Brunei takes top billing

CO HMAS Brunei leads his crew at the head of the Port Douglas Carnivale. Photo by Alison Aprhys.

CHAP Col Acton (centre) joined fellow clerics for the blessing of the fleet.

By LCDR Jeff Williams
The ship’s company of landing craft HMAS Brunei (LCDR Jeff WIlliams) had a pleasant surprise during a visit to Port Douglas in Far North Queensland last month.

The officers and sailors and their ship became one of the main attractions for the centre’s Carnivale. The ship’s company was asked to lead the street parade.

The celebrations began with the Blessing of the Fleet on the harbour foreshore. RAN Chaplain Col Acton joined local spiritual leaders for this age old tradition.

That evening the ship’s company fell in and, with the CO setting the pace, led the parade through the streets of Port Douglas watched by a large crowd.

CPO Des Connors didn’t march, he rode the parade on the back of a Harley Davidson trike.

The applause and cheering from the crowd was deafening when the ship’s company was presented to the mayor of the town.

LCDR Williams received another surprise when he was presented with the “keys to the city”.

All too soon it was time to leave and Brunei continued her passage to Darwin for Exercise Predator.

 

.