Over
to you. . .
Old
firm in good hands
On
ANZAC Day we were joined by a group of the ship’s company
of HMAS Tobruk.
They asked permission to join us and we were happy to have them
swell our ranks. They provided banner bearers and marched with
usual Navy aplomb.
On completion they attended our reunion and their conduct was
exemplary. They were a credit to the Service.
At a time when modern Australian youth receives a lot of adverse
publicity, with people like this in the RAN I am sure the Old
Firm is in good hands.
I always thought the Navy attracted the best types. My thanks
and best wishes to all concerned.
L.J. Weatherhead
HMAS Anzac Association
Lounge
yachting proves safest
It
is disappointing to see the ADFSC has removed offshore/ocean yachting
from the list of approved sports.
I wonder on what basis this has been done?
I seem to recall one newspaper report that attributed the decision
to the Government sp;ocotpr/
There is no doubt that there are risks associated with sports
such as offshore sailing/racing.
However, surely there is no disputing that the ability to operate
safely and effectively as a team in potentially hazardous and
risky environments is a skill required by all ADF members.
Perhaps Nintendo have an offshore racing game that we can all
play safely at home instead!
Ian Campbell
LCDR RAN
MS
ambassador says thanks for directions
I
am a former LEUT WEEO who served on HMAS Vampire and HMAS
Swan in the 1980s.
I left the service in 1988, to work on the Collins Class submarine
programme. I enjoy receiving Navy News, as I sometimes look back
and wonder what my life would have been like had I stayed.
However, that will remain a dream because I was diagnosed with
multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1997 and forced to retire from my IT
career in 2001. My wife also became permanently disabled with
a serious neurological condition around the same time.
I want to thank you for your article on the Veterans Vocational
Rehabilitation Scheme in 2002. I was in a lot of trouble in that
year and now, finding that I am eligible for vocational assistance,
I feel that I have somewhere to go. Especially given that we are
now each others carers!
My wife and I are now involved with the MS society and we want
to do what we can to help those who have serious neurological
problems like MS.
Keep up the good work and hello to those with whom I served. I
remember you well.
Stan Korosi, ex-Leut
stank@bigpond.com
Greeks
say ‘Efharisto’
Thank
you for sending me the April copy of your interesting newspaper.
In the Greek Sub-Branch of the RSL we have quite a few who served
during World War II and afterwards. I write articles in our newspaper
and I’ll copy a few interesting articles to our people. I’m
sure they will enjoy reading it. I also thank you on their behalf.
We are proud of you. Keep up the good work.
Peter Pezas JP, ex-FSGT Greek Air Force attached to the RAAF
during the WWII
Sunnies
out on parade
Navy
News, Edition May 22, 2003, page 14. I noted the picture of HMAS
Stirling’s ship’s company pictured at Mandurah
attending the ANZAC Day march.
What I found bemusing about this photo was that out of the five
members photographed only one member was without sunglasses. I
was under the impression that only prescription glasses were allowed
to be worn on parade.
One of the reasons for not wearing sunglasses on parade is that
the reviewing officer is supposed to look directly at the sailor’s
eyes on the eyes right. How can that be possible when the sailor
is wearing sunglasses?
The matter of wearing, or not wearing sunglasses on parade, needs
tightening so that there is uniformity among sailors when they
are on parade.
LEUT James Crosby
Birdies
not first at sea
In
her article “Kanimbla’s Team Keeps Birdies Aloft”
(NN May 22) LEUT Emily Curtis states, “Kanimbla has six members
that make up the ship’s Aviation Department, including three
musicians.
“This in itself is a first for both the Aviation Department
and any RAN ship.”
I wish to correct this statement.
The carrier HMAS Melbourne had musicians working as temporary
aircraft handlers in 1961 and 1962 as part of their sea-going
duties.
The ‘Birdies’ and the ‘Bandies’ got on very
well back then and we congratulate those who teamed up in 2003
for this great experience.
Jim Hawkins
Hon. Secretary RAN Band Association
Note:
CDF forwarded the letter to the Service Chiefs with the note,
“Well done all concerned”.
The
opinions expressed in letters to the editor do not represent the
views of the editor or the Navy. Sailors wishing to air their
views through letters to the editor have access to the newspaper
without using the chain of command. Letters may be edited. Preference
will be given to letters of fewer than 300 words. The letter will
be published only when it includes the author’s name, unit
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the matter. Send your letters to:
The Editor — Navy Newspaper
R8-LG-039
Department of Defence, Canberra 2600; or email to:
navynews@defencenews.gov.au
Bulletin
Board
RAN
Personnel 50s, 60s 70s Reunion
A reunion of all personnel who served in the RAN during the 1950s
to 1970s is to be held in Orford, Tasmania July 18 and 19. For
further information contact Ernie French 03 6257 1125 or Joseph
Charlton 03 6267 9931
King-Hall Navy History Conference
The third 'King-Hall' Navy History Conference will be held in
Canberra on July 24-25 at the Telstra Theatre, Australian War
Memorial. The broad theme of the conference is 'The Navy and the
Nation'. International keynote speakers include Professor George
Baer from the US Naval War College, Professor Geoffrey Till from
the UK Joint Services Staff College and CMDR David Hobbs, MBE.RN
(Rtd) Curator and Deputy Director of the Fleet Air Arm museum
at RNAS Yeovilton, UK. Contact officer is Mr Dave Griffin on 02-62662654,
fax 02-62662782, or email david.griffin.@cbr.defence.gov.au.
Winter Ball
The Officers' Mess Canberra's annual Winter Ball “Winter
Wonderland: Winter Sports” will be held on Friday July 11
at the ADFA Officer Cadets' Mess. The cost is $55 for financial
mess members and their first three guests, and $70 for non-financial
members. Entertainment will include the Air Command Band, a DJ,
roving entertainers, a big prize draw and lots more. Olims Canberra
Hotel has offered accommodation packages. Information and tickets
http://defweb.cbr.defence.gov.au/adfr2offmess/
or from FLTLT Andrew Harrigan on (02) 626 54108.
2003 Swan Brewery Channel Nine Gold Rush Bash
The annual Bush Bash is scheduled to run from September 12 to
20 though the goldfields of WA.
Since it's inception in WA in 1989, the Bash has raised over $8M
for charity.
We, CPOET Dale Kirgan, LSET Chris Hyde and LSET Joe Mettam from
HMAS Stirling, want to add a 'touch of Navy' to this year's event
and seek support from the naval community.
Sponsorship is needed to purchase a Bash approved vehicle as well
as raise money to cover the minimum donation required for entry.
$10,000 needs to be raised before August 31 in time for commencement
of the bash.
Anyone wishing to support can get further information from Dale
Kirgan (08) 9553 2736 or dale.kirgan@defence.gov.au
Anzac Reunion
All Anzac I, II & III as well as Tobruk personnel are invited
to join us for a great weekend, September 12 - 14 at Club Macquarie,
Lake Macquarie, NSW. Accommodation is available in the surrounding
areas. Cost is $40.00 per head which includes dinner Friday &
Saturday nights and BBQ at Club Macquarie on Sunday night. For
further information and registration form, contact Geoff Bennett
03 9532 3672 or Joseph Charlton 03 6267 9931.
Email
your items for ‘Bulletin Board’ to: navynews@defencenews.gov.au,
or contact the editor by phoning 02-6266 7707.
.
