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The ship’s company of HMAS Tobruk provided The Guard during
Fleet Divisions at Garden Island in Sydney.
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Just
some of the 1,000 personnel who took part in the parade.
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Photos:
ABPH Nina Nikolin & ABPH Helen Frank
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By
LCDR Mick Gallagher
Some
1,000 officers and sailors paraded at FBE for Fleet Divisions
on January 21.
The grey RAN ships alongside provided a fitting backdrop to the
mass of white uniforms on parade.
“I take pride in parading you before the people of Australia today,”
said the reviewing officer, RADM Rowan Moffitt MCAUST, who with
CDRE Kevin Taylor CCSG took the march past salute.
LEUT Richard Schramm, CPOB Boris Kormany and shipmates from HMAS
Tobruk travelled from Newcastle, where their ship was in dry-dock,
to provide the ceremonial guard for the day.
Among the units on parade a lone cap tally band HMAS Ballarat
worn by ABBM Leigh Millichip stood out. He had only recently left
his ship at Christmas Island to join MHQ.
“God is our shelter…we will not be afraid… even if the seas roar
and rage,” said Principal Chaplain Simon Hubbard who led the parade
in prayer.
He had been quoting Psalm 46 with reference to the recent tsunami
and the aid being given by HMAS Kanimbla and the ADF.
The RAN Band Sydney Detachment led by Music Director LEUT Michelle
Coleman and Drum major CPOMUSN Andrew Stapleton provided the ceremonial
music.
The coordinator for the parade was CPOB Greg Morris from Command
Ceremonial.
In his address to those on parade the Maritime Commander highlighted
the achievements of the RAN in 2004 and its commitments in 2005.
“Our ships, submarines and aircraft were seen in the Middle East,
India, China, Korea, Japan and Russia as well as South East Asia
and the Pacific as far as Hawaii,” said RADM Moffitt.
MCAUST spoke of the RAN continuing operational commitments in
2005 and the hard work ahead on Exercises Ocean Protector, Tasmanex,
Mulgogger and Talisman Sabre.
“The Australian Fleet will also be seen once again off Gallipoli
for the 90th anniversary of the landings at Anzac Cove, then in
Europe and UK for a very large International fleet review at Spithead
to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar,”
said RADM Moffitt.
MCAUST also emphasised the implementation of the program Sea Change
for sailors in 2005 and the personal commitment to make it work.
RADM Moffitt took the opportunity of Fleet Divisions to present
commendations and awards to personnel and ships.
