Nowra welcomes home their own
“You’ve done good­-we are very proud of you” — Minister Vale

By Graham Davis

Minister Vale joins CDRE Ledger as he takes the salute from the Creswell Guard. Local MP Joanna Gash joined them as did the Mayor Cr Greg Watson.

Youngsters of all ages turned out for the day.

His Worship the Mayor Cr Greg Watson addresses the gathering.

Navy Cadets proudly carry the banner All Photos: ABPH Neil Richards

The Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Mrs Danna Vale, using the vernacular, told 200 sailors in Nowra early last month, “you’ve done good.”

“We are very proud of you.”

The Minister was praising the efforts of 200 members of the ship’s company of HMAS Albatross who deployed to Operations Slipper, Falconer, and Relex 1 and II, and to those who remained at home to support them. The Minister delivered her praise during a Welcome Home Parade through the shopping centre of Nowra, sponsored by the Shoal­haven City Council.

More than 1000 people, many waving Australian flags, lined the route to cheer the sailors along with a handful of Army and RAAF personnel, as they marched proudly by.

Tally bands of HMAS Kanimbla, 816 and 817 Squadrons indicated the units of many of the participants. No 816 Squadron had sent its Seahawks while 817 had deployed its Sea Kings.

In brilliant sunshine the Nowra Brass Band led off the parade.

Next came a guard made up of young officers from HMAS Creswell.

Senior officers from the base, CAPT Simon Cullen (Base CO) and LCDR Ken Macaulay-Black (CO 817 SQN) followed.
At the city mall the marchers halted and were told by Mayor, Councillor Greg Watson, “you are carrying out the great tradition of protecting the sovereignty of Australia.

“Thank you for being part of our community.”

Local Federal MP Joanna Gash continued with the praise for those who had deployed and those who supported them.

She used the analogy “a quitter never wins. A winner never quits. You are all winners.”

CDRE Geoff Ledger who commands the Aviation FEG went to the microphone to report: “the operational tempo does not seem to be abating.” To the ship’s company he said, “well done to you all.”

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