The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman sails through the Mediterranean Sea on May 18, 2025, in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. Truman just ended about five months on duty in the Red Sea as part of U.S. military operations against the Houthis in Yemen. (Michael Shen/U.S. Navy)
NAPLES, Italy — The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group will participate in a NATO military exercise in the Mediterranean Sea just days after leaving the Middle East, officials said Monday. The strike group, which includes the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, will be under the command and control of NATO as part of the Neptune Strike exercise, Allied Joint Force Command Naples said in a post Monday on X. The command didn’t say when that will happen. The first iteration of the annual exercise, which includes at least 13 countries, took place last month, JFC Naples said in an April 3 statement. Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, which oversees the exercise, did not immediately respond to an email asking about the strike group’s participation. Earlier on Monday, U.S. 6th Fleet confirmed that Truman, the destroyer USS Jason Dunham and the cruiser USS Gettysburg were on routine deployment to its area of operations, which includes the Mediterranean Sea. The Navy didn’t offer other details, such as when the carrier strike group left the Red Sea, which is in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, or indicate how long Truman will remain in the 6th Fleet AOR, citing operational security. It’s also unclear whether the destroyer USS Stout, which is part of the strike group, is in the Mediterranean as well. Truman’s departure from the Red Sea follows an eventful deployment that has seen the carrier lose three aircraft in separate incidents. It also caps weeks of nearly constant flight operations as part of a U.S. bid to cripple Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen. The strike group’s exit comes about two weeks after President Donald Trump paused Operation Rough Rider, an aggressive airstrike campaign aimed at stopping Houthi attacks on military and commercial ships in the Red Sea. Since March 15, U.S. forces have hit more than 1,000 Houthi targets in Yemen, killing group leaders and fighters and degrading the group’s capabilities, the Pentagon said last month. In declaring a ceasefire on May 6, Trump said the Houthis didn’t want to fight anymore and had agreed to stop attacking ships in the vital waterway. On Monday, it appeared that a single U.S. aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson, remained in the Middle East. Last week, Vinson was operating in the Arabian Sea along with the destroyers USS Sterett and USS William Lawrence and the cruiser USS Princeton, USNI News reported May 12. Truman left its homeport in Norfolk, Va., on Sept. 23 for a routine deployment to 6th Fleet. It entered the Middle East on Dec. 14 following the departure of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. Soon after, an F/A-18 Super Hornet launching from Truman’s deck was mistakenly shot down by Gettysburg. The carrier lost two more Super Hornets in separate incidents on April 28 and May 6. All three incidents remain under investigation. And in February, Truman was involved in a late-night collision with a cargo ship near the Suez Canal following a port call at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete. The Feb. 12 collision left Truman with scrapes and gashes along the ship’s right, or starboard, back end, including a small slash that penetrated its hull well above the waterline. Little more than a week later, the Navy fired Capt. Dave Snowden, who had served as the carrier’s commanding officer since 2023. Capt. Christopher Hill, then commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, was named Truman’s interim commanding officer. The collision also remains under investigation. Truman returned to the Red Sea in late February after a structural assessment and repairs at NSA Souda Bay. ALISON BATH Alison Bath reports on the U.S. Navy, including U.S. 6th Fleet, in Europe and Africa. She has reported for a variety of publications in Montana, Nevada and Louisiana, and served as editor of newspapers in Louisiana, Oregon and Washington.
We’re delighted to welcome the USS Blue Ridge and her crew to Aotearoa New Zealand,” says U.S. Chargé d’affaires, David Gehrenbeck. “The USCGC Midgett visited Wellington as recently as February and, over the past several years, the USS Howard and the USS Sampson have also been to New Zealand. These visits underscore the first-class working relationship between our defense forces. I’m confident the ship’s crew will enjoy experiencing the beauty of this country and connecting with the local community during their time here.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand – U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Wellington, New Zealand for a port visit, May 16, 2025. This historic arrival marks the first time Blue Ridge has visited New Zealand as well as its capital city. The last two U.S Navy ships to visit Wellington were USS Howard (DDG 83) in 2021 and USS Sampson (DDG 102) in 2016.
During this port visit, leadership from the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship is scheduled to meet with their Kiwi counterparts and local leaders to discuss ways of improving operational readiness, advancing future military capabilities, and enhancing the U.S.-New Zealand bilateral relationship overall.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand – U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Wellington, New Zealand for a port visit, May 17, 2025.WELLINGTON, New Zealand – U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Wellington, New Zealand for a port visit, May 17, 2025.
“This historic port visit by the USS Blue Ridge and our 7th Fleet team speaks to deep ties the United States and New Zealand share,” said Vice Admiral Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “Our partnership is rooted in our common values and respect, and our visit here represents an important opportunity for us to further strengthen the bond between our nations and our navies.”
In addition, Sailors from Blue Ridge and U.S. 7th Fleet are scheduled to participate in a series of in-port activities to include band performances, community relation events, ship tours, and touristic sightseeing. Wellington will also serve as a short stop for Blue Ridge as the ship brings fuel and supplies on board. Public access to the ship will not be possible.
U.S. 7th Fleet staff, embarked aboard USS Blue Ridge, commands the world’s largest forward-deployed fleet with the primary mission of providing operational control and planning for its forces in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans, while promoting regional stability and maritime security through engagements with allies and partners.
“We’re delighted to welcome the USS Blue Ridge and her crew to Aotearoa New Zealand,” says U.S. Chargé d’affaires, David Gehrenbeck. “The USCGC Midgett visited Wellington as recently as February and, over the past several years, the USS Howard and the USS Sampson have also been to New Zealand. These visits underscore the first-class working relationship between our defense forces. I’m confident the ship’s crew will enjoy experiencing the beauty of this country and connecting with the local community during their time here.”
On arrival in New Zealand, Wellington was decommissioned and entered an extended refit which ended in 1986. The limited modernization proved difficult and took an unexpected 4 years. When inspected prior to purchase in 1981, she was in the condition expected for a Royal Navy (RN) frigate after a dozen years’ service. However, in 1982 the frigate conducted a four-month winter patrol in the postwar Falklands exclusion zone with the other four RN unmodernised Leanders. Sea conditions in the Falkland exclusion zone meant more expensive hull repair was needed. Large-scale energy projects in New Zealand, particularly Marsden Point, resulted in a loss of key dockyard staff and recruitment difficulties. The installation of additional fuel tanks to extend the range of South Pacific operations proved difficult and dirty work. A new gunnery control system (RCA-76) along with surface and navigation radar were fitted, escape hatches were enlarged and asbestos was removed.[1] The original estimated cost of transferring and refitting Bacchante and Dido to RNZN was $100m in 1981. By 1985 it reached $263m[2] Other minor changes were also made as a result of practical experiences of British frigates during the Falklands War.
Later refits saw new long-range air surveillance radar in place of the old 965 bedstead, with the Thales LW08 (1994) [clarification needed] and the original Seacat missile removed and replaced by the Phalanx CIWS (1998).[clarification needed]
Sea Cat missile launcher on HMNZS Wellington, 1987
Like her sister-ship HMNZS Canterbury, Wellington was stood to during the First Coup in Fiji in 1987 to evacuate New Zealand and other foreign nationals should the need have arisen.
In 1988, Wellington accompanied HMNZ Ships Canterbury, Endeavour and Waikato to Sydney, Australia to participate in the Bicentennial Salute to mark the 200th Anniversary of the settlement of Europeans in that country. Vessels from the navies of Australia, Britain, France, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, United States and Vanuatu were represented.
In 1994, Wellington contributed to the international Peace Keeping initiative in Bougainville along with Canterbury.
In 1995/1996, Wellington deployed to the Persian Gulf on the first of the RNZN deployments supporting the MIF (Multinational Interception Force) enforcing UN sanctions on Iraqi trade through the Gulf. Wellington successfully detained a number of vessels exporting dates from and attempting to import prohibited cargoes to Iraq. The frigate attended peace talks at Bougainville in July and August 1990. On 23 February 2017, it was announced by NZDF that the New Zealand Operations Service Medal (NZOSM)[3] had been awarded to personnel who were in Bougainville for the Operation BIGTALK peace talks.[4]
Although the ship was due to be sunk at 3pm on 12 November 2005, this was delayed for 24 hours due to weather. The next day, the sinking was delayed by another 30 minutes due to the entanglement of a detonation cable under the frigate. At 3:30pm on 13 November, the ship was scuttled and took a minute and 55 seconds to sink. During a storm in February 2006, the ship broke up and is now lying in two sections on the seabed close to where it was sunk at 41°21.18′S 174°46.80′E[5]
The depth of her keel is approximately 21 metres (69 ft), making the wreck accessible by scuba divers using standard equipment.
Lt Cdr Mayger took charge of HMS Tyne in February and the vessel’s executive officer is taking his place temporarily (Picture: MOD)
Less than three months into his post, a Royal Navy commander has been removed from his role while being investigated over sexual allegations.
It’s understood Lieutenant Commander Martyn Mayger was removed from command this past week.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed “that a member of the Armed Forces is under investigation by the Defence Serious Crime Command in respect of these allegations”.
“As the matter is subject to an ongoing investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further,” the MOD added.
“We have a zero-tolerance approach to criminal and inappropriate behaviour.
“Our people can be assured that should they raise any allegation, they will be fully supported, and the matter investigated, with appropriate action taken as required.”
Senior officers can be removed from command and duties if there’s reasonable suspicion of a sexual relationship with a subordinate within their chain of command.
Lt Cdr Mayger took charge of HMS Tyne in February – the vessel’s executive officer is taking his place temporarily.
The River-class offshore patrol vessel operates in UK and European waters on security tasks – protecting the UK’s interests and remains ready to carry out marine enforcement operations.
HMS Tyne intercepted a Russian submarine (Picture: Royal Navy)
Earlier this month, she was deployed as part of a Nato operation to shadow the Russian Kilo-class submarine Krasnodar as it made its way back to Russia from the eastern Mediterranean.
Tyne intercepted the Krasnodar when it entered the English Channel near the French coast and monitored its movements as it headed east – the crew then handed over to Nato allies as the submarine left UK waters.
The allegations against Lt Cdr Mayger come after the former head of Royal Navy, Sir Benjamin Key, was told to step back amid reports of an alleged affair with a subordinate – the MoD said the investigation was “ongoing.”
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins has now been named as the new head of the Royal Navy – following the earlier-than-expected departure of his predecessor.
The ship had recently been taking part in the multinational exercise Med Strike 25 (Picture: MOD)
USS The Sullivans has sailed into the port of Limassol in Cyprus to messages of welcome from the US embassy.
The guided missile destroyer docked for a “well-deserved liberty port call” – the US Navy’s term for rest and relaxation.
The warship had recently been taking part in the multinational Exercise Med Strike 25 involving Nato allies and including: 21 ships, two submarines, 41 jets, plus 8000 personnel.
RFA Fort Victoria and USS The Sullivans – the US Navy’s 18th Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer (Picture: MOD)
In a social media post on X, Dan Mangis, interim Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in the Cypriot capital Nicosia, said: “Enjoy Cyprus’s beautiful shores, rich history and warm hospitality.”
The ship has made several visits to Cyprus, docking in Limassol and Larnaca, in the past year.
Mr Mangis added: “Safe travels onward and thank you for your service!”
USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) is the US Navy’s 18th Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer.
The ship is named after the five Sullivan brothers who died in the Pacific during the Second World War.
George, Francis, Joseph, Madison and Albert Sullivan from Iowa were killed in action in 1942 when the light cruiser USS Juneau was sunk by a Japanese submarine during the battle of Guadalcanal.
This was the greatest military loss by a single American family during the war.
Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) has delivered the third Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessel (MMIPV), Adam Kok (P1573), at Naval Base Durban for the South African Navy. The delivery milestone represents the culmination of a strategic initiative by the South African Navy to enhance South Africa’s maritime security while advancing local shipbuilding capabilities and driving industrial development.
In a handover ceremony attended by senior South African Naval officials, local government representatives, industry partners, dignitaries, and other key stakeholders.
Sefale Montsi, Director at Damen Shipyards Cape Town, explained that the delivery of P1573 represents far more than the delivery of a vessel – it marks the fulfilment of a promise.
“From the outset, our commitment was clear: to support the South African Navy, empower the local shipbuilding industry, and enhance maritime security. With this delivery, we are proud to have honored that commitment.”
A model for collaboration: DSCT, the Navy, and ARMSCOR
The delivery of P1573 followed a formal handover in Simon’s Town in March 2025, where the vessel passed stringent technical and quality inspections. The project was driven by close collaboration between DSCT, the South African Navy, and ARMSCOR, aligning with the Department of Defense’s broader strategy to modernize and expand fleet capabilities.
“This project has exemplified the power of collaboration – within DSCT, across our supplier base, and most importantly, with our partners in the Navy and ARMSCOR,” explained Montsi. “Everyone involved has reason to be proud.”
The head of the U.K. Royal Navy Admiral Ben Key has been removed from his duties while under investigation over allegations of misconduct, according to media reports.
`The Ministry of Defence didn’t give any further details on the matter he is being investigated for, according to the reports.
But the ministry’s statement follows a report in the Sun that Key was suspected of having an affair with a female subordinate.
Earlier this week, the ministry issued a statement saying Key had “stepped back due to private reasons,” according to a report in the Financial Times. The FT cited people familiar with the matter saying Key’s move was not related to the government’s strategic defense review, expected to be published soon.
Key was due to retire from his position this summer, after serving as the head of the Royal Navy since 2021. This means the search for his successor was already under way.
Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS-21) departs Naval Station Mayport for her maiden deployment, Mar. 26, 2025. US Navy Photo
USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS-21) interdicted a drug smuggling vessel in early May, with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul left at the end of March for its maiden deployment, heading to U.S. Southern Command, where its primary mission focuses on counter-illicit drug trafficking, according to a Navy release from the deployment. The Littoral Combat Ship, with a Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment embarked, has been part of the Joint Interagency Task Force South during its deployment.
Maritime patrol aircraft alert Minneapolis-Saint Paul’s crew about the suspected drug smuggling vessel. The LCS headed to the target and then launched a helicopter from Helicopter Strike Squadron (HSM) 50, which is embarked on the ship, according to the Navy release.
The helicopter crew observed the vessel’s crew jettisoning packages, prompting sailors aboard Minneapolis-Saint Paul to launch a rigid-hull inflatable boat with the embarked LEDET aboard.
The boarding team found 22 bales of alleged cocaine, according to the release.
USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS 21) and embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 406, seize approximately 1716 lbs. of marijuana while conducting counter-narcotics operations, April 13, 2025. US Navy Photo
“USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul is delivering decisive blows against transnational criminal organizations,” Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, said in the release. “These interdictions send a clear message: We are vigilant, and illicit trafficking will be interdicted to protect our homeland as well as our regional partners from this threat.”
The next day, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Venturous’ (WMEC-625) crew offloaded about 5,300 pounds of cocaine and marijuana at the Coast Guard base in Miami Beach. The combined value of the drugs was about $14.1 million, according to a May 2 Coast Guard release.
The marijuana and cocaine were from four interdictions in the Caribbean Sea. The Coast Guard attributes the interdictions to USCGC Diligence (WMEC-616) and HNLMS Groningen (P843), a ship in the Royal Netherlands’ Navy with an embarked LEDET. It was not clear if Minneapolis-Saint Paul’s interdiction was included, although the Joint Interagency Task Force-South was part of the four interdictions.
However, it was likely at least part of one of the interdictions. In mid-April, the LCS interdicted two vessels and confiscated 580 kilograms of cocaine and 1,125 kilograms of marijuana.
“Stopping harmful and illicit narcotics from reaching our shores and entering our communities is a team effort,” Venturous Commanding Officer Cmdr. Karen Kutkiewicz said in the release. “It takes the combined efforts of our joint force DoD, DHS, and international partners to combat transnational criminal organizations.”
The Philippine Navy guided-missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna participates in a joint maritime exercise with Royal Australian Navy ships, April 2025.US Indo-Pacific Command
The Philippines signed a status of visiting forces agreement with New Zealand last month, regulating the deployment of troops for joint military exercises.
The agreement marks a significant milestone after New Zealand joined the Philippines and other countries in 2024 for multilateral maritime drills in the South China Sea.
The deal aligns with New Zealand’s support for freedom of navigation and overflight on the high seas. For the Philippines, it adds to its widening network of security partners.
This latest deal with New Zealand adds to the Philippines’ wide network of security partners. It is the fourth such deal by the Philippines to allow foreign troops to operate in the country, adding to the 2024 reciprocal access agreement with Japan, 2012 status of visiting forces agreement with Australia, and the 1999 visiting forces agreement with the United States
The three existing agreements with these countries are also part of the so-called “squad”, a minilateral grouping that seeks to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The Philippines is expected to sign a similar agreement with Canada by mid-2025, while France has also proposed a deal.
Its expanding bilateral security cooperation further reinforces what the Lowy Institute’s 2024 Asia Power Index regards as the Philippines’ strongest advantage.
The Philippines has relied on defence cooperation to enhance capabilities, demonstrate resolve, and serve as force multipliers to deter Chinese threats.
These agreements are important for the Philippines given China’s consistent maritime threats, the latest being the unfurling of a Chinese flag on Sandy Cay in the South China Sea.
Long outgunned and outspent by China, the Philippines cannot match Chinese maritime capabilities despite its long-term commitment to upgrade its forces. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has offered only limited diplomatic support to the Philippines, and the United States alliance is regarded as uncertain under its new administration.
So, the Philippines has relied on defence cooperation to enhance capabilities, demonstrate resolve, and serve as force multipliers to deter Chinese threats. China routinely condemns what it calls, “bloc politics along ideological lines and ganging up to form anti-China cliques,” but Beijing’s continued threats only strengthen other countries’ resolve.
The Philippines’ bilateral security arrangements also reflect its frustration over multilateral procedures. Its long-standing ties with ASEAN have not efficiently addressed increasing maritime tensions.
In the aftermath of the Scarborough Shoal standoff in 2012, ASEAN did not produce a joint statement that would have reflected its collective role in regional security.
ASEAN also failed to reinforce the 2016 arbitration ruling filed by the Philippines under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which declared China’s maritime claims and activities to be illegal.
Manila will continue to focus on bilateral defence cooperation with states that have converging security interests.
ASEAN has been unreliable amidst China’s harassment, collisions, and blockade during the Philippines’ resupply missions to the [stranded tank landing ship] BRP Sierra Madre on Second Thomas Shoal.
Meanwhile, progress in the negotiations for a code of conduct between ASEAN and China has been painstakingly slow. The Philippines’ frustration became evident when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr expressed concern that ASEAN could not agree on many things, even, “the definition of a concept as basic as ‘self-restraint’ does not yet enjoy consensus”.
While ASEAN has organised a joint military drill in 2023, it has not yet followed it up with another collective exercise.
As the Philippines calls and waits for multilateral organisation to speak out and do more, it will continue to focus on bilateral defence cooperation with states that have converging security interests. This is especially important as uncertainty clouds its military alliance with the United States under President Donald Trump.
Given his focus on trade tariffs and penchant for transactional diplomacy, Trump may view tensions in the South China Sea as less important in his defence and foreign policy priorities.
The Marcos administration foresees Trump may demand concessions from the Philippines for its security, in the same manner that he wants Taiwan to pay for US protection.
Repetitive affirmations from Washington of an “ironclad commitment” haven’t allayed Manila’s concern. But so long as the Philippines continues to confront maritime threats, it will seek more defence ties with friends.
Commander Andy Grant, Executive Officer HMNZS Te Kaha, gives an insight into the complexities of refuelling while on task in the Arabian Gulf.
13 May, 2025
We have a RAS tomorrow.
It’s a frequent topic of conversation aboard HMNZS Te Kaha today. It stands for Replenishment At Sea and we pronounce it as ‘Razz’. It’s how we refuel at sea.
Down in the darkened Operations Room, an Electronic Warfare specialist moves away from the dimly glowing screens and studies a well-thumbed copy of Jane’s Fighting Ships. Editions of this book have been in print for more than 100 years, with the images and details of every warship in the world, and it’s one of the few we still have in hard copy.
He finds the page for USNS Guadalupe. It’s a Henry J Kaiser class replenishment oiler, 206 metres in length, commissioned in 1992. This will be our floating gas station. We sent our fuel order by signal several days ago, and have received a reply detailing Guadalupe as our tanker and a designated rendezvous.
Meanwhile, in the Charthouse, the Navigator (Navs) has found the online Allied Tactical Publication that gives detailed information on where the refuelling facilities are onboard Guadalupe, what fuels, she has, and the methods for transfer. We need 20 cubic metres of aviation fuel, and 70 cubic metres of ship fuel.
In the Machinery Control Room, the engineers are looking through the fuelling schematics and recalling all the pipework, tanks and valves in between. To make the transfer straightforward they will need to transfer fuel to other tanks, so they can take the new fuel into a tank with sufficient capacity…and perhaps a little more.
In his tiny office, the Chief Bosun’s Mate (the Buffer) ponders the evolution team and puts names to each position – ensuring that there is suitable experience and supervision in all areas. This is critical work. When things go wrong, it happens quickly, and the consequences can be dire for our people, the ship, and the environment.
The Commanding Officer (CO), Navs and I have an initial brief in the Commanding Officer’s cabin, to go over the main aspects of the RAS. We’re looking at participants, forecast conditions and the general line-up of their fuel-supply position with our fuel-receive position.
HMNZS Te Kaha on patrol.
From here, we can work-out the finer details of the manoeuvre to drive a 3,600-tonne frigate to a position 45 metres abreast of a 41,000 tonne tanker and hold it there for two hours.
We all come together for a formal RAS Brief later in the day. After an overview, each area gives a detailed brief on their specific role. Navs and Comms look after the manoeuvre. The Buffer handles seamanship. The ship’s Marine Engineer looks after fuelling. The Weapons Engineer takes equipment preparations and any relevant defects.
As the Executive Officer (XO), I review ‘Overall Safety, Risks and Mitigations’. Questions are asked, the ‘Safe Sailor’ policy is recited and the team step away knowing that all is in hand for tomorrow morning.
For the last two days we’d been tracking Gaudalupe’s location, and you would think that the actual rendezvous would seem mundane. But there’s still a little bit of magic when the tanker is sighted in the morning, steaming up over the horizon.
After a couple of hiccups with radio comms, an American voice comes though the speaker clearly – passing a coded message to take charge of us for the RAS, and assigning us an initial station one nautical mile on the Tanker’s beam. We move there promptly. Taking up your ‘assigned station’ is a manoeuvre that all navies judge each other’s performance on. We don’t want to let ourselves and our ship down.
Once in station we have a clear view of the Guadalupe. Like us, she wears some rust streaks from time at sea, but the overall impression is that she is big and purposeful. It is time to pipe RAS Special Sea Dutymen over the main broadcast system. This is the call that goes throughout the ship to send personnel to their assigned stations for the RAS. Personnel start to stream out onto the upper-deck, many with the coloured vests that indicate their role. They wear hard-hats and have protective goggles, safeguards in case the fuelling system springs a leak under pressure.
A final briefing to Te Kaha’s RAS party as the ship prepares to come alongside Guadalupe.
The final ropes are laid-out and preparations made. We constrain our electronic transmissions to ensure we don’t radiate our people on the deck; or unwittingly, interfere with any electronic systems in Guadalupe.
On the bridge the Assistant Officer of the Watch is taking in all the reports from around the Ship and ticking-off the RAS Preparations checklist. ‘Aft Steering’ call in. This is a team of two that are situated in a machinery compartment right on top of the ships’ rudder. They are there to take immediate actions to regain steering if something goes wrong with steering from the bridge. When you are 45m from another ship, every second counts.
With all preparations made, Guadalupe orders us into ‘waiting station’. Just as it sounds, this is the station close-astern of the tanker where we get lined-up before making the final run-in to the alongside refuelling position. The Officer of the Watch takes the ship to waiting station, before handing the ship over to the CO. It is a short wait before the ship is called in to RAS.
The manoeuvre we use is called a fast back-down. Basically, we line up behind the tanker with a 45-metre offset to starboard, then accelerate to maximum speed. We then do a dramatic speed reduction to decelerate to be in just the right spot with our speed perfectly matched with the tanker.
It goes well and the CO only needs to make some minor adjustments to get us in place. We can now see the faces of our counterparts in Guadalupe. There are some friendly waves and we recognise our opposite numbers by the colours of the vests that they wear.
While this is happening, I give the Buffer the thumbs-up and there are three blasts on a whistle from Te Kaha, with a two-blast response from Guadalupe.
A loud bang, and two projectiles stream out from Te Kaha carrying thin lines across to Guadalupe. They entangled in some of Guadalupe’s cranes and rigging, but the deck team over there have seen this all before. They quickly wrangle the lines out of the rigging and into the hands of their deck teams below.
The RAS team aboard Te Kaha take up the passing of the lines that will ultimately support the fueling lines between the two ships.
‘Batman’ steps up. Not the caped crusader, but a person on each ship that uses coloured bats to signal and synchronise the passing of the lines. First the thin initial lines, then increasingly thicker lines until the final steel spanwire is passed that will carry the fuelling hose and probe connector.
Our Batman is the ship’s Master at Arms, the Naval Policewoman. She is situated above the RAS point in plain view, and she and her counterpart in Guadalupe exchange signals that choreograph the lines that join the ships together. Up forward, just ahead of the Bridge a ‘Distance Line’ is passed with a telephone line. The Distance Line has coloured flags every six metres. When hauled taught between the ships, it provides a ready-reference to measure distance apart.
With the spanwire across and connected, Guadalupe tensions the wire, before sending the probe down the spanwire to finally connect into Te Kaha’s probe receiver. It mates perfectly first time and we are ready to receive the Ship Fuel. Under the main hoseline, a smaller hose carries the Aviation Fuel. This is manually connected up by the engineers and fuel begins to flow.
The ship fuel line and the smaller aviation fuel line are pulled across for Guadalupe.
The pressure is off a bit, but the vigilance and the focus remains. Thirty minutes have now passed and Te Kaha is ‘in the groove’, only needing minor adjustments of speed and heading to remain within three to four metres of the ideal position. Navs takes over from the CO, to give her a break from concentration. Reports on the fuelling progress suggest there is another 45 minutes to go.
It passes quickly. ‘Stop pumping’ is called and you can see the hoses flatten as they lose pressure and drain the last of the fuel. The fuelling rig is decoupled and retracted by Guadalupe, as coordinated by the Batman.
The distance line is the last to go and with the ‘bitter end’ finally dropped into the sea, Te Kaha is unleashed and moves away from Guadalupe. Cautiously at first, before the order is given to increase speed and continue to veer away. Personnel below decks can hear the turbos spool up on the engines, and know that we are breaking away. The ship heels over as we continue our high-speed turn, making a majestic sweep to pass astern of Guadalupe to head off in search of our next drug-runner. In the various areas, notes are being made. What went well? What went wrong, and what can we do better?
From the bridge we exchange final comms with our American friend.
“Fair winds and following seas… see you next time.”
CDR Fiona Jameson, Commanding Officer Te Kaha, monitors progress and calls for course and speed adjustments if necessary.
