PIRATE PATROL

Pirate Patrol follows the Australian warship HMAS Toowoomba and its crew on its 6-month deployment to the Arabian Gulf, countering smuggling and piracy. Before they can go on PIRATE PATROL, each sailor must undergo a week of intensive simulated warfare exercises.  Their endurance under relentless pressure and ability to deal with emergencies effectively and quickly is tested to the very limit. Finally on patrol in the Persian Gulf, it doesn't take long for Toowoomba to see some action. Some suspect dhows are spotted.  Intelligence suggests that they might be involved in trafficking drugs from Iran to Africa to finance terrorism. The boarding party is launched to check it out. Halfway through its 6-month deployment Toowoomba gets the call its been waiting for.  A cargo ship reports being threatened by armed men in a high-powered skiff.  Toowoomba races to the scene.  The boarding teams apprehend the skiff and the suspected pirates surrender  claiming to be just simple fishermen.  A search reveals otherwise  theyre armed to the teeth with automatic weapons and a rocket grenade launcher. Heading into the last phase of their six-month deployment the crew is feeling homesick, overworked, and stressed out.  Some have had enough and tempers fray. Toowoomba is dead in the water.  A propeller is snagged with nets and rope from one of the many fishing dhows operating in the area. Divers work for hours in heavy swell and shark-infested waters to try and untangle the mess. Finally the homecoming - families waiting at the quayside to be re-united with loved ones they havent seen for 6 long months.