A moment for a couple of words, RADM Smith pauses in his inspection with ABCIS Belinda Lotz. Photo by ABPH Yuri Ramsey.

The RAN's new Maritime Commander, RADM Raydon Gates warns that he expects the present hectic operational tempo of the Navy to continue.

Pointing out that the RAN is now the busiest since it has been since World War 2 he said, "there is little on the horizon to see of easing of our demands".

"We will continue with Op Slipper, Op Relex 2, Op Cranberry and Op Bel Isi."

RADM Gates' remarks came during Divisions on the Oil Wharf at Fleet Base East on Friday, July 19.

More than 500 sailors, soldiers and airmen from Australia, a number of US Navy personnel working in Sydney, assembled to first farewell the outgoing Maritime Commander, RADM Geoff Smith and then welcome in the new MC.

The assembled personnel represented the ships, squadrons, units and establishments, which fall under the control of Maritime Headquarters.

RADM Gates continued: "This command is about people, not just about ships".

He extolled those gathered to continue to work together.

"Your hard work must not go unrecognised.
"I am looking at ways to enhance this recognition.
"I look for your ideas."

He concluded his Divisions address by declaring: "I am proud to serve you as your commander".
Minutes earlier in his farewell address, RADM Smith said the position of Maritime Commander was "the best job in the navy".

He said it was an extremely professional organisation and one with honour and pride.

That professionalism had been recognised by the commander of the 5th US Fleet in The Gulf through the way RAN ships and their ship's companies had gone about their work in the region.

"We can do things that many other navies can't do," RADM Smith said.

"This operational tempo is not going to ease.

"We will continue to acquit ourselves well."

He applauded the quality of the people in the Navy.

"The Navy is in very strong hands," he said.

RADM Smith said he departed with sadness.

"It has been a pleasure to command such a professional organisation. It is typified by honour, courage, integrity and loyalty.

"I must thank my wife and my sons," he said.

"This day I will not forget. I am very proud of you all."

When he finished his address, his Chief of Staff, CDRE Les Pataky presented him with a gift.

Then, joined by his wife, Mrs Pam Smith, his mother Mrs Patricia Smith, his sons and other relatives, RADM Smith boarded the Admiral's Barge.

As it pulled away from the wharf an 816 Squadron Seahawk helicopter with a huge White Ensign slung beneath, it appeared around the Garden Island headland.

The aircraft escorted the Maritime Commander as he passed the assembled sailors and their officers. Their hats were raised in final salute.

Then with the City, Opera House and Harbour Bridge as backdrop, he turned east.

MC, RADM Gates, still had one task to perform.

HMAS Manoora was coming back from The Gulf and he took her salute as she passed Athol Bay.

.

By Graham Davis