Image Gallery: January 2008
Nathan's wish to be a patrol boat captain for a day
23 January 2008
Make a Wish Foundation
Established in 1985, Make-A-Wish Australia is a not-for-profit organisation which aims to bring magic and joy to children with a life-threatening illness by granting a most cherished wish. Since its inception Make-A-Wish Australia has granted more than 5000 Wishes.
At the hospital the social worker kept asking Joy if Nathan had completed the Make a Wish request form yet. With so many other forms and reading material to manage this was one form that was definitely put on the backburner. However Nathan did request his wish – To Be a Patrol Boat Captain for a Day. That was in November and by December liaison between Make a Wish and the Royal Australian Navy Community Engagement Program was well underway.
Thinking they would get the opportunity to visit a Patrol Boat and walk onboard, maybe get a few photos the family were delighted when told they were to go to sea onboard HMAS WOLLONGONG. A suitable opportunity was identified by Fleet Command and the Make a Wish Foundation provided the family with a holiday of a lifetime to tropical Cairns. The week in Cairns gave an opportunity to participate in the seaday and see some of the local sights with out being too rushed. It also meant the whole family could be with Nathan for his day in Command.
Nathan’s Wish
CAIRNS-based patrol boat HMAS WOLLONGONG sailed Friday 18 January 2008 to fulfil Nathan’s dream. Supporting the Make A Wish Foundation, eleven year-old Nathan Rohrlach, was promoted to “Captain for a Day” when he embarked on the Armidale Class Patrol Boat HMAS Wollongong. Presented with rank slides for a honourary Lieutenant Commander by CO HMAS Wollongong Nathan sailed out of Trinity Inlet and into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park with his family on board as VIP guests.Prior to reaching the exercise area the family sighted a pod of dolphins arching over the waves showing only their fins. In clear weather visibility was excellent and calm seas made for an easy day for Nathan.
HMAS Wollongong is one of four Armidale Class Patrol Boats homeported in Cairns. Supported by six Ardent crews they are a multi crew platform. The Ardent One crew were exemplary in making every effort to ensure the Rohrlach family enjoyed their time at sea. A Navy capability such as a patrol Boat is not just a modern ship but importantly its crew. Their teamwork and abilities are the capability. Today Nathan joins that team. The Ardent One crew will allow Nathan to experience life at sea and participate in maritime evolutions.
Navy Community Engagement
Navy Community Engagement Coordinator Lieutenant Roxanne Price has hosted Nathan and family, providing some Navy memorabilia prior to their departure from South Australia. Navy is proud to participate in granting this wish.
Weapons demonstration included the firing of the Armidale’s main ships gun. Forward mounted this was remotely operated from the bridge under the watchful eye of the newly appointed acting Captain, LCDR Nathan Rohrlach. Whilst aimed towards weather balloons and 44 gallon drums the noise was one that reverberated through the ship as did the recoil.
From the back deck the firing of the 50 calibre machine gun, was the next demonstration. Nathan and his mum Joyleen, both getting decked out in antiflash gear to get a close up appreciation of the exercise. Off the back deck the exposition of Navy’s military capability continued. Firings from the F88 Styer, 9mm browning pistol and Minimi provided a complete demonstration of the abilities of the crew and the platform. The circling of the target provided a revolving background. The target eventually sank from sight after multiple hits from five different weapons platforms. Fresh air and shell casings made for an unusual afternoon for the Rohrlach family.
After a short break Nathan and family got closer to the water on jet powered Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBS). RHIB ‘Wolf’ set to sea with Allen and Joyleen Rohrlach, Nathan’s brother Paul and a representative from Theiss the major contractor undertaking the redevelopment of HMAS CAIRNS. Aboard the RHIB ‘Hawk’ Nathan and his sisters Katrina and Lisa took turns piloting the RHIB as we approached remote pristine beaches.
Commanding Officer of HMAS Wollongong, Lieutenant Commander Rod Newbold, RAN (ACPB Ardent One regained Command whilst the RHIBs explored the tropical coastline. Jellyfish as big a dinner plates were strewn throughout the area close to shore. “A great day was had by all” LCDR Newbold said.
Nathan was clearly enthralled at being Captain and was most protective of his rank slides, indicating his rapid promotion. Having left port in Commend of a Patrol Boat, Nathan returned in Command of a Jet Powered RHIB. With a lessor draft the RHIB was able to head directly towards Cairns across shallow waters rather than follow the channel through the leeds. Of the Navy memorabilia provided it was the Navy shirt signed by the crew of the Sea Patrol TV series presented by the Ardent One Crew that was most impressed Nathan.
Back ashore redevelopment contractors Theiss provided some merchandise gifts to the family and then it was back to the resort. Nathan’s remaining time in Cairns was spent exploring Kuranda, Crystal cascades, the Atherton Tablelands, Port Douglas and the Reef. The local media interest before departure ensured Nathan’s Captaincy was well reported on local ABC radio, Local TV and newspaper. Indeed a Command to remember.
| 20080118ran8099864_015 Make A Wish Sea Day with ARDENT ONE aboard HMAS WOLLONGONG. Nathan Rohrlach honoury Commanding Officer for the day. Nathan at the Starboard bridge wing controls during departure from HMAS CAIRNS. (Date taken: 18 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080118ran8099864_029 Make A Wish Sea Day with ARDENT ONE aboard HMAS WOLLONGONG. Nathan Rohrlach honoury Commanding Officer for the day. Nathan in the Captains chairs whilst Commanding Officer HMAS WOLLONGONG Lieutenant Commander Rod Newbold, overlooking manouvres during departure from HMAS CAIRNS (Date taken: 18 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080118ran8099864_036 Make A Wish Sea Day with ARDENT ONE aboard HMAS WOLLONGONG. Nathan Rohrlach honoury Commanding Officer for the day. Nathan 'donning' antiflash prior to a weapons display aboard HMAS WOLLONGONG (Date taken: 18 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080118ran8099864_160 Make A Wish Sea Day with ARDENT ONE aboard HMAS WOLLONGONG. Nathan Rohrlach honoury Commanding Officer for the day. Nathan and his family aboard HMAS WOLLONGONG. Parents Joyleen and Allen, and siblings Katrina, Paul and Lisa. (Date taken: 18 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080118ran8099864_165 Make A Wish Sea Day with ARDENT ONE aboard HMAS WOLLONGONG. Nathan Rohrlach honoury Commanding Officer for the day. Nathan in the Captains chairs of HMAS WOLLONGONG (Date taken: 18 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080118ran8099864_192 Make A Wish Sea Day with ARDENT ONE aboard HMAS WOLLONGONG. Nathan Rohrlach honoury Commanding Officer for the day. Nathan in the Port RHIB whilst being launched from HMAS WOLLONGONG (Date taken: 18 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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