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Image Gallery: February 2010

18 June 2010
HMAS Warramunga Memorial Service for Leading Seaman Andrew Wakely

The ship's company of HMAS Warramunga have remembered and mourned the loss of Leading Seaman Andrew Wakely, at a moving memorial wreath-laying service at sea off the coast of Tonga this afternoon. Flowers donated by local Tongans were also scattered at sea by grieving members of ship’s company during the service.

HMAS Warramunga sailed to the location where Leading Seaman Wakely disappeared and is assessed to have most likely drowned while swimming at a south Tongan beach yesterday. The ship’s Seahawk helicopter was visible in the distance as the flight crew continued the search of the rugged coastline during the service.

“Leading Seaman Wakely was a much respected member of HMAS Warramunga’s crew. He showed great dedication to his work and was popular amongst his peers,” said Commanding Officer of HMAS Warramunga, Commander Bruce Legge.

“This tragic accident has hit the crew and Navy very hard and he will be sadly missed. Our thoughts at this time are with his family and friends,” said Commander Legge.

Air and sea searches by HMAS Warramunga and her embarked Seahawk helicopter, together with a Tongan patrol boat, manned by Tongan Defence Services, have so far been unable to locate the missing sailor.

Tongan authorities advise Commander Legge that the search will continue over the coming days.

The sailor’s family is being provided with support by Navy and the Defence Community Organisation.

The family has requested the media respect their privacy.

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Leading Seaman Andrew Wakely's close friends grieve the loss of their shipmate off the coast of Tonga.

(Date taken: 17 June 2010)
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The ship's company of HMAS Warramunga reflect upon their lost shipmate, Leading Seaman Andrew Wakely.

(Date taken: 17 June 2010)
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The ship's company of HMAS Warramunga make individual tributes to their lost shipmate, Leading Seaman Andrew Wakely.

(Date taken: 17 June 2010)
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Commanding Officer HMAS Warramunga, Commander Bruce Legge, commits a wreath to the sea in memory of Leading Seaman Andrew Wakely.

(Date taken: 17 June 2010)
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Executive Officer HMAS Warramunga, Lieutenant Commander Mark Sirois, holds the wreath in memory of Leading Seaman Andrew Wakely.

(Date taken: 17 June 2010)
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Commanding Officer HMAS Warramunga, Commander Bruce Legge (left), and Execcutive Officer HMAS Warramunga, Lieutenant Commander Mark Sirois (right), lead the ship's company in a memorial service for their lost shipmate, Leading Seaman Andrew Wakely.

(Date taken: 17 June 2010)
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The ship's company of HMAS Warramunga remember their lost shipmate, Leading Seaman Andrew Wakely, during a memorial service on the Flight Deck.

(Date taken: 17 June 2010)
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The ship's company of HMAS Warramunga reflect upon their lost shipmate, Leading Seaman Andrew Wakely.

(Date taken: 17 June 2010)
Low-Res | Hi-Res