The man responsible for the production and recording of more than 200 national anthems required for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the RAN's Director of Music, CMDR Ashley Greedy, hung up his baton earlier this month (May 14).

Conducting a rousing rendition of Click Go the Shears by the RAN's Sydney Band, CMDR Greedy, 55 signed off after a career in the Navy spanning 37 years.

This lengthy career was contrary to what his mother thought when he joined as a junior recruit.

"Mum told me; ' I won't change your sheets. You'll be home in a week', " CMDR Greedy told more than 100 Naval musicians, officers and friends who had gathered for a luncheon farewell at the band's Waterloo studio.

Among those to farewell him was the Maritime Commander, RADM Geoff Smith and world-renowned musician Don Burrows.

RADM Smith read and then presented to CMDR Greedy a Chief of Navy Commendation.

The citation said: "I commend Commander Greedy for his outstanding professionalism and devotion to duty as the Director of Music-Navy.

"CMDR Greedy was appointed Director of Music -Navy and head of the Royal Australian Navy Musician Branch in January 1993.

"Musical highlights of his directorship have included: veteran pilgrimages to Borneo, Gallipoli and Crete, numerous tattoos, the Papal visit and open air Mass, and independence celebrations in Vanuatu and the Philippines.

"His appointment as the Director of Music-Australian Defence Force Bands for the 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games and for the Centenary of Federation was a career milestone."

VADM Shackleton's commendation continued," as the Director of Music-ADF Bands, he was responsible for producing and recording the national anthems of all countries who participated in the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"This was a particularly demanding task of national significance.

"The anthems were used at all medal presentation and flag raising ceremonies during the games.

"Much favourable comment was generated from all people with whom he conducted business and his personal commitment to provide the highest level of service was instrumental to the success of the project.

"Commander Greedy was also responsible for coordinating the involvement of ADF Bands in the public domain concerts and the opening and closing ceremonies of these games.

"Demanding a very demanding work schedule, he achieved excellent results on this task, "This reflected well on the image of the ADF and in particular the Royal Australian Navy."

CN wrote that as the Director of Music-Navy, CMDR Greedy implemented a Direct Entry Musician Scheme for qualified musicians and a Tertiary Musician Entrance Scheme for undergraduates who were completing their last year of a music performance degree.

"He should be justifiably proud of his achievements, which are in the highest traditions of the RAN," VADM Shackleton concluded.

CMDR Greedy, a resident of Potts Point in Sydney, plans to retire to Norfolk Island and leave his baton in storage.

By Graham Davis