THE HMAS CANBERRA CRUISE BOOK FOR 2002

Marine Engineer’s Message

On a typical Monday morning at FBW with the last remnants of ice still melting off the upper decks from the cruise “down south”, Canberra’s Engineering Department prepared to sail for the great adventure to rid the world from the evils of terrorism.

Anticipation was high within the department those first few days out, what was it like up in the Gulf, what ports would we visit, when were we coming back and the biggest question on everyone’s lips, when would the money start. After a quick and painless BC work up by Fleet staff, the first stop was Diego Garcia, a quick run ashore for some on the ship while the workers stayed onboard to fuel and store. Onwards then towards the big moment, two days steaming south of the gulf we entered the money box, endless days of tax free pay and allowances all compliments of the Australian taxpayer. Following a quick and fairly mundane transit of the Straits of Hormouz it was into the first port visit of the deployment, Bahrain. Much enjoyment was had by all during the quick and uneventful visit, sitting in the Desert Dome meeting new American friends going by the names of Miller and Bud or heading out into the local town to barter with the locals over the price of a T-Towel and perfume.

Once back at sea we got an idea of what the ensuring 3 months would be like, endless patrols up and down over the same piece of water at 3 knots only broken up by the weekly rush visits down south to refuel and change the scenery. For a few members of the department led by “Action Al Bowman”, the “Oldest Action Hero” their time was taken up with the boarding’s of oil tankers or more regularly local fishing boats in the search for anything illegal. Those that stayed onboard were kept occupied by the endless maintenance, painting and cleaning and the routine guessing over which diesel would break down this week and would “squeak” be on watch at the time.

As the temperatures in the spaces rose above the 60 deg C mark all sections were kept busy during the long and boring hours, Biff and his merry team of diesel mechanics, which at times consisted of the whole department, ensured that there wasn’t a diesel left untouched or in its original condition by the time the trip had finished. Others such as Willy and the Chippies filled their time by changing out 500 kg A/C pumps and the engine room guys kept chasing those electrical and bearing problems that just couldn’t be found or just wouldn’t go away.

Amongst these patrols were the regular monthly visits to Dubai which were always well anticipated by all within the department. The visits to “Wally World” Water Park, the electronics and gold shops or just helping to improve the profits of the York Hotel and becoming friendly with the hosts ensured that the extra pay and allowances we were receiving were put to good use. Others such as the Chippie headed off on wider pursuits, in search of the cheapest tool shop that Dubai had to offer and whether it would fit into the taxi for the trip back to the ship.

The journey may have ended with the return to FBW and many will leave the department to either join other ships or to begin a new life in the “real” world but the memories of the CANBERRA Marine Engineering Department Gulf Deployment 2002 will remain. The ME Department had become accustomed to the heat after endless hours of keeping the ship running so that the rest could enjoy the ride. The runs ashore, the endless circles and the money won’t be forgotten quickly while the medals and photos will prove that we were there.

Graeme Bacon

Lieutenant Commander, Royal Australian Navy

Marine Engineering Officer

click on the image