Garden Island - where conservation meets capability

HMAS Toowoomba returns from seven-month deployment

Published on September 02, 2018 by LEUT Gary McHugh (author), LSIS Richard Cordell (photographer), LSIS Lee-Anne Cooper (photographer)

Able Seaman Communications and Information Systems Nikolai Gunn-Brockhoff enjoys a cuddle with 11 month old son Leon after HMAS Toowoomba returned home to Fleet Base West after a long and busy seven month deployment.

(photo: LSIS Richard Cordell) — Able Seaman Communications and Information Systems Nikolai Gunn-Brockhoff enjoys a cuddle with 11 month old son Leon after HMAS Toowoomba returned home to Fleet Base West after a long and busy seven month deployment.

HMAS Toowoomba has returned to its homeport of Fleet Base West, Rockingham, Western Australia, after the ship’s longest deployment to date, successfully contributing to seven Task Groups in seven months.

Governor visits Fleet Base West

Published on May 09, 2018 by LEUT Gary McHugh (author), ABIS Ronnie Baltoft (photographer)

Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC, Governor of WA (centre) with Officers and staff on HMAS Sirius, alongside Fleet Base West. From left; Navigating/Operations Officer, LCDR Alicia Runde, RAN; Aide-de Camp to The Governor of WA, LEUT Peter Velterop, RAN; Commanding Officer HMAS Sirius, CMDR Melanie Verho, RAN; Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC, Governor of WA; Command Warrant Officer of HMAS Sirius, WO Scott Brown; Mrs Carol Buckley, the Official Secretary of Government House; and Senior Officer WA, CDRE Brett Dowsing, RANR. (photo: ABIS Ronnie Baltoft) — Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC, Governor of WA (centre) with Officers and staff on HMAS Sirius, alongside Fleet Base West. From left; Navigating/Operations Officer, LCDR Alicia Runde, RAN; Aide-de Camp to The Governor of WA, LEUT Peter Velterop, RAN; Commanding Officer HMAS Sirius, CMDR Melanie Verho, RAN; Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC, Governor of WA; Command Warrant Officer of HMAS Sirius, WO Scott Brown; Mrs Carol Buckley, the Official Secretary of Government House; and Senior Officer WA, CDRE Brett Dowsing, RANR.

As one of her last official engagements as the Governor of Western Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson, AC recently paid a visit to HMAS Stirling and Fleet Base West in Rockingham.

Sleeping submariners innovative support structure

Published on March 04, 2018 by Mr Andrew Bujdegan (author), Unknown (photographer)

Prototype of the submarine accommodation capsules (SAC) that can be stored in similar fashion as torpedos ready for trials. (photo: Unknown) — Prototype of the submarine accommodation capsules (SAC) that can be stored in similar fashion as torpedos ready for trials.

A group of Royal Australian Navy submariners have developed an innovative solution to providing temporary accommodation onboard submarines.

Forty years’ service and counting

Published on March 25, 2018 by LEUT Gary McHugh (author), ABIS Christopher Szumlanski (photographer)

Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, AO, CSC, RAN, presents Chief Petty Officer John Farrell with a Federation Star in recognition of 40 years of service in the Royal Australian Navy, at a ceremony attended by the Submarine Training and Systems Centre staff and faculty at HMAS Stirling, Garden Island. (photo: ABIS Christopher Szumlanski) — Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, AO, CSC, RAN, presents Chief Petty Officer John Farrell with a Federation Star in recognition of 40 years of service in the Royal Australian Navy, at a ceremony attended by the Submarine Training and Systems Centre staff and faculty at HMAS Stirling, Garden Island.

Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, took time out of his visit to Fleet Base West recently to recognise one member’s 40 years’ service in the Royal Australian Navy.

Navy veteran calls time on 38 year career

Published on March 12, 2018 by LEUT Gary McHugh (author), ABIS Christopher Szumlanski (photographer)

Commanding Officer HMAS Stirling, Captain Brian Delamont, RAN, presented Chief Petty Officer Clark with the Gold Discharge Medallion after 38 years of service in the Royal Australian Navy. (photo: ABIS Christopher Szumlanski) — Commanding Officer HMAS Stirling, Captain Brian Delamont, RAN, presented Chief Petty Officer Clark with the Gold Discharge Medallion after 38 years of service in the Royal Australian Navy.

Chief Petty Officer Communications Information Systems Alan “Nobby” Clark has closed the door on his illustrious 38-year Permanent Navy career. A familiar face to anyone who has spent time at HMAS Stirling and in ships based at Fleet Base West, Chief Clark will still occasionally be around the base in a Reserve capacity.

Unassuming building caters for all

Published on January 31, 2018 by CPO David Thomason (author), LSIS Bradley Darvill (photographer)

The combined catering departments of HMAS Toowoomba and HMAS Ballarat at the Common User Facility, Henderson, Western Australia. (photo: LSIS Bradley Darvill) — The combined catering departments of HMAS Toowoomba and HMAS Ballarat at the Common User Facility, Henderson, Western Australia.

Common User Facility Building Two is an inconspicuous single storey building with a view across Cockburn Sound to Fleet Base West and Garden Island.

Garden Island - where conservation meets capability

Published on January 09, 2018 by LEUT Will Singer (author), LSIS Bradley Darvill (photographer), CPOIS Damian Pawlenko (photographer)

The shore line from Beacon Head to Entrance Point on Garden Island, Western Australia. (photo: CPOIS Damian Pawlenko) — The shore line from Beacon Head to Entrance Point on Garden Island, Western Australia.

There is often something charming about an older building, but if one truly feels like it might be from another century, it may be time to consider some improvements. But what happens when heritage value and modern warfare combine?

‘Be prepared, be confident and stand up’ – Senior Sailor shares his experiences on Navy and leadership

Published on January 24, 2018 by LEUT Will Singer (author), CPOIS Damian Pawlenko (photographer)

Logistics Support Manager, Warrant Officer Robert Thwaites from the Joint Logistics Unit-West at Fleet Base West in Rockingham, Western Australia. (photo: CPOIS Damian Pawlenko) — Logistics Support Manager, Warrant Officer Robert Thwaites from the Joint Logistics Unit-West at Fleet Base West in Rockingham, Western Australia.

A job as a London Hotel Manager followed by a career in a less luxurious facility as a Correctional Officer doesn’t come close to time served abroad in the Royal Australian Navy.

Blue planet globetrotting for Marine Engineer

Published on January 15, 2018 by LEUT Will Singer (author), CPOIS Damian Pawlenko (photographer)

Deputy Marine Engineering Officer, Lieutenant Maria Marino-Gomez, at BAE Henderson Dockyard with HMAS Arunta and HMAS Perth in the background. (photo: CPOIS Damian Pawlenko) — Deputy Marine Engineering Officer, Lieutenant Maria Marino-Gomez, at BAE Henderson Dockyard with HMAS Arunta and HMAS Perth in the background.

The Anzac Frigate Helicopter Support Team’s Deputy Marine Engineering Officer, Lieutenant Maria Marino-Gomez is in a prime spot to realise her shipbuilding career aspirations and witness Defence’s future capability evolve at her doorstep.

Support ship returns from Indo-Pacific mission

Published on December 15, 2017 by LEUT Will Singer (author), POIS Andrew Dakin (photographer)

Stock image: Chief Petty Officer Communication and Information Systems Leighton Potts communicates via signal lamp with HMAS Sirius during Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2017.
(photo: POIS Andrew Dakin) — Stock image: Chief Petty Officer Communication and Information Systems Leighton Potts communicates via signal lamp with HMAS Sirius during Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2017.

True to her motto of ‘To Serve and Provide’, HMAS Sirius sailed into her home port of Fleet Base West after almost four months at sea on 15 December, in time for well-earned Christmas break.

Topic: Fleet Base West