HMAS Choules has conducted water purification on board for the first time while alongside.
Navy and Army worked together to ensure the ship had a safe and reliable supply of water during the 50th anniversary of independence celebrations in Papua New Guinea.
The amphibious vessel has been supporting hundreds of Australian and partner-nation personnel, acting as transport and accommodation while alongside in PNG's capital, Port Moresby, for the anniversary events.
To achieve this, reliable water production was critical.
Leading Seaman Rory Greenwood, senior hull maintainer on Choules, said the collaboration ensured the ship's water demands were met.
"Our onboard systems are designed for use at sea," Leading Seaman Greenwood said.
"Working with Army engineers alongside has been smooth, effortless teamwork, and it's kept our water supply topped up with zero risk of running out."
Normally, Choules is fitted with reverse osmosis plants, which convert seawater into potable drinking water.
The process uses high-pressure membranes to remove salt and impurities, producing water that meets the Australian standard.
'Our system ensured HMAS Choules could support everyone on board without relying on local sources.'
But Navy regulations prevent these systems from running while berthed, as coastal waters can carry oil, sediment and contaminants from port activity.
To overcome this, Army deployed its water purification and declination system to keep supplies flowing.
Preventive medicine personnel tested and certified the water daily, ensuring it was safe for consumption.
Together, Army engineers, Navy marine technicians and Army preventive medicine technicians provided a seamless solution for all embarked personnel.
Lance Corporal Sam Alotry, an Australian Army engineer, said the mission was different from his usual work.
"Producing water at sea is routine, but producing it dockside is not," Lance Corporal Alotry said.
"Our system ensured HMAS Choules could support everyone on board without relying on local sources."
Without this joint system, Choules would have had to rely on local water supplies, which can vary in quality.
Choules served as a floating hotel during the festivities, hosting a number of embarked forces from Fiji, New Zealand, Tonga, the United Kingdom and Vanuatu.
