PARRA-MATTERS - Royal Australian Navy
PARRA-MATTERS - Royal Australian Navy
PARRA-MATTERS - Royal Australian Navy
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<strong>PARRA</strong>-<strong>MATTERS</strong><br />
HMAS <strong>PARRA</strong>MATTA FFH154 COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER<br />
From the Captain’s Chair………..<br />
The year is flying by and it seems like yesterday we were<br />
carving the turkey and handing out presents courtesy of<br />
Santa. The support we have received from you all has been<br />
amazing and I reflect back on all the care packages that I<br />
have seen come into the ship to be eagerly claimed when<br />
mail arrives. Thank you all for your continued support.<br />
I would be remiss in not immediately welcoming the three<br />
newest and youngest members of the Parramatta team.<br />
Alex Weller, Samuel Gillett and Alayla Schmidt have all<br />
arrived safely over the Christmas holiday period to very<br />
proud mums and dads. I am very pleased to report that we<br />
had the flexibility to get all three new dads home for the<br />
birth of these wonderful new members of the Parramatta<br />
family. It takes a ship to do this and I would recognise the<br />
efforts of their shipmates in being able to pick up their duties<br />
to ensure that they made it home. Congratulations to all.<br />
This is a crew that you should be justifiable proud of and<br />
one which your support continues to ensure.<br />
Volume 1<br />
Edition 6<br />
WITH CHRISTMAS MANY MILES BEHIND US<br />
<strong>PARRA</strong>MATTA NOW HEADS INTO A BRAND<br />
NEW YEAR OF KEEPING THE SEA LANES FREE<br />
LANES<br />
There is a great saying up here….Inshallah. It means “God willing” and is used in a variety of<br />
ways and modicums. For example, the mail will arrive Inshallah. It will be a nice day Inshallah.<br />
And this patrol will be very successful….Inshallah. We also find it can be used as a means of<br />
hand waving a problem away and providing providence to the divine. A wonderful cultural<br />
proclivity that, for us as guests in this part of the world, is interesting to watch but can be a<br />
great cause of frustration. Keep this one in mind the next time the next time fate deals a fickle<br />
hand.<br />
And on major achievements…..Napoleon is quoted as saying “A man will do much for a small<br />
piece of ribbon”. We were pleased to host The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, The<br />
Honourable Warren Snowdon, MP, along with the new Commander Joint Task Force Major<br />
General Stuart Smith, AM whilst alongside Muscat, Oman. Amongst the variety of activities the<br />
Minister enjoyed with us was for these dignitaries to award the <strong>Australian</strong> Active Service Medal<br />
and Afghanistan Campaign Medal to your loved ones. The pride and sense of achievement with<br />
which these honours were received was evident and you should all feel part of this significant<br />
event in the ship‟s history. Without support it would not be at all possible. It was a very proud<br />
Captain that was there as part of each individual receiving their recognition. These ribbons are<br />
hard fought and won and will be proudly displayed when we return to you on 31 March back in<br />
our home port.
Three of your crew were also recognised for their superior efforts in their award of Australia Day<br />
medallions. Chief Petty Officers Kate Alston, Simon Carr and Luke D‟Elton were awarded<br />
Australia Day medallions by Her Excellency the <strong>Australian</strong> Ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti<br />
Ms Lisa Fillipetta whilst recently in Djibouti Africa.<br />
Alongside our big news (see final page), and the promotion of Able Seaman Max Stocki and<br />
Lieutenant Luke Pugsley, it has been a wonderfully successful month for your ship. So without<br />
further ado, (and I acknowledge somewhat well over due) please find enclosed your next edition<br />
of Parra-Matters for your reading pleasure.<br />
I trust that you enjoy it……….Inshallah!<br />
In this edition some very special visitors……………<br />
The Minister for Defence, Science and Personnel, The<br />
Honourable Warren Snowdon MP, made a visit to the<br />
Middle East recently, visiting Defence personnel across the<br />
region. On January 28, the minister visited Parramatta<br />
alongside in Muscat, along with Major General Smith,<br />
Commander Joint Task Force 633.<br />
During the visit, the Minister was able to dine with members of the<br />
crew and present medals for Operation Slipper at a ceremony held on<br />
the flightdeck. Whilst onboard the minister was able to spend<br />
sometime discussing issues with personnel and join in with us for a<br />
ships company photograph on the focstle.<br />
Major General Smith, Commander Blackburn and Minister Snowdon on the flightdeck during the ministers visit to Muscat in January.<br />
<strong>PARRA</strong>-<strong>MATTERS</strong> - The HMAS <strong>PARRA</strong>MATTA family newsletter Edition 6 Volume 1<br />
www.navy.gov.au\HMAS-Parramatta Email paul.bradley1@fleet.defence.gov.au
CLASSIFIEDS CORNER<br />
If you have a message you would like placed here….any message whatsoever, just email our Ship’s<br />
Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer Paul Bradley on Paul.Bradley1@fleet.defence.gov.au<br />
Did you know……..we support charity and have a Zoo Pass!<br />
HMAS Parramatta has a zoo pass available to our families which provide free<br />
entry to Taronga Park and Western Plains Zoo. These are available on a first<br />
come first served basis. The pass provides free entry for four people at either Zoo.<br />
As we are deployed, we have left it in the care of the Ship‟s Warrant Officer at<br />
HMAS Kuttabul, Warrant Officer Stephen Downey. If you want to see more,<br />
contact him on email Stephen.downey@defence.gov.au or give him a ring on (02)<br />
9359 3221. He will take down the details of what day you would like to use it. You<br />
will need to pick up and drop off the pass to the front gate at HMAS Kuttabul but it<br />
is yours for the day.<br />
SUBJ:LAUNCH OF DEFENCE FAMILY HELPLINE<br />
1. THE DEFENCE COMMUNITY ORGANISATION IS LAUNCHING A NATIONAL<br />
"DEFENCE FAMILY HELPLINE" WHICH WILL COMMENCE 27 FEB 12. DEFENCE<br />
FAMILIES SEEKING ADVICE, SUPPORT OR CONNECTION WITH THEIR LOCAL<br />
COMMUNITY CAN CALL 1800 624 608.<br />
2. THE DEFENCE FAMILY HELPLINE IS FOR FULL TIME ADF MEMBERS AND<br />
RESERVISTS EMPLOYED ON CFTS, THEIR PARTNERS, CHILDREN AND RELATIVES<br />
FOR WHOM THE MEMBER HAS PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY. COMMANDERS CAN ALSO<br />
CALL THE HELPLINE WHEN SEEKING SUPPORT FOR AN ADF MEMBER OR<br />
INFORMATION ON SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE TO DEFENCE FAMILIES.<br />
3. THE NEW DEFENCE FAMILY HELPLINE OPERATES ON A 24~7 WORKING REGIME<br />
AND IS STAFFED BY QUALIFIED HUMAN SERVICES PROFESSIONALS INCLUDING<br />
SOCIAL WORKERS AND PSYCHOLOGISTS. ADF MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES CAN<br />
CALL THE HELPLINE ABOUT:<br />
A. MANAGING DURING DEPLOYMENT, POSTING AND RELOCATION<br />
B. SUPPORT FOR PARTNERS~ EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION<br />
C. ASSISTANCE WITH CHILDREN~S EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE OPTIONS<br />
D. SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS<br />
E. HELP DURING CRISIS AND EMERGENCY<br />
F. TRANSITIONING TO CIVILIAN LIFE<br />
G. SUPPORT AVAILABLE TO DEFENCE COMMUNITY GROUPS<br />
H. SUPPORT SERVICES IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY<br />
4. ALL CALLS WILL RECEIVE ASSESSMENT AND SUPPORT FROM A HUMAN<br />
SERVICES PROFESSIONAL.<br />
5. THE DEFENCE FAMILY HELPLINE CAN ALSO BE EMAILED AT<br />
DEFENCEFAMILYHELPLINE@DEFENCE.GOV.AU. ENQUIRIES WILL RECEIVE A<br />
RESPONSE WITHIN 24 HOURS.<br />
6. ALL FORMAL COMMAND REQUESTS FOR DCO SERVICES NEED TO BE MADE ON<br />
FORM AC 698~OFFICIAL REQUEST FOR DEFENCE COMMUNITY ORGANISATION<br />
SUPPORT AND EMAILED TO DEFENCEFAMILYHELPLINE@DEFENCE.GOV.AU.<br />
7. DEFENCE OFFERS A BROAD RANGE OF PROGRAMS AND SERVICES TO HELP<br />
DEFENCE FAMILIES MANAGE THE MILITARY WAY OF LIFE. THE BEST WAY TO<br />
ACCESS THESE SUPPORT SERVICES IS TO CALL THE DEFENCE FAMILY HELPLINE<br />
ON 1800 624 608.<br />
8. DEFENCE COMMUNITY ORGANISATION AREA OFFICES REMAIN OPEN TO<br />
COMMANDERS, ADF MEMBERS AND DEFENCE FAMILIES SEEKING INFORMATION AND<br />
ADVICE ON SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE TO DEFENCE FAMILIES.<br />
9. FOR WIDEST DISSEMINATION<br />
<strong>PARRA</strong>-<strong>MATTERS</strong> - The HMAS <strong>PARRA</strong>MATTA family newsletter Edition 6 Volume 1<br />
www.navy.gov.au\HMAS-Parramatta Email paul.bradley1@fleet.defence.gov.au
PADRE‟S PAGE - WITH CHAPLAIN ANDREW WATTERS<br />
Hello once again from HMAS Parramatta, at sea on patrol,<br />
in the MEAO. Quite a bit has happen since our last Parra-<br />
Matters.<br />
Christmas Day has come and gone. Was it really only five<br />
weeks ago? So much has happened since then. I am sure<br />
that you all heard about the celebrations and great food that<br />
we had on the day. The cooks did brilliantly, the sun shone<br />
brightly, and Santa turned up to give out the “Secret Santa”<br />
gifts. There were care packages from the RSL and “Happy<br />
Christmas and thank you” letters from school kids back<br />
home. The various messes resembled countless rooms<br />
around the world where presents so lovingly prepared and<br />
sent well in advance arrived for opening on the 25 th . It is<br />
hard to put into words just what all your thoughtfulness<br />
meant to everyone on board – not just your immediate<br />
family member. In a variety of tangible ways we were<br />
reminded of how much we were loved and missed. To say<br />
„thank you‟ seems to fall far short of the mark! As I said to<br />
my family and friends on facebook, Christmas Day at sea on operations is a unique experience that I‟m glad I have<br />
done once but I never want to do again. Its unique character is little comfort in comparison to home and family.<br />
Since then we have had port visits to Dubai and Muscat as well as completing patrol three. Each port has its own<br />
unique memories. Dubai had the great shopping malls, the New Year‟s Eve fireworks and the amazing<br />
contemporary architecture of what to me felt like a very confident and brash westernised city. Dubai has the tallest<br />
tower in the world (The Burj Khalifa….check it out in the new Mission Impossible movie!!! - Ed) and some of us<br />
managed to have afternoon tea in a café quite a long way up it. And some us of left with big dents in our bank<br />
accounts! The scuttlebutt was that Lindsay Lohan and Pamela Anderson were the guests on board the QE2 (berthed<br />
adjacent to us). However, no sightings were reported. Muscat, which we have recently visited, was certainly a great<br />
contrast to Dubai. Yet, for all the depth and fascination of its ancient culture and landscape – and some very<br />
impressive old forts and castles that many of us got a chance to visit – there is something very modern about<br />
Muscat. Most of the buildings are reasonably new whilst retaining a Middle Eastern style. One of the “jewels in the<br />
crown” is The Grand Mosque with its 5 minarets, 8 tonne Swarovski crystal central chandelier, Carrera marble<br />
columns, and one-piece carpet which measures over 70 × 60 meters, has 1,700,000 knots, weighs 21 tonnes and<br />
covers the 4,343 square meter area of the praying hall. The mosque has the capacity to hold over 6,500 worshippers<br />
in the main prayer hall with a total capacity of up to 20,000 worshipers on the site. Now that’s grand!! Of course,<br />
there was plenty of time for shopping, coffee and eating in and around Muttrah Souq. And the golf addicts amongst<br />
us were not disappointed either.<br />
So now we are busy on patrol four and only two months from coming home to you. Do we know that we are<br />
getting closer to home/ YOU BETCHA! Are we counting the days? Many of us are - especially the early leavers!! I<br />
have no doubt that many of you are counting the days as well. However, as natural and normal as that looking<br />
ahead is, we also know that there is still a lot of work to do and it is important that we stay focused on it. It is<br />
important, not only for the success of our mission but also for our health and safety. Accidents tend to happen when<br />
people are either distracted from what is immediately around them or from what they are doing. There will come a<br />
time when we will need to start talking with you about planning a good home-coming. That is a very important part<br />
of a deployment. But that is not right now – as frustrating as that may feel to you because we can all glimpse the<br />
“finish line”.<br />
Right now it is vital that we stay focused on our work. And you, our families and friends, can help us stay focused.<br />
You can do this by encouraging us to keep our attention on the work we still have to do. You can help us by finding<br />
that next level of patience with our absence on this long deployment, not because you want us to stay away longer<br />
but precisely because you want us to return to you safe and sound. Right now, this is the understanding that we ask<br />
of you. Until next time, if you will permit a brief blessing: “God grant us the gift of patience – especially me!”<br />
Andrew (the Padre)<br />
<strong>PARRA</strong>-<strong>MATTERS</strong> - The HMAS <strong>PARRA</strong>MATTA family newsletter Edition 6 Volume 1<br />
www.navy.gov.au\HMAS-Parramatta Email paul.bradley1@fleet.defence.gov.au
Parra People at Christmas Lunch……………..<br />
<strong>PARRA</strong>-<strong>MATTERS</strong> - The HMAS <strong>PARRA</strong>MATTA family newsletter Edition 6 Volume 1<br />
www.navy.gov.au\HMAS-Parramatta Email paul.bradley1@fleet.defence.gov.au
<strong>PARRA</strong>-<strong>MATTERS</strong> - The HMAS <strong>PARRA</strong>MATTA family newsletter Edition 6 Volume 1<br />
www.navy.gov.au\HMAS-Parramatta Email paul.bradley1@fleet.defence.gov.au
<strong>PARRA</strong>-<strong>MATTERS</strong> - The HMAS <strong>PARRA</strong>MATTA family newsletter Edition 6 Volume 1<br />
www.navy.gov.au\HMAS-Parramatta Email paul.bradley1@fleet.defence.gov.au
Dubai - Golf (no sun screen needed)<br />
In Dubai you will find some of the finest golf courses in the world; hosts of European Tour<br />
events and even one course that allows you the opportunity to play at night. The Emirates Golf<br />
Club, Faldo Course is floodlit and several of our team - Joel Heit, Leigh Whiffin, John Alderton<br />
and Paul Bradley - went off to find out what night golf was all about. Absolutely marvellous!!<br />
YOUR SHIPS COMPANY BIRTHDAYS FOR THE MONTH<br />
OF FEBRUARY<br />
3 rd Able Seaman Karen Pike 15 th Able Seaman Joel Dawe<br />
Leading Seaman Kristian Weldon<br />
20 th Able Seaman Bryce Leslie<br />
4th Lieutenant Elisabeth Quinn<br />
22nd Lieutenant Luke Pugsley<br />
10 th Lieutenant Jodie Turkenburg<br />
Lieutenant Commander Tuan Vo (40 th! ) 26 th Able Seaman Damon Chen<br />
11 th Leading Seaman David Searle 27 th Leading Seaman Chris Downie<br />
<strong>PARRA</strong>-<strong>MATTERS</strong> - The HMAS <strong>PARRA</strong>MATTA family newsletter Edition 6 Volume 1<br />
www.navy.gov.au\HMAS-Parramatta Email paul.bradley1@fleet.defence.gov.au
Promotions and Awards<br />
With the outgoing, Commander Joint Task Force 633, Major General A.J. Campbell,<br />
visiting Parramatta for the last time before he departed for Australia, a clear lower deck<br />
was held to promote some of our Officers and Sailors and to recognise some more hard<br />
earned achievements.<br />
Promotions to Lieutenant Commander for<br />
Warfare Officer Kellie Bolt and<br />
Weapons Engineer Lee Kormany<br />
And it was the last day as a Subbie for<br />
Lieutenant Wayne McColl.<br />
Having recently rotated back to Parramatta to<br />
complete the deployment, it was a very well<br />
earned promotion to Able Seaman for Marine<br />
Technician Jeff Drew.<br />
<strong>PARRA</strong>-<strong>MATTERS</strong> - The HMAS <strong>PARRA</strong>MATTA family newsletter Edition 6 Volume 1<br />
www.navy.gov.au\HMAS-Parramatta Email paul.bradley1@fleet.defence.gov.au
A very happy new year with<br />
promotion to Lieutenant for<br />
Madeline De Jager, Mitchell<br />
Thomas and Sam Nilawerra.<br />
And it was a couple more Parramatta Caps and Patches to be awarded by the Commanding<br />
Officer to our two later arrivals. Leading Seaman Physical Trainer Kristian Weldon and Able<br />
Seaman Marine Technician Karen Pike joined Parramatta as late notice replacements in theatre.<br />
<strong>PARRA</strong>-<strong>MATTERS</strong> - The HMAS <strong>PARRA</strong>MATTA family newsletter Edition 6 Volume 1<br />
www.navy.gov.au\HMAS-Parramatta Email paul.bradley1@fleet.defence.gov.au
More personnel from the Marine<br />
Engineering Department have successfully<br />
reached some major milestones in their<br />
careers and were also recognised by the<br />
Commanding Officer at the Clear Lower<br />
Deck on New Years Eve in Dubai.<br />
Leading Seaman Brian Compagnoni<br />
awarded the Marine Systems Controller<br />
qualification.<br />
Able Seaman Jackson Stone and Able<br />
Seaman Chanaka Ilangage were both<br />
recipients of their Marine Systems<br />
Technician qualification.<br />
And to complete the ceremony, our personnel who have now rotated home to<br />
Australia were awarded the <strong>Australian</strong> Active Service Medal with ICAT clasp<br />
and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal - Farewell to the Doctor Lieutenant Chris<br />
Andersen, Able Seaman Brett Knight and Able Seaman Jackson Stone.<br />
<strong>PARRA</strong>-<strong>MATTERS</strong> - The HMAS <strong>PARRA</strong>MATTA family newsletter Edition 6 Volume 1<br />
www.navy.gov.au\HMAS-Parramatta Email paul.bradley1@fleet.defence.gov.au
AUSTRALIA DAY IN OMAN - MEDALS,<br />
MINISTERS AND MUSCAT<br />
After 3 weeks out on Patrol 3, Parramatta pulled<br />
up in Muscat, Oman. With its rocky surrounds<br />
Muscat harbour is one of the most picturesque<br />
waterways in the world. And as the crew would<br />
soon find out, Oman is another country with much<br />
to see and steeped in history that takes one back<br />
to tales of the Arabian Nights.<br />
The Grand Mosque<br />
Muscat Harbour and surrounds<br />
The Mosque is built from 300,000 tonnes of Indian<br />
sandstone. The main musalla (prayer hall) is square<br />
(external dimensions 74.4 x 74.4 metres) with a central<br />
dome rising to a height of fifty metres above the floor.<br />
The dome and the main minaret (90 metres) and four<br />
flanking minarets (45.5 metres) are the mosque‟s chief<br />
visual features. The main musalla can hold over 6,500<br />
worshippers, while the women‟s musalla can<br />
accommodate 750 worshipers. The outer paved ground<br />
can hold 8,000 worshipers and there is additional space<br />
available in the interior courtyard and the passageways,<br />
making a total capacity of up to 20,000 worshipers.<br />
<strong>PARRA</strong>-<strong>MATTERS</strong> - The HMAS <strong>PARRA</strong>MATTA family newsletter Edition 6 Volume 1<br />
www.navy.gov.au\HMAS-Parramatta Email paul.bradley1@fleet.defence.gov.au
VISIT TO HMAS <strong>PARRA</strong>MATTA BY THE MINISTER FOR DEFENCE SCIENCE AND<br />
PERSONNEL, THE HONOURABLE WARREN SNOWDON MP, MUSCAT, OMAN,<br />
28 TH of JANUARY 2012<br />
The presentation of Op Slipper medals was a highlight<br />
And some time spent with Parramatta personnel<br />
And to top off the ministers visit, it was a photo with the ships company.<br />
<strong>PARRA</strong>-<strong>MATTERS</strong> - The HMAS <strong>PARRA</strong>MATTA family newsletter Edition 6 Volume 1<br />
www.navy.gov.au\HMAS-Parramatta Email paul.bradley1@fleet.defence.gov.au
And of course there was time for a round of at the<br />
Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club<br />
<strong>PARRA</strong>-<strong>MATTERS</strong> - The HMAS <strong>PARRA</strong>MATTA family newsletter Edition 6 Volume 1<br />
www.navy.gov.au\HMAS-Parramatta Email paul.bradley1@fleet.defence.gov.au
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS…………DJIBOUTI?<br />
Djibouti officially the Republic of Djibouti, is a country in the Horn of Africa. It is bordered by<br />
Eritrea in the north, Ethiopia in the west and south, and Somalia in the southeast. The<br />
remainder of the border is formed by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden at the east. Djibouti,<br />
which had a population of 818,159 at the 2009 census, is one of the least populous countries in<br />
Africa. Islam is the largest religion in the country, practiced by 94% of the population. The land<br />
was known as Obock and French Somaliland (Côte française des Somalis) in the 19th century;<br />
in 1967, it changed its name to Afars and Issas after new treaties with France. The territory was<br />
declared an independent nation in 1977 and changed its name to the "Republic of Djibouti" after<br />
its principal city. Djibouti joined the United Nations on September 20, 1977. While Djibouti is an<br />
independent sovereign state, it maintains deep French relations, and through various military<br />
and economic agreements with France, it receives continued security and economic assistance.<br />
But for HMAS Parramatta it has been a haven for stopping in to get some top ups and greet<br />
some friends…<br />
Visiting HMAS Parramatta in Djibouti were guests from the Djiboutian<br />
<strong>Navy</strong>, United States Forces (Horn of Africa) French Forces (Djibouti)<br />
and CTG 150 staff along with the <strong>Australian</strong> Ambassador Her<br />
Excellency Ms Lisa Filipetta<br />
<strong>PARRA</strong>-<strong>MATTERS</strong> - The HMAS <strong>PARRA</strong>MATTA family newsletter Edition 6 Volume 1<br />
www.navy.gov.au\HMAS-Parramatta Email paul.bradley1@fleet.defence.gov.au
Djibouti promotions and Awards<br />
Australia Day Medallion Recipients<br />
Receiving Australia Day medallions for excellence in their chosen profession from the Ambassador<br />
to Ethiopia and Djibouti Her Excellency Ms Lisa Filipeta and the Commanding Officer are:<br />
(L-R) Chief Petty officers Kate Alston, Simon Carr and Luke D‟Elton<br />
Able Seaman<br />
Marine Technician<br />
Steven McDonald<br />
is awarded his<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> Defence<br />
Medal from the<br />
Commanding<br />
Officer<br />
Sub-Lieutenant Luke<br />
Pugsley is<br />
debloused by the<br />
Commanding and<br />
Executive Officers<br />
and promoted to<br />
Lieutenant<br />
Terrific techos<br />
Chief Petty Officer Glenn Pope is awarded his 3 rd clasp<br />
to the <strong>Australian</strong> defence Force Long service Medal<br />
celebrating 30 years proud service to Australia<br />
Seaman Max Stocki is<br />
debloused by the<br />
Commanding and<br />
Executive Officers<br />
and promoted to Able<br />
Seaman<br />
Receiving their Commanding Officer‟s group commendation for effecting emergency repairs on a main<br />
engine under arduous conditions are Marine technicians (L-R) Chief Petty Officer Glenn Pope, Leading<br />
Seaman Jai Kal, Petty Officer Craig Dudley, Able Seaman Erica Bornholdt, Leading Seaman Scott<br />
Giffen, Leading Seaman Brian Compagnoni and Chief Petty Officer Mat Richey<br />
<strong>PARRA</strong>-<strong>MATTERS</strong> - The HMAS <strong>PARRA</strong>MATTA family newsletter Edition 6 Volume 1<br />
www.navy.gov.au\HMAS-Parramatta Email paul.bradley1@fleet.defence.gov.au
HMAS Parramatta Sailor of the Quarter<br />
Leading Seaman Stores Naval Amanda McGrath<br />
HMAS <strong>PARRA</strong>MATTA SAILOR OF THE QUARTER<br />
01 OCTOBER 2011 - 31 DECEMBER 2011<br />
LEADING SEAMAN AMANDA LOUISE MCGRATH 8492145<br />
The Commanding Officer HMAS Parramatta commends Leading<br />
Seaman Amanda Louise McGrath for her outstanding professionalism<br />
and devotion to duty, whilst serving as the Naval Stores Office Manager<br />
in HMAS Parramatta, on operations in the Middle East, during<br />
Operation Slipper, throughout the period 01 October to 31 December<br />
2011.<br />
Leading Seaman McGrath‟s diligence and commitment to her role has<br />
enhanced operational capability and ensured a high level of<br />
accountability of stores holdings within HMAS Parramatta. Leading<br />
Seaman McGrath is a pivotal member of the Supply Department, which<br />
was recognised in December 2011, with the Fleet Award for Supply<br />
Excellence.<br />
Leading Seaman McGrath‟s organised nature has been complemented<br />
by strong leadership, direction and exceptional guidance to her<br />
subordinates. As a leader and mentor for the Junior Stores Naval<br />
Sailors, Leading Seaman McGrath has gained their commitment and<br />
loyalty through personal example. Leading Seaman McGrath does not<br />
ask of others what she would not ask of herself and often works well<br />
beyond normal working hours, always of her own volition in order to<br />
enhance and support Parramatta to the best of her abilities. As the<br />
Mess Leading Hand, Leading Seaman McGrath provides outstanding<br />
leadership to the mess members, ensuring the highest of standards of<br />
good order and discipline are maintained, which is essential for<br />
communal harmony.<br />
The improvements to the onboard Inventory Management System<br />
through Leading Seaman McGrath‟s effort, initiative and hard work has<br />
directly ensured the availability of systems essential to mission success.<br />
Leading Seaman McGrath‟s outstanding professionalism and<br />
achievements embrace <strong>Navy</strong>‟s core values and signature behaviours,<br />
are of the highest order and in the finest traditions of the <strong>Royal</strong><br />
<strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Navy</strong> and make her a worthy recipient of the HMAS<br />
Parramatta Sailor of the Quarter Award.<br />
31 December 2011 G.W.L. BLACKBURN<br />
Commander, RAN<br />
Commanding Officer<br />
HMAS Parramatta<br />
<strong>PARRA</strong>-<strong>MATTERS</strong> - The HMAS <strong>PARRA</strong>MATTA family newsletter Edition 6 Volume 1<br />
www.navy.gov.au\HMAS-Parramatta Email paul.bradley1@fleet.defence.gov.au
STOP PRESS………………………..<br />
Source: http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2012/02/10/australian-led-combined-task-forcedisrupts-narcotics-shipment/<br />
Combined Task Force 150 (CTF),<br />
one of three Task Forces within<br />
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)<br />
conducted a successful disruption<br />
of a vessel carrying illicit cargo in<br />
the north Arabian Sea, Feb. 3,<br />
2012.<br />
The combined <strong>Australian</strong> and New<br />
Zealand staff of CTF 150 worked<br />
with CMF and other agencies to<br />
coordinate maritime security<br />
operations to disrupt the activities<br />
of extremist terrorist organisations.<br />
The joint <strong>Australian</strong> effort led by HMAS Parramatta intercepted, boarded and searched the<br />
suspected vessel. The boarding was conducted in accordance with International Law as the<br />
vessel was of unknown nationality. The search revealed 240 kilograms of amphetamine and<br />
heroin concealed in bags of flour and rice. The ships‟ boarding team destroyed the illicit cargo.<br />
In describing the success of the mission Commodore Jonathan Mead, Commander CTF 150<br />
stated: „This represents the accumulation of many months of hard work, planning and<br />
international co-operation. This seizure marks the first interdiction of illicit cargo by a CMF asset<br />
in over two and a half years. I am advised that the volume of narcotics signifies a street value of<br />
approximately five million <strong>Australian</strong> dollars. The destruction of this illicit cargo is a victory for<br />
those who hope to create a lawful and stable maritime environment and is a blow for terrorists<br />
who seek to fund their activities through the transportation of narcotics on the high seas.”<br />
CMF includes participation and contributions from 25 nations. Parramatta is the 27 th rotation by<br />
a <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> Naval warship to the region since 2001.<br />
Commanding Officer of HMAS <strong>PARRA</strong>MATTA, Commander Guy Blackburn described the<br />
mission as a significant event: “This was a great day for HMAS Parramatta, a great day for the<br />
Combined Maritime Forces and a great day for the <strong>Australian</strong> forces in the Middle East area of<br />
operations. The crew of HMAS Parramatta is very proud of this result as it comes after months<br />
of hard work and the persistence of many agencies. Parramatta has been on task since leaving<br />
Sydney in September 2011 and is a highly professional, key player in our maritime security<br />
operations. We are proud to be in the area Keeping the Sea Lanes Free Lanes”<br />
CMF operates to defeat terrorism, prevent piracy, reduce illegal trafficking of people and drugs,<br />
and promote the maritime environment as a safe place for mariners with legitimate business.<br />
When called upon, CMF also responds to SOLAS and humanitarian crises.<br />
HMAS <strong>PARRA</strong>MATTA….<br />
KEEPING THE SEA LANES FREE LANES<br />
<strong>PARRA</strong>-<strong>MATTERS</strong> - The HMAS <strong>PARRA</strong>MATTA family newsletter Edition 6 Volume 1<br />
www.navy.gov.au\HMAS-Parramatta Email paul.bradley1@fleet.defence.gov.au