N.Z.-AUSTRALIAN NAVAL CO-OPERATION

Grey River Argus, 31 March 1948, Page 8

N.Z.-AUSTRALIAN NAVAL CO-OPERATION

AUCKLAND, March 30 Three warships slipped out of Waii temata harbour this morning. The Australian cruiser, Australia, and the destroyer, Bataain. sailed at 10 30 with the New Zealand cruiser Bellona for manoeuvres before parting at Three Kings 10-mgnt, when the Australian ships will return to Sydney and the Bellona will proceed to Tarakohe, near Nelson, lor a course training cruise “The purpose of , the visit,” said Admiral Farncomb, ‘“has been to create greater liaison Detween the Australian and New Zealand naval forces and through combined manoeuvres to ensure that in the event of war there will be a common doctrine and the two fleets couui jux forces. There is now » general policy of co-operation between the fleets

“Australian submarine units have been combininf with submarines of the British Pacific Fleet to train Australians in anti-submarine tactics.”

He said he nopea the Australian and New Zealand warships would exchange more frequent visits. “‘There has been a lull since tne war, but now the emphasis is on liaison,” Admiral Farncomb added “The first aircraftcarirer for the Australian Navy being completed in England is in the same class as the Theseus and will arrive at the end of the year. _ Pilots ancrews are training in England. _A second carirer will be available in two years.”

Refuelling Test at Sea AUCKLAND, March 29. A fuelling operation at sea Is to be carried out by the Australian cruiser Australia and the Nev/ Zealand cruiser Bellona, which will leave Devonport tomorrow morning lor further exercises in the Hauraki Gulf. Used widely by British and American naval forces during the 1 Pacific war, the technique of transferring oil fuel between snips at sea has now become standard practice in the Navy. One method which has received wide publicity is to connect a floating pipe-line between two ships as they lie in line. The Australia and the Bellona will adopt nr. alternative system of bringing two cruisers alongside and leading an oil connection across the decks. This calls for skilful seamanship and accurate judgment in manoeuvring two heavy ships into position and in maintaining place in the face of sea and wind while oil Is being passed. There will be further exercises for officers of the watch. Continual changes in speed, course, and disposition will be signalled from RearAdmiral H. B. Farncomb in the Australia and as each hoist of code flags is run down the Belona and the Australian destroyer Bataan will be presented with practical tests in station-keeping to maintain or adjust their relative positions. Bellona’s Itinerary The Australian ships and the Bellona will part company at Three Kings tomorrow evening. The Australia and Bataan will set a course for their home base at Sydney, and the Bellona will go to Tarakohe. Leaving on Saturday, she has the following itinerary:— New Plymouth, April 3 to 9. Pelorus 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 antumn cruise in New Zealand waters, the Bellona’s itinerary has been prepared to give emphasis to her 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.