Eels visit our newest ship

By Peter Johnson

L-R: Parramatta Coach, Brian Smith, the COof Parramatta, CMDR Mike Noonan, PO David Wheeler, and Parramatta President, Alan Overton with the flag. Photo: SGT Dave Grant

Hoisting signal flags is a Navy communications tradition dating back centuries.

So it was no surprise that when Nuship Parramatta acquired a new flag on August 16 the CO, CMDR Mike Noonan, announced it would be put to work - during Replenishment at Sea (RAS) operations.

The flag is the official emblem of the Parramatta Eels Rugby League Club, which Nuship Parramatta hosted for afternoon tea the day before the team took on Melbourne Storm in Melbourne. Eighteen Parramatta players and 12 support staff visited the ship at the Tenix dockyard, Williamstown.

The Parramatta President, Mr Alan Overton, presented the Eels flag to CMDR Noonan on the frigate’s flight deck.

Mr Overton said Parramatta was proud that the soon-to-be HMAS Parramatta “has become involved with a club such as ours.”

CMDR Noonan assured the team that the Eels flag would be used during ship refuelling operations at sea.

“It is a tradition to hoist a special flag when you break away from RAS,” he said. “This will be the flag.”

The Eels were treated to an afternoon tea of cake, fruit, cordial, tea and coffee and also became the proud owners of Parramatta baseball caps. They also received a guided tour of the ship.

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