Show me the way to KANIMBLA Home PageBack to KANIMBLA Home Page
HMAS KANIMBLA CRUISE
Photo Gallery Day 3:- by Colin Sheehan
This section displays some of the photographs I took on the third day whilst embarked in HMAS Kanimbla for a short cruise down the coast of Queensland & New South Wales from Brisbane to Sydney.

Today is our first day in the open sea in company with the DDG, HMAS Hobart after leaving Moreton Bay and turning south at about 2100 last night. We are joined by the fleet oiler, HMAS Success, as we approach the NSW coast for active RAS (Refuelling At Sea) training.

There are quite a few photo's to be seen here, so please be patient while they load and click on the thumbnails to see larger versions of each image. Enjoy.

Day Three: Pacific Ocean Exercises.
First thing this morning, we explore the engine room deep in the bowels of this ship, my son Tony (at right) and one of his friends give scale to one of the six V16 diesel engines that provide the grunt for HMAS Kanimbla. By the way, this is one VERY noisy place, hence the extreme earmuffs. Main Engine Room
Stokers at Work Stokers (Marine Technical, Propulsion) at work in the engine room. My last experience in an engine room was in the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne in the 1960's. At that time the thought of a woman as a functioning stoker would have been met with stares of disbelief and laughter. Today they do so with skill and equality. Beautiful.
Again, my memory of engine controls are vastly different to this sight. The many gauges on the board here are a far cry from the complex array of valves, pipes and wheels, etc., that were found in the boiler room of the Melbourne which was, of course, driven by steam turbines. Engine Controls
V8 Generator Here I show the size of one of the big V8 generators which supply the necessary power for the ship. 
I did sneak one of the earmuffs off to see just how noisy it was in the engine room and immediately replaced it as the roar threatened to addle what little brains I have left.
Our first sight of HMAS Success, the fleet oiler, with Hobart to it's starboard side off the coast of NSW. First Sight of HMAS Success
Success Crosses Our Bows The day's exercises begin as Success crosses our bows. The huge bow ramp gantry surely makes for an unusual viewpoint when looking for'ard. It would have been a magnificent viewing platform for those with a head for heights, but alas, it was a no-go area.
Ships of the armed forces all have powerful radio communications capabilities. Some evidence of this is seen in the form of warning signs at the base of the large radio transmitter masts which bristle around the ship. A red circle of about 15 feet radius is drawn on the deck  around the base of each mast. This is also a no-go area when the ship is transmitting (Radiating). Radio Frequency Burn Hazard
R.A.S. Success and Hobart are here performing the jackstay transfer of the heavy fuel lines between the two vessels as part of the first of many exercises for each relevant officer onboard to take control of the operation. An impressive example of teamwork when seen from up close. The weather was kind enough to provide perfect conditions, although it is still carried out in bad weather when needed..
When the RAS is completed & all lines retrieved, Hobart breaks away in a fast high power turn to the stirring strains of Wagner's "Flight of the Valkaries" blaring from her external PA speakers. These things can sure move quickly when required! Breakaway
Kanimbla's Turn Our turn to come alongside Success. As we slide up the starboard side of this Australian built ship, it's real size becomes apparent. Small by some standards, but still big enough when approaching this close.
As we come alongside, Hobart again makes a rapid approach to port of Success. Success's quarterdeck can be seen underneath the flight deck at the stern. A beautiful place to be on a hot day at sea. Hobart Approaches
Superstructures Messy-looking it may be, but this illustrates the precision of a multiple RAS. The funnel with the red 'roo on it belongs to Hobart, whilst the superstructure with all the windows is the RAS control room of Success. PLUS I am not using a telephoto lens! Real reach out & touch 'em stuff! We passed fishing vessels like this. They must have thought we were mad.
At the finish of the exercise, we drop astern and enjoy a good view of the other two ships in position. Dropping Astern
HMAS Success  Just before lunch we made another pass alongside Success. This photo' shows the lines of the French Durance class design which was the base for our new replenishment ship.
Continued on Day Three (Part II) page

Top of Page

 
Contents:
HMAS Kanimbla Home Page
Photo Gallery
Day 1
Photo Gallery
Day 2
Photo Gallery
Day 2 Pt. II
Photo Gallery
Day 3
Photo Gallery
Day 3 Pt. II
 Photo Gallery
Day 4
The Refit Short History
Thanks for dropping in and I wish you all the best for the future.
The rest of my various pages are :-
My HOME Page
COL'S PERSONAL PAGE
IMAGES OF LIGHT
I would appreciate any contact with sociable types who may wish to email me.