The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson took part in what the U.S. Navy call ‘Divisional Tactics’ formations with U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton and Royal Navy ship HMS Spey.
According to the U.S. Navy:
“Sampson is positioned to conduct lifesaving actions in support of disaster relief efforts in Tonga. The ship is operating in support of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The Australian Government response is coordinating closely with France and New Zealand under the FRANZ partnership, alongside Fiji, Japan, United Kingdom and the United States to assist Tonga in its time of need.
Sampson is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”
The Royal Navy say here that as soon as HMS Spey arrived in the Tongan capital Nuku’alofa on the island of Tongatapu, her 50 crew began offloading 30,000 litres of bottled water, medical supplies and sanitation and baby care products.
“The islands’ capital is serving as the hub for an international aid effort supporting the stricken Commonwealth nation. The aid, which Spey collected from Tahiti last week, will be distributed around islands most severely affected by the tsunami, which was triggered by an extremely rare underwater volcanic eruption on January 15, destroying homes and covering the area in volcanic ash.”
Chief Petty Officer Ash Head said in a press release:
“It is hot out in the sun, so it is good to see the whole ship’s company working together, rotating positions where needed and keeping water bottles topped up. We are looking after each other and we are glad our work can support international aid efforts and help Tonga.”
I wasn’t aware of the FRANZ partnership. I quick search and a succinct explaination comes up on the NZ government website. It is a civilian lead partnership in which France, Australia and New Zealand agree to provide military support for disaster recon and relief when requested from partner nations. Civilian ministries lead for each of the countries. The list of partner contries includes Tonga, Cook Islands, Fiji… Nice to see an international agreement focused on the hand of friendship… Just the sort of thing the UK could sign up to as part of Global Britain, especially if we are going… Read more »
Gosh, isn’t the Spey’s dazzle camo good?
It does look good. I wonder what a Type 26 would look like with it on?
Beat me to it chaps. That’s a hum-dinger of a paint job! By squinting a bit at the picture you can almost see the camo working as intended.
Much as I would like to see the new frigates painted like this, the varied stations they might serve at would demand differing schemes if the paint were to have a truly useful function. Possibly these schemes would also allow easier identification of class of ship in a war scenario?.
AA
Ditto – big time !
Morning Klonkie from a hot and humid Durban. The River Camo has really grown on me but they also need to upgun to match the macho look! Some of our friends argue justifiably that as is, the Rivers are more than fit for purpose for their current roles but I still think the RN could look at upping their capabilities with more teeth as lower order warships for very little extra money. At 2000 tons she is way bigger than many WW2 destroyers. We are watching Cyclone Batsirai crossing Madagascar and there is talk that it is possible she will… Read more »
Can’t agree more. I’ve said it before, but….A 40mm gets my vote, tied into the Command system. A big uplift in capability for modest cost without it making the ship a full blown frigate (in the eyes of a spread-sheet), and a drone of some sort. To me, the 40mm gives the ship a useful AA capability and a longer ranged surface capability without sacrificing the biggest advantage of the ship, it’s low running costs.
AA
Same page AA!
On current plans the Type 26 will carry the 30mm so unless that changes it is going to be around for a while yet. As with everything it’ll come down to money and priorities.
The are 40 mm guns and 40 mm guns! As a Junior Rate I was regularly gun crew for the WW2 vintage Bofors Mk.3 fitted to the River class minesweepers built in the 1980’s. It had a very basic manual sight and we would struggle to hit stationary targets floating just a few hundred yards away! I suspect that the guns historical success relied on massed fire power, with dozens of barrels pointing in the general direction of the target in the hope that someone might get a lucky hit. But we never lacked ammo to fire as the RN… Read more »
Great work HMS Spey.
It will be interesting to see how the Chinese aid for Tonga, that’s on its way, fits in with what’s already been given out by other nations and if they will seek for any advantage. Good on the NZ and AU for their fast response and all the other nations too. It’s good seeing military assets being used in these humanitarian relief roles.
ps: And hoping that HMAS Adelaide’s power outage problem has been fixed.
Given the distances RNZAF C-130s have been key to the relief effort.
This class of ships could/should have been given heavier armament. Nice looking vessel though and relieve FFs of patrol duties.