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Pacific allies practise long-range co-operation as Royal Navy links up with Royal Australian Air Force off Fiji
20 August 2024
G’day, Tamar…
This is a cockpit-eye view of the Royal Navy’s patrol ship powering through the South Pacific – as seen by the crew of a Royal Australian Air Force transport aircraft.
This is a cockpit-eye view of the Royal Navy’s patrol ship powering through the South Pacific – as seen by the crew of a Royal Australian Air Force transport aircraft.
The Aussie aviators dropped in on the River-class ship some 200 nautical miles south of Fiji to test the ability of the two Commonwealth forces to work together – at range.
While HMS Tamar has worked regularly with the Royal Australian Navy during her two-plus years in the Pacific – use of bases in Darwin and more recently Cairns have been essential to sustain the Portsmouth-based vessel on her long-term deployment with her sister ship HMS Spey – link-ups with the RAAF are less frequent.
So, to test that joint ability – eyeing up potential combined search-and-rescue/disaster relief operations – the Australians planned an air drop of (symbolic) supplies for Tamar to fish out of the Pacific.
Their C27J Spartan – an Italian-built military transporter designed to deliver personnel and kit to short, austere airstrips and remote areas which large aircraft like the A400M or Hercules cannot use – located Tamar in the expanse of ocean, but were not able to make the drop as the sea was too rough.
Although it meant there was no special delivery of Antipodean delicacies for the patrol ship’s crew – including some Milo (a malted hot chocolate drink – think Aussie Horlicks), Vegemite (Aussie Marmite) and Australia’s favourite biscuits, Tim Tams (chocolate bourbons) – it did prove the ability of the Royal Navy and Royal Australian Air Force to co-ordinate efforts far from their respective homes.
“We are a long way from home and knowing that we can call on partners like Australia is amazing,” said Lieutenant Joe Hobday, Tamar’s Navigating Officer. “It is key that we continue to work with our friends and allies in the region.
“The aircraft looked awesome as it made its pass and the wing waggle was a nice touch. I love a Tim Tam, it was a shame we couldn’t get them this time! We look forward to working with them again soon”.
It’s always fun to make a low pass on a warship, and Tamar’s definitely got the best paint job I’ve seen so far.
The patrol ship’s Commanding Officer Commander Tom Gell added: “We have regularly worked with Australian Defence Forces in this part of the world and it is like working with colleagues.
“Our time in Cairns allowed us to execute some essential maintenance and keep the Ship on mission. Operating together allows us to help protect the International Rules based system and demonstrates the UK’s enduring commitment to this part of the world; we are stronger together”.
Flying Officer Alan Landman RAAF was at the control column as the Spartan flew alongside Tamar, close enough to make out her striking dazzle paint camouflage scheme and imposing dragon rampant which adorns her hull.
“It’s always fun to make a low pass on a warship, and Tamar’s definitely got the best paint job I’ve seen so far.”
Flight Lieutenant James Champness RAAF, the Spartan detachment commander, added: “It’s great to be out here operating with our allies, and it’s great to see the Royal Navy reassert their persistent presence in the region. Working with our Commonwealth and AUKUS partners is always special, so days like today are not only great fun, but meaningful opportunities to practise with our allies, too.
“Interoperability isn’t just a buzzword – being able to operate and communicate with our allies is vital to our shared goals in the region.
“I know we used to paint our planes camouflage as well, maybe we should do it again – it looks sick!”
The Spartan has now returned to its base at RAAF Amberley near Brisbane, while Tamar is heading to New Zealand for a series of visits and training opportunities with the Royal New Zealand Navy before continuing her enduring mission in the South Pacific.