9 October 2024
Experiencing another country’s ship for a day while in the middle of the ocean isn’t something everyone will get to do, but it was rare treat extended to a select few of HMAS Sydney’s crew during their Indo-Pacific regional presence deployment.
Members of the ship’s company cross-decked with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship JS Sazanami, Royal New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Aotearoa and United States Navy ship USS Howard, with personnel transferred by rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB).
Highlights for the international guests on Sydney included Royal New Zealand Navy sailors watching a five-inch gun firing from Sydney’s bridge, Japanese and US sailors and officers learning the art of Uckers (similar to Ludo or Trouble) in the wardroom and junior sailors’ café, and some Royal New Zealand Navy sailors receiving a ‘Heggie’s haircut’.
On Sunday, it was ‘church with a twist’, when Sydney swapped chaplains with USS Howard for a taste of how each nation holds a service.
On the subject of taste, members from USS Howard thoroughly enjoyed lunch, including Tim Tams and kangaroo, on board Sydney.
'It was very interesting, seeing a vessel with significantly more space manned by roughly half the number of crew.'
Able Seaman Lilliana Millucci explored JS Sazanami for the day, experiencing Japanese food on a bento-style tray, painting their names in traditional Japanese characters and doing some origami. She was fascinated by how immaculate and organised the ship was.
“They separated plastics from cardboard (separate bins) and had a number of can crushers located around the ship," Able Seaman Millucci said.
“The crew of JS Sazanami sure know how to host people. They were all so welcoming, kind and eager to get to know each of us – even with the little English they spoke.”
As part of a day tour of HMNZS Aotearoa, Leading Seaman Arlen Rodda McCarthy saw the replenishment-at-sea control room, which boasts an amazing view over the water.
“All in all it was a great day. Our hosts were friendly and welcoming, making us feel at home from the moment we stepped on board," Leading Seaman McCarthy said.
“It was very interesting, seeing a vessel with significantly more space manned by roughly half the number of crew.”
Able Seaman Annabelle Zyla’s day was spent touring USS Howard and learning about the roles and fundamentals of the ship, as well as experiencing an American Sunday brunch.
“I really loved the environment and how well the crew worked together. They were all so welcoming and engaged it was a refreshing experience," she said.
“How the different cultural backgrounds blend and work well together made the overall experience really good, as they were so welcoming to us Australians.”
Crews also swapped coins, patches and other memorabilia as mementoes of their experiences.
HMAS Sydney is conducting a regional presence deployment, enhancing cooperation and relationships with regional partners and allies.
