Services mark tragic losses

Volume 11, No. 41, April 20, 2006

In memorium: Darwin-based ADF members participate in a memorial service at Larrakeyah Open Air Chapel for nine comrades killed on Nias Island in a Sea King crash one year earlier. Photo by LS Ollie Garside.

ON THE first anniversary of the Sea King crash that killed nine ADF men and women on Nias Island their loss was remembered in memorial services in Australia and Indonesia.

Minister for Defence Brendan Nelson attended a Naval Aviation service at HMAS Albatross in Nowra and another commemorative service in Canberra.

On Nias Island, Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Bruce Billson, accompanied by CN VAdm Russ Shalders and CAF Air-Mshl Geoff Shepherd, joined family members of the Navy and Air Force victims in remembering the sacrifice of their loved ones.

The Ministers and Defence officials at the services paid tribute to the nine personnel who lost their lives and expressed condolences to those gathered in Nias as well as at home in Australia.

“To the family and friends of those whose lives were tragically cut short just one year ago, today’s service represents an opportunity to reflect, and honour the commitment and dedication of their loved ones,” Dr Nelson said.

A permanent memorial has been erected on Nias, to honour their sacrifice.

The board of inquiry into the crash is expected to report in June, and I will move to implement recommendations that have not already been adopted.