HMAS Sydney at sea DPR/TV/789

The Royal Australian Navy troop ship, HMAS Sydney is on her way to Vietnam with Army reinforcements. This is Sydneys eighth trip to Vietnam with Army men and equipment - a role in which she has proved herself to be well suited. The former aircraft carrier which was converted to a troop carrier, carries a flight of Wessex anti-submarine helicopters. While underway, the troops continue their training programme which includes small arms practice; and some spirited competition is available from sailors who live and work with the soldiers during the voyage. There are other routine tasks which are carried out while at sea, and engine maintenance is a continuing job for any mechanic, and onboard Sydney there is always someone to give a second opinion, if its needed. But its not all work - there is time for a relaxing board game for these soldiers. For many of the Army men onboard it is their first taste of ship-board life and a novel experience. The Army has a team onboard which briefs and organises the men into the daily routine, in addition, senior sailors are detailed as "Sea Daddys" to help the newcomers adapt to life at sea. HMAS Sydney continues to play an important role in the Vietnam war.