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Melbourne first to pay tributee
By LEUT Anthony Lutz
Volume 50, No. 12, July 12, 2007 |
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| SALUTE: HMAS Melbourne paid tribute to the HMAS Sydney Memorial mast. |
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The Royal Australian Navy has initiated what will become a naval tradition by announcing that all Australian and foreign naval vessels proceeding into Sydney Harbour will render ceremonial honours to the HMAS Sydney I Memorial Mast.
The mast is considered to be one of Australia’s premier naval monuments and a memorial of national significance. The mast was removed from Sydney 1 when she was decommissioned in 1928 and erected at Bradley’s Head in 1934. The memorial mast pays tribute to not only the fallen from HMAS Sydney I, but also to the sacrifices of all sailors and ships lost in conflict.
HMAS Melbourne (CMDR Stephen Hughes) became the first RAN ship to formally pay tribute to the mast, when she sailed past the mast and piped the first salute.
The announcement coincided with the 94th anniversary of the commissioning of HMAS Sydney I when she entered RAN service at a ceremony at Portsmouth on June 26, 1913.
This is an initiative of the Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Dayvd Thomas who said, “It is appropriate we recognise, in a regular and formal way, our heritage and demonstrate a mark of respect for the sacrifices of naval personnel that have played such a significant part in shaping this nation, particularly those that have laid down their lives. It helps remind us where we come from.”
The ceremonial conducted by the ships will consist of bringing the ship’s company on the upper decks to attention, and then “piping” the mast. |
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