Oct 08 - 10 day survey of the Nuku’alofa Harbour completed
The last week has been a busy yet rewarding one for RES and her crew. With a huge sense of satisfaction we completed our 10 day survey of the Nuku’alofa Harbour. We coloured in the last of our lines during the small hours of Thursday morning last week. This left the crew with a much deserved weekend ashore, and thankfully the weather decided to well and truly play its part!
Image Right:Typical bridge-wing scene during Vava'u survey work (NIS-08-197).
On the Thursday night that we went alongside, the Officers and Senior Rates hosted the New Zealand High Commissioner and a number of other guests for a Cocktail Party. The Maori Culture Group had their first performance of the deployment, and wowed the guests with some passionate waiata and haka. This was an enjoyable and successful evening for all involved.
The rest of the weekend gave the crew a great opportunity to get ashore and relax. We were quite relieved to see a lively Nuku’alofa on Friday and Saturday, which was a stark contrast to subdued Sunday we witnessed during the previous visit. Many souvenirs were purchased from local stalls. Most of the ship's company spent the majority of their time at either Pangaimotu or Fafa Island. A whole ship’s Traditional Tongan style BBQ was held on the Friday, ensuring that everyone got in plenty of swimming, sunbathing and feasting!
As Monday dawned, it was a rejuvenated ships company that set sail for Vava’u. Monday was a chance for some internal drills before leaving the limits of Nuku’alofa Harbour. As we got to work surveying around Vava’u there were many people seen on the upper deck marvelling at the stunning scenery. The balmy temperatures have already allowed for some much deserved hands to bathe!
Above Left Image: LHST Spencer and Lt Brown conduct post processing of survey data (NIS-08-199).
Above Right Image: Supply Officer Lt Kim Hamilton provides the Navigator Lt David Berry with some insight! (NIS-08-198).
We are also playing host the Tongan Navy’s specialist in hydrography for this survey period. This is a great opportunity for us to share how we operate with another navy. As he is a local to the Vava’u Island group, we are also gaining a lot of local knowledge from him being on board!