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Royal Australian Navy photo
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December
21, 2018 – Australia’s first Aegis combat system based guided missile
destroyer, HMAS Hobart, has ended the year in spectacular style, conducting
weapons and systems evaluations with the United States Navy off the US West
Coast.
HMAS
Hobart’s crew deployed to the United States well aware that this was no
ordinary deployment. At stake was the Destroyer’s ability to successfully
operate the most advanced weapons system ever owned by the Royal Australian Navy.
Hobart also became the first ship of its class and the first International
Partner to demonstrate an ability to operate in synch with US forces, known as
a ‘Co-Operative Engagement Capability’ (CEC).
The USN
wasted no time in putting Hobart through its paces, particularly in relation to
the Aegis combat system. HMAS Hobart’s crew was also challenged by a series of
tests and demonstrations to verify and validate the capabilities of the ship.
Part of this validation included a series of at sea tests known as Combat
System Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT). The aim was to achieve a sustainable
level of combat and weapon system readiness. The Australians didn’t disappoint.
Commanding
Officer of HMAS Hobart, Captain John Stavridis says the Americans threw everything
at his people, who passed with flying colors.
“We were
presented with some of the world’s toughest and most challenging threats;
modern anti-ship missiles, maritime strike aircraft, fighters and high speed
attack craft. On every occasion we successfully defended all threats,” said
CAPT Stavridis.
The firings
were also a point of pride for members of the Ship’s Company. Able Seaman
Electronic Technician Stacey Verrall was ecstatic to be able to complete
validation in the test and recognition of the training and effort required to
achieve such a positive outcome.
“This is
what we have trained for and to be able to conduct the missile firings here has
been a terrific opportunity and a humbling experience,” Verrall said.
CAPT
Stavridis said this was a true team effort. “None of this would have been
possible without the incredible men and women who operate HMAS Hobart,” CAPT
Stavridis said.
“They took
this unknown and untested first-of-class ship and transformed her into a
warship that is truly first class”.
HMAS Hobart
returned to Fleet Base East to be met by the Fleet Commander, RADM Jonathan
Mead. RADM Mead was also proud of the achievements of HMAS Hobart.
“This ship
represents the future of the Royal Australian Navy’s surface combatants:
capable, competent and lethal.
“With her
recently commissioned sister ship, HMAS Brisbane, and soon to be delivered
NUSHIP Sydney they will be able to defend our Fleet against any threat.”
Most
importantly for the crew of HMAS Hobart, many families and friends were there
to meet them and welcome them home in time for Christmas and a well-deserved
break after a busy year.
Source: seawaves.com
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