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Australian Navy Cools Down the Oil Platforms

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060628-21
6/28/2006

By Journalist 2nd Class Cassandra Thompson, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

KHAWR AL AMAYA OIL TERMINAL, Iraq (NNS) -- Sailors from the Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155) completed some major electrical upgrades to the U.S. Navy and Iraqi marine living facilities on the Khawr al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT) June 12.

The Ballarat sailors visited KAAOT over the course of two weeks, assessing what work and materials were required to improve the wiring matrix in MSD 71’s kitchen, lounge and berthing areas. During a port visit to Abu Dhabi, U.A.E, they acquired the necessary materials and began work aboard the platform June 4.

Royal Australian Navy Petty Officer Technician (Electrical) Submarines Gordon Anderson, who led the team of Ballarat electricians assigned to the project, said although rewarding, the project was full of challenges.

“We’re not in our normal locale, so trying to get the material was difficult. The language barrier was a big problem, and of course, trying to translate what I needed into what they had gave us some problems. It took a couple of days, but we eventually got all the material,” said Anderson.

Before the upgrades, to use the oven, MSD 71 Sailors had to turn off the washing machine. To use the washing machine, they had to turn off lights; and to use the lights, they would sacrifice one of their air conditioning units.

“The job itself was challenging because there were a lot of safety violations with what had originally been installed. We had to concentrate on rectifying those first, as well as providing a proper system so the guys here had what they needed. And we had a very limited time frame to do the work in.”

The Ballarat electricians found that they not only had to rewire several buildings, but also install new cables that could handle more electrical current. They also installed a new switch board and secured electrical cables that used to trail along the ground to overhead beams instead.

KAAOT’s leading chief petty officer, Chief Electrician’s Mate Dean Tagudar and several MSD 71 Sailors assisted when they could, even if it was simply by lifting heavy cables or holding a ladder.

“I cannot pass on enough credit to my team for their efforts and to [MSD 71’s] assistance,” said Anderson. “It was a fantastic effort from everyone.”

Lt. j.g. Mark Ellis, KAAOT’s officer in charge, said the electrical overhaul was not a unique gesture by the Royal Australian Navy. He said HMAS Ballarat has consistently contributed to quality of life aboard the oil platforms.

“We’re very grateful to them,” he said. “The Australians have come out here on numerous occasions just to make improvements. They purchased other items for us during their port visits, like parts for our fresh water pump, which got our fresh water system back online. During ‘Meals on Keels’ or ‘Showers on Keels,’ they’ve been very helpful. They bend over backwards to support us in anything we’ve asked for; they’ve gotten it immediately, without question. I can’t say enough about how grateful we are.”

At the conclusion of the project, Anderson presented Tagudar with a HMAS Ballarat plaque as a sign of continued cooperation between the security detachment and Ballarat.

“He can hang it up and every time he looks at it, he will know that the professionals have been here,” said Anderson with a laugh. “We’re not the little frigate that can, we’re the little frigate that does.”

As part of Commander, Task Group (CTG) 158.1, Ballarat and the Sailors from Mobile Security Detachment (MSD) 71, who live and work on the Iraqi oil terminals, are conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the Northern Persian Gulf. MSO help set the conditions for security and stability and protect Iraq’s sea-based infrastructure to help provide the Iraqi people the opportunity for self-determination.

For related news, visit the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.