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The multinational (Brazil, India and RSA),
maritime exercise EXERCISE IBSAMAR III
Article by CPO Oosthuizen
Photos by CPO Oosthuizen, Lt Cdr (BN) Lt Cdr Eduardo
Raposo and MAI (PH) Jagadish Deka
Enquiries: 021 787 4697 |
On 16
October 2012 Task Force 23 (TF 23) comprising of SAS
AMATOLA (F145), INS DEEPAK (A50), INS DELHI (D61), BNS
BARROSO (V34) and SAS UMZIMKULU (M1142), sailed from
Simon’s Town for the first sea phase of Exercise IBSAMAR
III. Exercise IBSAMAR is a maritime exercise between
Brazil, India and South Africa that takes place every
two years. This third exercise, scheduled to be
conducted off the coast of South Africa, had a bumpy
start with a strong South Easter wind that delayed
sailing for a day. A strong team effort between the
Harbour Master, the tugs and the TF vessels ensured the
TF got to sea safely. The submarine SAS Queen Modjadji,
who is part of the TF, remained in Simon’s Town until
tasked to join the TF later in the exercise.
Courtesy-calls
SAS UMZIMKULU
swept the channel to ensure a safe departure for the TG,
before she returned to the harbour. During day one,
cross deck landings took place which provided an
opportunity for the helicopter pilots and flight deck
crews to certify qualifications. These were particularly
challenging as they were conducted in very strong wind
and high swell conditions. The Brazilian Lynx tested
their landing capabilities in gusting winds of over 20
knots, hooking safely on to the harpoon grid of SAS
AMATOLA before being lashed down by the flight deck crew
for a few minutes. Still closed up for flying stations,
SAS AMATOLA anxiously awaited the arrival of the
enormous Indian SEA KING helicopter on board. With ease
the ‘beast’ touched down for a few seconds whilst the
flight deck crew stood pinned to the hanger door
overwhelmed by both the size of the helicopter and
precision with which the pilot handled the helicopter.
The Indian ALLOUETTE cross deck landing serial was
postponed due too strong wind conditions that exceeding
the helicopter’s flight safety parameters. During an
overcast and windy night, the TG aimed their guns to
shoot simultaneously at a STAR BUST flare. For a short
40 seconds the quiet night echoed with guns firing from
four ships before the sky turned pitch dark again.
After a
night of uncomfortable steaming, the Commander Task
Force (CTF), Capt (BN) M.L. Malschitzky consulted with
the three Commander Task Groups (CTGs) on several
planned serials after weather conditions deteriorated
during day two in the exercise areas south of Cape
Point. After the TF repositioned itself with False Bay
in order to take advantage of better weather conditions,
a Photo Exercise (PHOTEX) was conducted which had the TF
in a close formation where the Brazilian Lynx helicopter
was used to take aerial photos of the TF. This was
followed by a dry Replenishment at Sea (RAS) exercise
between SAS AMATOLA and INS DEEPAK took place during the
day where only distance lines were passed. SAS AMATOLA
and INS DEEPAK lined up for the second time to conduct a
light line transfer.
CTF
continuously analysed the weather conditions during day
three and decided to proceed with the INS DEEPAK to
refuel the INS DELHI from her Starboard side and
conducting a light line transfer with SAS AMATOLA from
her Port side. Meanwhile, the Indian ALLOUETTE circled
above, conducting a FLYEX and PHOTOEX. On completion of
SAS AMATOLA’s light line transfer the BNS BARROSO took
station abeam of INS DEEPAK to conduct her light line
transfer. The Indian ALLOUETTE touched down twice on
board SAS AMATOLA before closing a third time to
vertically lower a parcel (VETREP). On completion of
these seamanship evolutions, the TF entered Cape Town
Harbour. The following day (19 October), the Brazilian
and Indian Defence Attachés and CTGs exchanged gifts
during their courtesy calls to the Port Captain, Capt
Sabelo S. Mdlalose (met by the Deputy Port Captain S.
Minnaar in his absence), the Magistrate of Cape Town, Mr
M. Dimbaza and the Executive Deputy Mayor of Cape Town,
Alderman Ian Nielson. A reception was held on board INS
DEEPAK whilst the TG was docked in the V and A
Waterfront.
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