forces of HMAS Canberra during Fleet Concentration Period - East 2015 >>

Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Stuart Mayer, cleared the lower decks of HMAS Canberra as Fleet Concentration Period East 2015 got under way this week. 

The ship’s hangar provided the backdrop for an address from Rear Admiral Mayer that congratulated the ship on its efforts over the last year and highlighted the achievements of the ship’s company.

“You are ahead of the curve in introducing the biggest amphibious capability that the Australian Defence Force has ever operated,” Rear Admiral Mayer said. 

“We are doing things here that no other nation in the world is doing.”

Canberra is the largest of twelve ships and submarines and three Navy aviation squadrons that are completing important task group training during the Fleet Concentration Period. Rear Admiral Mayer discussed the importance of the training exercise and the role that Canberra will play into the future.

“Our journey over the next three years is to take us from a fleet optimised for single ship operations to one that is capable of multiple ship, Task Group level Joint Expeditionary Operations,” Rear Admiral Mayer said. 

“Our power to achieve this is in the minds of each and every individual on this ship and in this navy.”

Reflecting on Rear Admiral Mayer’s comments, Able Seaman Cameron Stewart said he gained a greater appreciation of the role that he plays in the Navy organisation.

“It’s good to get an idea of the bigger picture.” 

“Sometimes it is easy to be so focused on what you are doing that you don’t take the time to stop and remember why you are doing it,” Able Seaman Stewart said.

Rear Admiral Mayer will spend a week with the task group, working with the sailors and officers on exercise as a part of Fleet Concentration Period East 15.