The impressive HMAS Choules accommodated more than 400 embarked people during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) from October 21 to 27.
A 16,000-tonne ship capable of carrying 23 Abrams tanks, 150 light trucks and two landing craft, Choules is also capable of operating Navy helicopters including the MH-60R Seahawk and Army’s S-70A Black Hawk.
Behind the scenes on board, deep in the maintenance room are the sailors, soldiers and aviators keeping the ship running smoothly.
Officer in charge of the engineering watch, Petty Officer Benjamin Ayliffe, monitors the vessel’s functions, ensuring power is available for propulsion and production. In the event of a system disruption, he allocates one of the junior engineers to rectify the issue.
During CHOGM, Petty Officer Ayliffe said the surge in embarked people was both challenging and rewarding.
“It was a highlight to maintain my watch requirements while also training the junior engineers on HMAS Choules,” he said.
‘Working with the ship at capacity has been a good challenge, that’s for sure.’
Able Seaman Max Conder, a marine technician, responds to Petty Officer Ayliffe’s resource allocation to fix disruptions to the vessel.
“As part of my job, I routinely inspect the machines on board while on watch, and respond to defect requests and repair any issues,” he said.
“Working with the ship at capacity has been a good challenge, that’s for sure.”
A different yet equally important engine to keep running is a sailor’s belly.
The triservice cooks are the real master chefs, servicing the multiple mess facilities where ADF members and partner forces – such as Pacific Island policing units – eat together.
In the galley, chefs Able Seaman Hunter Morgan, Lance Corporal Jaidyn Ivers and Corporal Daniel Wilson from the Navy, Army and Air Force respectively, plan, provision and cook for the all the personnel.
“Chefs in Defence are similar across the three services; our goal is to serve and to ensure people enjoy what they’re being served,” Lance Corporal Ivers said.
“People seem really appreciative of the quality food we’re putting out.”
Reinforcing the cooks’ goals, Corporal Wilson said: “I’ve already received comments of people saying ‘the food is amazing'”.
Choules supported CHOGM by providing accommodation for visiting police services at the request of the Government of Samoa.
To serve during global events as a marine technician or an ADF chef, visit the page.
