By LCDR Mick Gallagher
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The
new Navy exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in Sydney.
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Photo:
LSPH Damian Pawlenko
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With
a Navy Wessex helicopter hanging from the ceiling as a backdrop,
the Chief of Navy, VADM Chris Ritchie, officially opened the new
Navy exhibition at the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANNM)
in Sydney late last year.
The Westland Wessex Mark 31-B helicopter was a familiar sight
in the RAN from 1963 to 1989.
“The museum is a faithful dedication recording our maritime
history. The Navy is part of that history,” said VADM Ritchie.
Navy is a new exhibition celebrating the people, achievements
and history of the RAN.
“Navy brings to life the human stories behind the service
and explores its roles and activities at peace and at war,”
said ANMM Chairman Mark Bethwaite.
In attendance were Navy Systems Commander CDRE Russ Crane and
the commanding officers from local RAN ships.
Many former Navy identities such as VADM David Leach, RADM Chris
Oxenbould, and CDRE Brian Robertson also attended.
“It is the human side of the Navy that interests us the most,”
said Mary-Louise Williams, Director of the ANMM.
Ms Williams also acknowledged former WRAN, Margaret White, who
joined the RAN in the 1960’s and is now a member of the museum.
The Director also thanked the RAN for its assistance in donating
physical exhibits and providing advice.
