As we rush towards the end of another busy year for the PPB family, it is time to pause and reflect on what has happened this year, and what is coming in the year ahead. Here at AMC, we have been through a full suite of courses, including a General Management Course in Palau. We have seen the introduction of Christopher White and Nic Bender to our training staff as they take charge of the GMC to rave reviews. Chris has also participated in the Officers and Seamanship courses. We have had the crews of SEEADLER and TUKORO visit for post refit training, and new MSAs and TAs before their postings to the Pacific. We have also been visited by the Secretary of State for Defence, Timor Leste, Dr Júlio Tomás Pinto, and the Commander of the Timor-Leste Defence Force Naval Component, CMDR Higino Das Neves, and by the PNG Defence Attache to Australia, Colonel Joseph Fabila. We have had an increase in the number of trainees for Timor Leste as they begin their lead in to joining the program fully. This has provided many challenges, especially for the trainees themselves, but we have been really impressed by their enthusiasm and dedication to their training. A related highlight has been how our longer serving PPB trainees have taken out Timorese brothers under their wing, and provided guidance and assistance in all manner of tasks. Well done to you all. We have seen the significant improvement to the Umu with it now taking on the appearance of a park rather that a place to high in the bushes; much more comfortable, and useable. Well done to the General Management trainees for their efforts and enthusiasm. From the Admin and Pastoral Care side of AMC, the year has seen all of our course administrators now become involved in PPB courses, rather than just Debbie and Tammy. This has provided variety to their year and has brought greater flexibility to our organisation. Overall the year for AMC Search has been very busy, and under the guidance of Dean Cook, we have meet many challenges. There are more ahead, and we are sure to meet them as well. Up in Cairns, the year seems to have been just as busy. SEEADLER and TUKORO went through the refit and end of refit processes, prior to sailing home. The post refit workup is always a challenge for the crews, but one they generally meet with enthusiasm. NAFANUA is now undergoing the refit process. Cairns has also seen numerous boats conducting slippings and other maintenance programs. There have been numerous operational successes, but as we don’t post operational information here we just say congratulations to all the crews and keep up the good work! The year has also seen some sad times as we lost members of the PPB family. In April, Kiribati farewelled Police Constable Aberee Bauro, who was “so famous and infavored by everyone in the workplace because of his sense of humor”. In May LCDR Ratu Ilaitia Banuve Tuisawau was lost to the Fiji Navy whilst serving in South Sudan. We also lost a number of current and former PPB Commanding Officers. The Cook Islands said farewell to Inspector Arama Tera, a former CO of TE KUKUPA. The FSM did the same for long serving CO CMDR Jack Asher, from INDEPENDENCE, followed in the same week by Commander Martin Taririn, the former CO of HMPNGS TARNAGAU. And of course, recently our friend from the SPO, Stuart Heddle. To all their families, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time of the year. Next year shapes as another big year, with the replacement Patrol Boat under the Pacific Maritime Security Program tender expected to be released in January. This will include the build, support and training contracts, so we go back into the tendering process so recently completed. This will be a particular focus for AMC Search, whilst continuing to provide out trainees with the best experience possible. To you all, from AMC Search, and in particular me, we hope you have a happy Christmas with your family and friends, and a safe and happy New Year. Enjoy your families, and come back ready to continue your vital role in your nation’s sovereignty and security. We look forward to seeing you in 2015. Barry
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 00:59:36 +0000
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