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South
Aust celebrates a Navy Fortnight
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Silhouetted
by the sunset and setting the scene during a party on HMAS
Success is RAN Band-Sydney member ABMUSN Stuart Vandergraaff.
Photo by WOFF Trevor Grant.
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Tomorrow’s
recruit today. Harrison Lehman returns from a ride over
Adelaide in 816 Squadron’s Seahawk.
Photo by FLGOFF Gavin Barnett.
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South
Australia’s first Navy Fortnight was a huge success, attracting
thousands to ship visits and involving hundreds of others in special
community events.
The extended celebrations took advantage of a visit by the RAN’s
newest Anzac Class frigate, HMAS Stuart, which was accompanied by
HMAS Success.
Senior Naval Officer - South Australia, CMDR John Parkin said Navy
Fortnight succeeded in giving locals a chance to get to know their
Navy a little better.
“The series of activities we organised really gave South Australians
the opportunity to mix with sailors and officers and talk about
what life is like in the Navy,” said CMDR Parkin.
“Locals saw a frigate, a replenishment ship, two Sea Kings
and a Seahawk, the South Australian Navy Band, Diving Team 9, as
well as two of our minehunters, giving them a good appreciation
of the Navy’s capabilities and the different sorts of jobs
we do.”
Navy Fortnight began with the raising of the Naval flag, the Australian
White Ensign, on the City of Charles Sturt Flagpole.
Shortly afterwards, HMA Ships Gascoyne and Diamantina arrived at
Port Adelaide to prepare for their open day, attracting more than
3000 people.
Defence Force Recruiters were on hand to answer questions about
Navy careers, Diving Team 9 had a display near the wharf and one
of 816 Squadron’s Seahawk helicopters put on a display. The
South Australian Navy Band was also at Port Adelaide to entertain
the crowds.
Other Navy Fortnight activities included a commemorative church
service and a garden memorial service to remember Navy personnel
lost in war.
To ensure as many South Australians as possible had the opportunity
to see the Navy at work, a Sea King helicopter even travelled south
to Mt Gambier, Naracoorte, Kingston and Goolwa.
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