The Brisbane Tour of “HMAS Darwin”
The small group of Aussie Hero Quilt
& Laundry Bag Sewers (and 2 husbands) made their way to Portside on
Wednesday. All excited to check out HMAS Darwin were Fran, Cathie & Ron,
Lesley and Heather & Dave.
After being welcomed on board and
exchanging our driver’s licences for an on board pass, we were introduced to
our escorts Leading Seamen Robbins and O’Shea.
First stop was the Control Room – where
the engineers oversee the power generators, jet turbines and keep watch on all
areas of the ship, 24/7. This ship generates enough power to run a small city!
A room full of dials and gauges, which in the new ships are replaced by touch
screens.
The most important area we were told
though is the galley! I guess there would be a mutiny without the cooks
preparing the many meals a day – especially when they are on exercise or
deployed.
Well – no one was too keen to be the
person on the top of the triple bunks - Junior crew had no choice! We did see a
couple of Aussie Hero Quilts and a few laundry bags hanging up. L. Seaman
Robbins received a laundry bag on last deployment, which is why he volunteered
to show us around.
Up to the bridge – where all the action
happens. HMAS Darwin was a control ship for air surveillance during the recent
Talisman Sabre Exercise. The crew certainly seemed to enjoy this experience but
were disappointed not to fire their missiles :( Out to the foredeck and upper deck next, where
Able Seaman Nurzenski explained the different radars, missile launches and
telecommunications.
Still very impressive for a ship that is
about to be de-commissioned. We were told how they keep fit on board and showed
us their gym – converted from the helicopter hangar.
Our tour was just about over when a
message was received that we were invited to the Ward Room for morning tea.
There we were greeted by Sub Lieutenant Daniel O’Neill and treated to
refreshments. It was interesting listening to Danny’s career to date and then
it was our turn to tell him about why and how we got to come on board. We told him how Aussie Heroes started and that we make Quilts and Laundry
bags to please any interest or hobby. I think he will be putting in an order at
first opportunity!
Unfortunately we missed saying our
thank you personally to Seamen Robbins, O’Shea and Nurzenski as we were taken
to morning tea and then they disappeared! We enjoyed your tour and company.
Thank you!
It was time to farewell HMAS
Darwin – the crew have mixed feelings about the decommissioning but looking forward to new training
challenges on their next ship.
So to all the crew - Thank you for your
hospitality and thank you for you service – you make a lot of sacrifices being away
from family and friends – our best wishes for your future!
Our thanks also to Jan-Maree for making this visit possible. We
had a great day!
Heather, Fran, Lesley and Cathie
