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Adelaide
celebrates an early Christmas
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The
Christmas Island celebrations involved ABSN Derek Klau running
the dart throwing stall.
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HMAS
Adelaide (CMDR David Johnston) has helped the community of Christmas
Island celebrate its 44th Anniversary of becoming an Australian
Territory in a week-long festival.
CMDR Johnston said: “The opportunity to provide assistance
to the Christmas Island community by raising funds for charity was
worthwhile.
The festival allowed the ship’s company to participate in a
number of friendly sporting events, further building the relationship
between the community and the RAN”.
At the Territory Week auction, Adelaide donated a ship’s plaque,
ballcap and other items which fetched a total $350.
The ship also provided personnel to set up and run a sideshow alley
at the Christmas Island markets, which was a big success with the
kids both big and small.
Led by CPOCSM Gary Mason, 12 of the ship’s company participated
in the Christmas Island golf day, a three ball ambrose, with the
ever-present possibility of losing a golf ball to one of the large
robber crabs on the course being a highlight.
At the Christmas Island Sports Day, Adelaide fielded teams in the
men and women’s tug-o-war, rubber chicken run and wheelie bin
races.
While the events were ‘friendly’, the competition was
fierce with the women and men’s tug-o-war teams being defeated
1-2.
While not wanting to sound like sore-losers, there was suspicion
that the ‘homeground advantage’ of the Christmas Island
team pulling from down the slope may have had something to do with
their wins!
Regardless, all had a great deal of fun and it was clear the locals
enjoyed the navy’s participation.
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