F.Y.I.

Nat Geo premieres Australian Pirate Patrol

October 6, 2010 1:27

The National Geographic Channel will follow the Royal Australian Navy on a six month tour of duty in a new four-part series.

The announcement:

Australian Pirate Patrol World Premiere

Monday October 18, 2010 at 8:30pm AEDT

The crew on the first filmed Australian Pirate Patrol in the troubled waters of the Persian Gulf must not only navigate an increasingly dangerous region, they also face the ups and downs of being separated from partners and family.

On Monday October 18 from 8:30pm AEDT the world premiere of this landmark, four-part Australian series takes viewers behind the scenes on an Australian warship. The series shadows the 193 men and women aboard the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Toowoomba as they join a US-led task force to combat smuggling and piracy.

The young crew must adapt to the daily pressures of life on active service, where their personal lives take a backseat. As the drama unfolds, the going gets tough and one mistake out here could mean the difference between life and death.

Australian Pirate Patrol marks the first time a film crew has been allowed access-in-full to an Australian warship on its complete six month tour of duty. The locally produced series will screen globally on National Geographic Channel in 166 countries and 34 languages.

Episodes include:

Australian Pirate Patrol: Combat Ready

Monday October 18 at 8:30pm AEDT & NZDT

Australian Navy Frigate HMAS Toowoomba is heading to the troubled waters of the Persian Gulf to join a US-led multi-national coalition countering smuggling and the growing problem of piracy in the region. It’s a first for the Australian Navy and for Toowoomba’s new Captain, Commander Ivan Ingham. Before they can go they face a Mission-Readiness test, a week of intensive simulated warfare exercises. Their endurance under relentless pressure and ability to deal with emergencies effectively and quickly will be tested. It’s a rollercoaster week, of air and small boat attacks, a real-life helicopter breakdown, exhaustion and frayed tempers. Gradually, the crew of Toowoomba begin to turn it around and show the kind of teamwork and determination they’ll need for operational deployment. They pass the test and farewell their families. They now face six months on Gulf Patrol – no more exercises – this is the real deal.

Australian Pirate Patrol: Drug Test

Monday October 18 at 9:30pm AEDT & NZDT

Captain of the ship, Commander Ivan Ingham, sets out the terms of the mission and the need for a tight ship and good discipline in the face of a challenging six month deployment – including the need for the crew to stay alcohol-free. Both on-board and out on the water the boarding party teams are honing their skills in preparation, and hope, for some action. It doesn’t take long for the warship to see some action. Dhows suspected of trafficking drugs are spotted and the boarding party swings into action. But back on board one of their own is about to get the shock of his life in a random drug test.

Australian Pirate Patrol: Chopper Down

Monday October 25 at 8:30pm AEDT & NZDT

Reports are coming in of a dhow and speedboats called skiffs coming uncomfortably close to international shipping lines. HMAS Toowoomba finally gets the call it’s been waiting for and races to the scene. The boarding teams apprehend a skiff. A tense search reveals the men are armed to the teeth with automatic weapons and a rocket grenade launcher. Meanwhile, helicopter Pegasus is grounded and is unable to assist with long-range reconnaissance, boarding operations, or even a routine RAS – replenishment-at-sea. Just over halfway through their six-month mission the crew are homesick and struggling to maintain morale. To make matters worse a young officer commits the cardinal sin of falling asleep at the wheel. He receives a severe reprimand from Commander Ingham who is adamant that all his crew perform at their best. The problems mount up for Commander Ingham when the chef is medivac-ed out with a suspected broken arm and an outbreak of Jordan gastro cripples some of the crew.

Australian Pirate Patrol: Exit Strategy

Monday October 25 at 9:30pm AEDT & NZDT

HMAS Toowoomba investigates a small yacht sitting slap-bang in the middle of pirate territory. It’s not moving and not responding to radio contact. Yachtsmen have become a favourite target for pirates. Have they struck again? A merchant vessel is broken down and a sitting duck, Toowoomba races to the scene to try and protect it. Disaster strikes – Toowoomba is dead in the water. One of its propellers is snagged with nets and rope from one of the many fishing dhows operating in the area. Divers work for hours in heavy swells and shark-infested waters to try and untangle the mess. Finally it’s time to return home. The crew is reunited with their loved ones. Commander Ivan Ingham’s baptism of fire has now turned into mission accomplished.

Australian Pirate Patrol is produced by Prospero Productions for National Geographic Channels International. For Prospero Productions, Ed Punchard and Julia Redwood are joint Executive Producers. For National Geographic Channels International, Executive Vice President of Content is Sydney Suissa.