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Paint it black gold as Aussies refuel HMS Kent to a 60s soundtrack
by rnn@codestorm.co.uk(Royal Navy News) via Royal Navy News
Pictures: AB Jake Badior, RAN IT’S a shame our friends and colleagues in the Royal Australian Navy didn’t record this on video because apparently the Beatles, Stones and other Britrock classics from the ’60s to the present day were blaring away. Aussie sailors provided a taste of home for the sailors and Royal Marines of HMS Kent when the British warship took on fuel from HMAS Success in the Indian Ocean. Success, described by our Antipodean cousins as a ‘battle tanker’ rather than pure tanker – bigger than the RFA’s Rovers but smaller than their Waves – is supporting Operation Manitou, the Australian mission in the Middle East (codenamed Kipion by UK forces). Guiding the fuel probe safely into its receptor – known as a bell mouth – on Kent was Leading Seaman Marine Technician Joel Minichiello, from Sydney. LS Joel Minichiello directing the fuel rig from the cargo booth of HMAS Success as the Australian battle tanker refuels HMS Kent in the Indian Ocean "Working with the Royal Navy, is always a bit more relaxed and a good opportunity for a laugh," LS Minichiello said. In just an hour, around 150 cubic metres of fuel – nearly 40,000 gallons, or enough to fill the tanks of over 2,700 family cars – were safely transferred to the Kent, which is currently focusing on anti-piracy operations around the Gulf of Aden and southern end of the Red Sea. Commanding Officer HMS Kent, Commander Andrew Block, described the exchange as very smart, professional – and entertaining. "It was by far the most enjoyable replenishment we have had in months," he said on completion.
by rnn@codestorm.co.uk(Royal Navy News) via Royal Navy News
Pictures: AB Jake Badior, RAN IT’S a shame our friends and colleagues in the Royal Australian Navy didn’t record this on video because apparently the Beatles, Stones and other Britrock classics from the ’60s to the present day were blaring away. Aussie sailors provided a taste of home for the sailors and Royal Marines of HMS Kent when the British warship took on fuel from HMAS Success in the Indian Ocean. Success, described by our Antipodean cousins as a ‘battle tanker’ rather than pure tanker – bigger than the RFA’s Rovers but smaller than their Waves – is supporting Operation Manitou, the Australian mission in the Middle East (codenamed Kipion by UK forces). Guiding the fuel probe safely into its receptor – known as a bell mouth – on Kent was Leading Seaman Marine Technician Joel Minichiello, from Sydney. LS Joel Minichiello directing the fuel rig from the cargo booth of HMAS Success as the Australian battle tanker refuels HMS Kent in the Indian Ocean "Working with the Royal Navy, is always a bit more relaxed and a good opportunity for a laugh," LS Minichiello said. In just an hour, around 150 cubic metres of fuel – nearly 40,000 gallons, or enough to fill the tanks of over 2,700 family cars – were safely transferred to the Kent, which is currently focusing on anti-piracy operations around the Gulf of Aden and southern end of the Red Sea. Commanding Officer HMS Kent, Commander Andrew Block, described the exchange as very smart, professional – and entertaining. "It was by far the most enjoyable replenishment we have had in months," he said on completion.
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