By Graham Davis
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More
than 1200 sailors lined up for the Eastern Fleet’s
annual ceremonial divisions in Sydney last month.
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Photo:
ABPH Nina Nikolin
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The
Royal Australian Navy’s reputation is a “fragile being”
and it takes just one bad story to send the Navy’s profile
sharply down, the Maritime Commander, RADM Raydon Gates, said
late last month.
His remarks came during an address to 1200 sailors, soldiers and
an airman, formed up for the Eastern Fleet’s annual ceremonial
Divisions.
The Maritime Commander addressed the group commending all for
their work in 2003 and warned of a busy 2004.
“You have all contributed significantly over the past 12
months in international operational commitments such as the war
against terrorism, specifically the war in Iraq and Operation
Falconer and the subsequent rebuilding of Iraq through Operation
Catalyst,” he said.
“Your efforts in The Gulf have been acknowledged internationally.
You have also made a vital contribution to the restoration of
law and order in the Solomon Islands in Operation Anode.
“Regionally, the Fleet has again proved itself as a professional
and hardworking outfit, protecting Australia’s national interests
through Operation Relex II.
“Our achievements in border protection to the north have
been a great success with few illegal vessels attempting to land
on our shores.”
He said that as the Navy looks forward to 2004 there will be times
of uncertainty.
“We need to remain conscious of this uncertainty and continue
to exercise vigilance in the way we do business, particularly
through our operational security and protective measures.”
