New Year, New Challenges for HMAS Sirius

Another busy year is ahead of the Royal Australian Navy’s replenishment oiler HMAS Sirius. Nevertheless, before she sets sail to support this year’s operations, she will have to undergo a scheduled maintenance period in order to be ready to head out to the high seas once again.

In 2013, which was a record setting year, HMAS Sirius conducted 32 replenishments at sea (Liquid) – RAS(L) –  evolutions, of which 9 were with ships of allied navies, including United States Navy ships USS Bonhomme Richard and USS Yukon, and the Royal Navy’s HMS Illustrious.
Two of the RAS(L) evolutions conducted were the largest in the history of the Royal Australian Navy with over 28,000cz of fuel was delivered in total. The largest evolution delivered almost 10,000cz of fuel and took over 12 hours – a record for the RAN.
In addition to replenishments, the oiler circumvented Australia, paid a visit to South East Asia, took part in  three major exercises and two operations,  and promoted 21 of her company.
Australian Navy’s replenishment ship HMAS Sirius has recently changed command off Christmas Island, with the formal exchange of a petrol nozzle – a symbol of excellent support Sirius provides to the fleet.
Captain Brian Delamont was relieved by Commander Darren Grogan.

Naval Today Staff, January 17, 2014; Image: RAN