LEUT Joseph McKay (author)
<< HMAS Success conducts a Replenishment at Sea (RAS) with HMAS Darwin in the East Australian Exercise Area. It was Success' first RAS since returning to sea following her extended refit period.
HMAS Success has successfully completed her first Replenishment at Sea (RAS) as part of Sea Qualification Trials, just days after returning to sea.
In flat seas and heavy rain Success held a steady course in preparation for HMAS Darwin (CMDR Terrence Morrison) to approach and hook up for the RAS (L). As Darwin appeared through damp EAXA weather, Success was well prepared to provide Darwin with a quick drink and prove her RAS rigs.
Commanding Officer of HMAS Success, Captain Allison Norris said the first replenishment evolution achieved the aim as a fundamental step in re-establishing Success’ core capability.
“It’s exciting for us to be back at sea progressing so rapidly towards full operational capability. The energy around the ship is palpable, and there’s no doubt in my mind that we’re ready for the challenges of Unit Readiness (UR) workups and our 2014 program,” said Captain Norris.
It’s not only command that’s energized by the return to sea.
“It’s great to be back at sea. We all put in a lot of effort to ensure we were ready to sail and now that we are out here we’re really keen to get the job done,” said ABML-SC Anthony Say.
Success will proceed to Unit Readiness Workups in the second week of November in preparation for a busy operational program in 2014.
The Royal Australian Navy battle tanker sailed from Fleet Base East last Friday after an extended refit and achieved Mariner Skills Evaluation (MSE) on 26 October in the East Australian Exercise Area (EAXA).