Final farewells on tour

MEET AND GREET: On his farewell tour of Australia, VADM Chris Ritchie inspects the lines during Ceremonial Divisions at HMAS Stirling.

Photo: ABPH Quentin Mushins

Ceremonial Divisions have been held around the country to mark the farewell of the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Chris Ritchie, who retires in July.

About 600 personnel from HMAS Stirling paraded before CN on May 25, and HMAS Cairns also turned out in force recently. Personnel from HMA Ships Stirling, Arunta and Collins took part in the ceremony at Stirling.

Navy Divisions is a ceremony emphasising historical formal parade and ceremonial traditions. Officers and sailors parade as a mark of respect to VADM Ritchie, who is moving around the country to say his goodbyes.

The current Vice Chief of the Defence Force VADM Russ Shalders will succeed VADM Ritchie as Chief of Navy from July 1.

Prime Minister John Howard praised VADM Ritchie for his stewardship of the Navy in a period of intense activity over the past three years.

“It covered the first warlike activity by the Navy since the Vietnam war,” he said.

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