Bush telegraph sends message

Divisions at Albatross hear praise from US President George W. Bush. Photo: CPOPH Dick Green

Iraq visit: Defence Minister Robert Hill and SGT Michael Neil in Baghdad.

US President George W. Bush has praised the work of the Navy’s helicopter flights in the Gulf.

The Maritime Commander, RADM Raydon Gates, passed on the President’s plaudits in a written address to Divisions at HMAS Albatross on October 31.

Because RADM Gates was ill with a viral infection, his address was read to the 700 assembled sailors, soldiers and airmen, not only from Australia but the UK and US, by the commander of the Navy’s Aviation FEG, CDRE Geoff Ledger.

The address was given with the four helicopter types now operated by the Fleet Air Arm - the Sea King, Seahawk, Squirrel and the new Super Seasprite - in the background.

Reading the Maritime Commander’s message, CDRE Ledger said the Fleet Air Arm’s tempo had been exceptional.

The US President had praised the work of the Navy flights in the Gulf.
Sea King and Seahawk helicopters operated in support of the war against terrorism.

“I am very proud of your achievements,” RADM Gates said in his statement.
He described the Sea Kings as “mission enablers.”

RADM Gates also applauded flights that had served in Operation Relex and those that had worked in the Solomons.
He welcomed the Seasprites to the RAN and said Fleet Air Arm recruiting was “well positioned for the future.”

“You have won the right to stand tall here today,” the Maritime Commander concluded.
CDRE Ledger continued with his own remarks declaring “there is an exciting and challenging time for us in the next 12 months”.

Civic leaders, heads of Shoalhaven emergency services and 60 family members and friends attended the impressive
turnout.

The guard was led on to the tarmac by the Sydney detachment of the RAN Band.

The band was under the baton of LEUT Paul Cottier.

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