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Sydney
flies goodwill flag
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MC
AUST, RADM Raydon Gates with Sydney’s CO CMDR Daryl
Bates.
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While
in China members of Sydney’s ship’s company visited
the Great Wall.
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In recent
weeks the RAN’s 4,100-tonne guided missile frigate HMAS Sydney
has been involved in friendship visits to the Philippines, China
and Japan.
With a ship’s company of more than 200 led by CMDR Daryl Bates,
the ship has flown the flag of the RAN and strengthened links with
the three nations.
The ship’s public relations officer LEUT Simon Carroll provided
this report and pictures from the deployment so far.
HMAS Sydney conducted a visit to Manila from September 17-21. It’s
a hospitable port, with many tours incorporating local historical
sites on offer.
After berthing on the morning of September 17, Sydney hosted an
official reception attended by senior officers and staff from both
the Philippines Navy and the Australian Embassy. The commanding
officer of Sydney, CMDR Daryl Bates welcomed all to the occasion
and highlighted the unique relationship that exists between the
two nations.
Group Captain Sutton, the Australian Defence Attache to the Philippines,
thanked CMDR Bates for his hospitality and reaffirmed Australia’s
commitment to regional stability and cooperation. The night was
finalised with Sydney’s guard and band conducting a Ceremonial
Sunset.
Several sports were contested, with golf-tours being a highlight
for many. In addition, Sydney fielded teams in soccer, volleyball,
basketball and rugby.
In a close game of rugby, hosted at the Nomad’s oval, Sydney
went down to the Manila Nomads 22-19. Soccer was likewise fiercely
contested, the two sides achieving a 4-all draw. Volleyball and
basketball, however, saw the Philippine National Navy sides shine,
dominating three sets to none and 78-34 respectively.
Departing on September 21, Sydney was joined by the Philippine Navy
patrol craft HEN Antonio Luna for Officer-Of-the-Watch manoeuvres.
The two ships spent over an hour in company with several personnel
able to cross-deck and experience the other nation’s lifestyle.
A feature of recent RAN deployments through North East Asia has
been the inclusion of ports in China, previously limited for the
ships of western navies. The latest visit, by HMAS Sydney to the
port of Qingdao, saw yet more evidence of the developing relationship
between the navies of Australia and China.
Qingdao is located on the Chinese northeast coast and is a significant
centre of industry and commerce, boasting a population of ten million.
Arriving on September 25, Sydney was greeted with a rousing ceremony
with the turnout of hundreds of Chinese sailors.
ADML Ding, the Commander of the Chinese North Sea Fleet, was on
hand to meet the ship along with the Maritime Commander of Australia,
RADM Raydon Gates. ADML Ding welcomed Sydney and her ship’s
company to China, expressing his gladness at the ever-improving
relationships between the two countries and the common bond between
sailors of all nations. RADM Gates thanked ADML Ding for his words
and highlighted the recent exchanges as hopeful examples for the
future.
Sydney’s officers and senior sailors then enjoyed a true Chinese
banquet, with any language difficulties soon being overcome in the
jovial atmosphere. Sydney hosted a reciprocal function the following
evening at which Chinese guests sampled Australian-style BBQ treats,
such as kangaroo and crocodile, while also viewing a Ceremonial
Sunset.
During the course of the visit, more than 90 of Sydney’s ship’s
company took the opportunity to visit Beijing. After an early morning
departure from Qingdao, the tour groups were taken to sites of great
cultural and historical significance, including the centuries-old
Ming tombs, the Great Wall of China and Tiannamen Square.
After a sumptuous dinner the ‘tourists’ were astounded
by the talents of Chinese acrobats, performing feats of extreme
flexibility, strength and coordination. During the second day they
visited the magnificent Summer Palace and Forbidden City, returning
to Sydney with fond memories.
Prior to departing, CMDR Daryl Bates met RADM Du, Chief of Staff
to the North Sea Fleet Commander, and extended his thanks for the
hospitality of Sydney’s Chinese hosts. RADM Du expressed his
satisfaction at the success of the visit and the good impression
made by the ship’s company of HMAS Sydney.
No doubt visits between the two navies will become even more common
in the future based on the strength of such sentiments.
Sydney leaves China for her next commitment in Nagasaki, Japan,
and the forthcoming Japanese Fleet Review.
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