HMAS TOOWOOMBA COMPLETES WORK UP PROGRESS EVALUATION (WUPE)

HMAS Toowoomba (Commander Andrew Quinn) today successfully completed Work Up Progress Evaluation or WUPE (Pronounced WUPPIE). It sounds innocuous enough but it is actually a very detailed assessment of the ship’s capabilities.

The assessment is part of the preparedness training and includes exercises and activities that test the capability of all individual departments of the ship (for example the Medical Team) and also the ship as a collective (for example Fire fighting and Flood stop and repair). These tests and scenarios are designed to be as realistic as possible and require the ship’s company to complete tasks under significant stress.

The Exercise Director, Captain Vandyke sums up the importance of training and preparedness to the Navy. “Realistic Training is an essential part of what we do. So when things happen for real you are prepared mentally, physically and professionally.”

EXERCISE TRITON STORM 2/11 KICKS OFF

On the 7^th of Marh Exercise TRITON STORM 2/11 (TS 2/11) kicked off with a very busy day for the Guided Missile Frigate HMAS Toowoomba (Commander Andrew Quinn, RAN). There were a number of real life exercises including Anti Air Warfare, Boarding Exercises, Flying Operations and even a man overboard drill.

The purpose of Triton Storm is to ensure Navy personnel are appropriately trained and equipped for the year ahead. It also enables new personnel to be integrated into the ship’s company and apply their skills in practical situations.

TS 2/11 is a Navy led, joint combined training activity between The Royal Australian Navy, The Royal Australian Air Force, The Royal New Zealand Navy and The Royal New Zealand Air Force.

This exercise is being conducted off the coast of Perth as part of the RAN’s ongoing training program aimed at enhancing it’s capability to protect Australia and it’s interests.

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HMAS TOOWOOMBA STEPS UP FOR NAMESAKE CITY

In response to the devastation caused by the recent floods in Toowoomba QLD, there was a strong desire among the crew of HMAS Toowoomba to do something to help those hardest hit. The ship’s company of the WA based warship organised a collection to contribute to the Mayor’s Fund. This donation by the 160 sailors raised a collective $ 3,800.00.

When the crew heard about Toowoomba having be heavily hit by the floods in Queensland there was a sense of shock. Toowoomba native Leading Seaman Lauren Tanzer said “members onboard including myself were worried as we tried to contact and check on loved ones to make sure they were safe.” She explained, “Personnel onboard who had family affected were offered all the services available to contact their families and friends for updates on their situation.”

The crew of HMAS Toowoomba has fostered a close relationship with the city of Toowoomba with a small delegation having visited the city for Anzac Day in 2010. Able Seaman Sam Whitfield who was part of the delegation remembered how warmly our crew was welcomed by the people of Toowoomba and how generous they were in looking after our sailors.

Commander Quinn said “I sincerely hope for this donation to make a small difference for the people who have to rebuild their lives after having lost so much in Toowoomba’s floods.” On behalf of HMAS Toowoomba’s crew Commander Quinn sends his sincerest well wishes to the people of Toowoomba.