Mastering nerve-wracking naval manoeuvres

Junior Navy officers had the chance to apply their ship-handling training in the Timor Sea while deployed on Operation Resolute.

CAPTION: Midshipman Jin You takes ranges to ADV Cape Naturaliste from HMAS Broome during officer-of-the-watch training. Photo by Able Seaman Elise Cowley.

The officers on board HMAS Broome and ADV Cape Naturaliste conducted officer-of-the-watch manoeuvres, an essential sailing skill.

Midshipmen Jin You and David Courts, both stage 3 surface warfare officer trainees, conducted the manoeuvres within HMAS Broome.

“I find officer-of-the-watch manoeuvres to be great exposure to ship-handling skills,” Midshipman You said.

“It is good experience for me and a foundation skill required for my career.

“It was nerve-wracking at first, but after the initial manoeuvre it was highly enjoyable.”

Practising these manoeuvres is necessary to maintain interoperability when ships are sailing in company and to familiarise junior officers with the handling characteristics of their ships.

Overseeing the exercise, Lieutenant Commander Stuart Francis coached the midshipmen through their first attempt.

“The reason we do this is so we, as surface warfare officers, intuitively know how to handle the ship in a warfare environment,” Lieutenant Commander Francis said.

“I’m very proud of the team as a whole.

“Everyone brought an air of professionalism to the activity.

“It was good to see.”

 

 

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