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HMA Ships Gascoyne and Huon have achieved some firsts for the Royal Australian Navy during the ships’ deployment to north-east Asia.
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During an exercise conducted with the Republic of Korea Navy, the minehunters located their first mine by sonar and by divers, while HMAS Gascoyne became the first RAN minehunter to visit Kure Naval Base in Japan.
The two ships also became the first RAN mine warfare vessels to sail over 4,000 miles north of Australia.
Gasycoyne also became the first RAN vessel to replenish with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ship Bungo by taking onboard fresh water from the vessel.
Commander Task Group and Commanding Officer of HMAS Gascoyne, Lieutenant Commander Richard Brickacek said he was proud of the crews completing the task on short notice.
“I am appreciative of the JMSDF for the opportunity to exercise our maritime skills,” said LCDR Brickacek.
“The ability for a RAN ship to practice this activity during a major exercise is quite significant.”
The replenishment from Bungo took place in the waters off the south coast of Japan, during the Tri-lateral Mine Warfare Exercise (MIWEX) with the JMSDF and the US Navy.
