Image Gallery: September 2006
Decommissioning ceremony march
20 September 2006
The Navy's Underway Replenishment ship, HMAS Westralia departed naval service in a historic ceremony at Fleet Base West. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the commissioning of the Navy's newest ship, HMAS Sirius.
Maritime Commander Australia Rear Admiral Davyd Thomas and the Commanding Officer of HMAS Westralia Commander Tim Crawford and the Ship's Company of both Westralia and Sirius took part in a joint decommissioning and commissioning ceremony. Senator Judith Adams, representing the Minister for Defence, and the Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Russ Shalders joined family and friends of the Ship's Company.
HMAS Westralia was the second RAN warship to bear the name of Westralia, named after the State of Western Australia. Westralia saw active service in the Gulf War as part of a Multi-National Naval Force conducting operations in support of the liberation Kuwait. She has also participated in operations in the Southern Ocean and deployed throughout South East Asia on numerous occasions.
NUSHIP Sirius is the first ship of the RAN to bear the name. She is named after the first fleet flagship and supply vessel HMS Sirius that provided logistical support to the new colony of Australia between 1788-90.
| 20060916ran8109430_225027 The guard for the decommissioning ceremony march off the gangway of HMAS Westralia. (Date taken: 18 September 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060916ran8109430_225037 The Guard Commander Sub-Lieutenant Aitken stands the Guard to attention in front of the HMAS Westralia. (Date taken: 18 September 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060916ran8109430_225066 The Guard is inspected by the Decommissioning Guest of Honour Doctor James Guest. (Date taken: 18 September 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060916ran8109430_225157 The Ship's Company of HMAS Westralia march across the gangway for the final time during the decommissioning ceremony at HMAS Stirling. (Date taken: 18 September 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060916ran8109430_225206 The Ship's Company of HMAS Westralia marches as part of the decommissioning ceremony at HMAS Stirling. (Date taken: 18 September 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060916ran8109430_225232 The Commanding Officer of HMAS Westralia Commander T.G Crawford stands in front of the ceremonial life ring. (Date taken: 18 September 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060916ran8109430_225282 The Ship's Company of HMAS Sirius stand at ease during the commissioning ceremony. (Date taken: 18 September 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060916ran8109430_225294 The guard of HMAS Sirius prepare to march onboard the ship as part of the commissioning ceremony. (Date taken: 18 September 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060916ran8109430_225303 The Guard marches across the gangway of HMAS Sirius as part of the commissioning ceremony. (Date taken: 18 September 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060916ran8109430_225324 The Ship's Company of HMAS Sirius perform the traditional 'cheer ship' during the commissioning ceremony. (Date taken: 18 September 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060916ran8109430_225385 A group of sailors from HMAS Westralia in front of their former ship for one last time. Front row: Leading Seaman Brooks, Leading Seaman Rowbottom, Able Seaman Kimberly, Leading Seaman Wilson, Leading Seaman Gormly; Back row: Able Seaman Butcher. (Date taken: 18 September 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060916ran8109430_225414 The Commissioning and Decommissioning Cakes are cut by Commanding Officer (CO) Commander Tim Crawford and the Executive Officer (XO) Commander Heath Robertson. Assisting the CO and XO are sailors Able Seaman Boatswain's Mate Adam Coles and Able Seaman Communications Information Systems Kirsten Beveridge. (Date taken: 18 September 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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