Huon heroes in Eden

More than 800 people lined the wharf in Eden recently to take a look onboard coastal minehunter HMAS Huon.

The appearance of two playful Southern Right whales as HMAS Huon (LCDR Barry Jones) sailed south for the fishing town of Eden, was the perfect start for the ship’s three-day visit.

After all, Huon was to be a major attraction at the Eden Whale Festival and later at Ex Dugong.

From the moment she arrived alongside, the members of the ship’s company were embraced as the new ‘stars’ in town.

First to visit the ship was a group of local primary school children, and when one young girl asked the CO for an autograph, a stampede began for autographs by anyone in Navy uniform.

This enthusiastic scene set the tone for the entire weekend.

A highlight of the annual Eden Whale Festival is the parade down the main street, where Huon’s crew took itsplace and received warm applause from the people who lined the streets.

Local interest was further evident when the ship opened her gangway to the public. More than 800 people stood in line over the course of the weekend to inspect the ship.

Ship’s company members went up against the local football team in some creatively named competition, the Capstan ‘Blubber Pull’ and the ‘Timber-Jinker’ pull. It might have taken them a couple of goes to learn the fine art of the blubber pull, but the Huon One Tonners managed to take out the honours.

As for the other event...LCDR Jones said, “It would appear our skills lie at sea rather than ashore”.

After a hectic visit, Huon returned to sea before commencing Ex Dugong also held out of Eden in Twofold Bay last month.

• By Raveena Carroll
  

.