Keeping an eye on the deep Yellow Sea

One of Australia’s newest warships HMAS Sydney recently completed Operation Argos in the Yellow Sea.

CAPTION: Leading Seaman James Neville looks out towards HMAS Sydney as the ship is deployed on Operation Argos. Story by Lieutenant Tahlia Merigan. Photos by Leading Seaman Daniel Goodman.

Throughout the operation, Sydney and its embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopter ‘Phoenix’ monitored and deterred illegal ship-to-ship transfers of sanctioned goods in the region.

Leading Seaman Aircrewman James Neville, who is part of the flight crew in the MH-60R Seahawk, played an essential part in monitoring vessels of interest.

“My role during Argos is primarily to search our given area utilising radar and FLIR (forward looking infrared cameras) for vessels of interest that may be conducting illegal ship-to-ship transfers,” Leading Seaman Neville said.

“We can then report these back to the ship and capture imagery that can be used in tracking these activities.

“Operation Argos is a challenging and rewarding time in my role as you can see first-hand the advantage that having an embarked helicopter can add to a ship’s capability.

“Argos is also a good chance for the entire ship to put its training to use and directly see the results of the hard work that has been put into preparing for operations such as this.”

CAPTION: HMAS Sydney’s embarked MH-60R helicopter ‘Phoenix’ takes off during flying operations while deployed on Operation Argos.

Another essential role on board Sydney is the combat system operator.

These sailors in the Combat Information Centre monitor the above and below water domains, collate and build the tactical picture around Sydney and send it back to US Indo-Pacific Command’s Enforcement Coordination Cell.

The multinational cell, embedded in the US Navy’s 7th Fleet, gathers information to help enforce the United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea.

Leading Seaman Combat System Operator Dion Dodd helps lead the team to collate the information of air, surface and subsurface contacts around Sydney.

“I’m responsible for making sure that what we see on board is also seen back at HQ,” Leading Seaman Dodd said.

“This provides HQ with an up-to-date tactical common operating picture that allows our command to make the important decisions on how best to utilise our military assets in an operational area such as on Argos.”

Commanding Officer Sydney Commander Grant Coleman said he was proud of what Sydney has accomplished on Operation Argos.

“This operational deployment comes after Sydney has completed many significant international engagements that have enhanced our relationship with allies and regional partners,” Commander Coleman said.

Sydney is conducting a regional presence deployment enhancing cooperation and relationships with regional partners and allies.

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