Canberra’s rising sun

CUPPA TEA: Canberra’s AB Joshua Greenwood and AB Renee Mackie enjoy the spinning teacups at Fujikyu Funpark in Japan.

SUNRISE: ABCSO Rick Raizis on the flight deck during special sea duty on entry into Singapore. Photos: LSPH Phillip ‘Rex’ Hunt

By SBLT Jason Evans

HMAS Canberra (CMDR Ray Leggatt) recently visited the United States Naval Base – Yokosuka, where she berthed adjacent to the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk.

The 84,000 ton Kitty Hawk dwarfed the comparatively diminutive Canberra and provided a spectacular backdrop for Canberra’s entry to Yokosuka.

Contrary to popular belief, RAN ships entering USN Base Yokosuka do so under the auspices of the United Nations Command (Rear) Status of Forces Agreement with the Government of Japan, not through USN invitation.

In order to show her UN status, Canberra flew the United Nations Flag throughout her stay in Yokosuka.

The UNC(R) Status of Forces Agreement was signed February 1954 in order to support UNC operations within Japan and facilitate movement of UNC member nation forces through Japan, in the event of a break down of the Armistice on the Korean peninsula.

Ship and aircraft visits of the UNC (R) member countries of Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, Philippines, Thailand, Turkey and the United Kingdom, are essential in order to exercise all aspects of the United Nations Command member countries’ forces in and around Japan in the event of hostilities on the Korean peninsula.

During the visit, Canberra was hosted to a spectacular sports day and BBQ by our host ship, USS Vandergrift.

The two ships competed in softball and tug-of-war where Vandergrift was successful before Canberra showed their sporting prowess and defeated a combined Vandergrift and Chancellorsville rugby team.

The US Navy base provided a plethora of options for the ship’s company to explore, with a host of fast food outlets, sporting facilities, gymnasiums, restaurants, bowling, cinemas, golf and access to the Navy Exchange.

The three Navy Exchanges proved popular, with people still finding a need to shop, even after visiting five other ports.

Apart from the shopping there were many other things to see, with some people riding the world’s tallest and fastest roller coaster at the nearby Fujikyu Amusement Park, whilst others ventured further afield heading to Mount Fuji, Tokyo Disney, the Sumo wrestling and of course sampling the Tokyo nightlife.

However, after eight days in Yokosuka it was time for Canberra to depart Japan and head south to Guam before arriving back in Australia this month to participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre and conduct her final Freedom of Entry.

 

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