MORE EXERCISES IN GULF

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 68, Issue 143, 30 March 1948, Page 2

MORE EXERCISES IN GULF

Visiting and N.Z. Naval Vessels FUELLING OPERATION AT SEA . (P.A.) AUCKLAND, March 29. A fuelling operation at sea will be carried out by the Australian cruiser Australia and the New Zealand ship Bellona when they leave Devonport to-morrow morning for exercises in Hauraki Gulf, Used widely by British and American naval forces during the Pacific war the technique of transferring oil fuel between ships at sea has become standard practice in the navy. One method which has received wide publicity is to connect a floating pipeline between two ships as they lie in line. But the Australia and the Bellona will adopt an alternative system of bring, ing the two cruisers alongside and leading the oil connection across the decks. This procedure calls for skilful seamanship and accurate judgment, in manoeuvring two heavy ships into position and in maintaining them in place in the face of the sea and wind while the oil is being passed. There will also be exercises for officers of the watch. Continual changes in speed, course and disposition will be signalled from Rear-Admiral H. B. Farncomb in tbe Australia, and as each hoist of code flags is run down, the Bellona and the Australian destroyer Bataan will be presented with practical tests in station-keeping to maintain or adjust their relative positions.

The two Australian ships l and the Bellona will part company at the Three Kings Islands to-morrow evening. The Australia and the Bataan will set' a course for their home base of Sydney, and the Bellona 'will proceed to Tarakohe, where she is due on Thursday. Leaving on Saturday, she will carry out the following itinerary; New Plymouth, April 3 to April 9; Peloyous Sound, April 9 to 16; Wellington, April 16 to 19; Bay of Islands, April 21 to 26; Hauraki Gulf, April 26 to May 4; Motuihi Island, May 4 to 6; return to Devonport, May 6.

Although it is customary for one of the major ships on the station to make an autumn cruise in New Zealand waters, the Bellona’s itinerary has been prepared to give emphasis to her new role as a naval training vessel. Much of her time away from Auckland will be spent either at sea or in quiet anchorages which will provide wide opportunities for the young ship’s company to receive instruction.