Townsville sailor’s drug- busting role High seas heroin haul
Rachel Riley
said anything that made the lives of patients in care that little bit easier was appreciated.
“I’d like to thank Supporters of 65 Roses and Joint Logistics Unit – North Queensland for their generous donation,” she said. “In Queensland there are about 830 people living with cystic fibrosis. Children with cystic fibrosis are required to take up to 60 tablets a day and provide daily treatment; it can have a huge impact not only on the little ones but also their families.” RACHEL RILEY TOWNSVILLE’S Toby Pink and his HMAS Arunta ship’s company have detected a large haul of heroin during its maritime security deployment to the Middle East.
HMAS Arunta seized about 250kg of heroin during a vessel interception off the coast of Africa as part of Operation MANITOU.
Arunta’s crew seized the drugs in the Indian Ocean on May 10 – her second narcotic interdiction since starting counter- terrorism operations in December last year.
Following detection by a Royal New Zealand Air Force P- 3K2 Orion maritime patrol aircraft, Arunta intercepted and boarded the suspect ship as part of Combined Task Force 150 which is currently under French command, supported by a combined FrenchUK staff.
Commanding Officer Commander Cameron Steil praised his crew’s professionalism and ability to conduct a meticulous search, which led to the drug seizure.
“While the smugglers continue to try new techniques for hiding narcotics, our boarding parties have shown that their experience, training, and techniques are up to the task at hand,” Commander Steil said.
Major General John Frewen, commander of Australian forces in the region, said the successful drug interception was a joint effort.
“Arunta’s second seizure, as part of the Combined Maritime Forces effort, will directly contribute to the overall maritime security, stability and prosperity in the region,” Major General Frewen said.
“This is a testament to their perseverance and hard work,” he said.
As part of her longest Middle East deployment, HMAS Arunta and her ship’s company took the opportunity for some down time at Naval Support Activity, Bahrain, over Anzac Day.
The Royal Australian Navy sailor Able Seaman Combat Systems Operator ( ABCSO) Toby Pink was born in the UK but grew up in Townsville.
ABCSO Pink enlisted into the navy in 2013 as an air warfare sailor.
“My primary role on board the ship is to man the air picture console in the operations room,” he said. “From there, I use the ship’s radars and other bits of equipment to track aircraft which are near the ship, and help stop any air threats.”
This is ABCSO Pink’s first operational deployment and the first time he has sailed outside of Australian waters.
“I’ve been at sea to assist HMAS Canberra with the Landing Helicopter Dock’s first- of- class work up, and I’ve put a ship up on stilts for a refurbishment, but this will be my first deployment,” he said.
“I joined HMAS Arunta two days before she put to sea for her seven- week work- up exercise, so we definitely hit the ground running.
“Some of the places we’ve docked at during this deployment are places I never thought I would get the opportunity to go to.”
On his return to Australia later in the year, ABCSO Pink said he was looking forward to catching up with mates he had not seen in years.
“The Strand is one of my favourite places, I used to run there in the evenings and take part in boot camps at the parks sometimes,” he said.
“It’s been a bit more than two years since I was last in Queensland, so I’m looking forward to getting back there.”
Operation MANITOU is the ADF contribution to support international efforts to promote maritime security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East Region ( MER).
Operation MANITOU is the Australian contribution to the US- led Combined Maritime Forces, which is a 31- nation partnership focused on defeating terrorism, preventing piracy, encouraging regional co- operation and promoting a safe maritime environment.