We have now completed our support to the Games of the 27th Olympiad. We can be proud of the Athletes, the Olympic Volunteers and the members of the Navy and other services who made these Games the most successful ever held.

I wish to pass to all members of the RAN a personal message of congratulations on the effort you have all put in and sacrifices you have made. Every aspect of the organisation, planning and conduct of these games has been of the highest order.

Navy has been involved in many roles in this endeavour, and you can be proud that you have all done your part to make these games a success. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed. Many high level dignitaries recognise the effort that you have put in. This praise also goes to the members of the RAN who remained on ships and bases and who had to 'take up the slack' of those away assisting with the Games. We are a strong team and we have proved this to ourselves and to the world.

As personnel redeploy back to usual Navy roles it is important to remember that our flexibility to react to a changing situation is one of the skills that Navy can be proud of. An example of our ability to react quickly to a non-standard situation was the work by one of our Clearance Diving Team members who repeatedly dived into Darling Harbour to retrieve the lost tickets of a member of the public. The prompt and friendly handing of incidents like this not only leaves a very satisfied customer, but also a lasting feeling of goodwill in all those around Darling Harbour who witnessed the event.

I would like to mention in particular the personnel posted at short notice to the Olympic Bus Squadron. You fulfilled a vital role in the success of the games

I am proud that you have demonstrated that the RAN is a flexible, world class organisation.

Flag signal to the Royal Australian Navy from Chief of Navy - BZ.

VADM David Shackleton