By
Alicia Miriklis
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SMNBM
William Healy breaks the Eels flag on the Ensign staff of
HMAS Parramatta.
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Photo:
LSPH Bill Louys
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Glitz
and glamour came to HMAS Parramatta (CMDR Michael Noonan) when
the Parramatta Eels rugby league team launched its 2004 season
from the flight deck of the Anzac class frigate on Thursday, March
4.
Cocktail dresses and pinstripe suits contrasted well with navy
uniforms when players, friends, colleagues and media joined naval
personnel on board Parramatta for the season launch.
The Eels team colours of blue and gold were reflected in the transformation
of the flight deck to a cocktail party venue, from the seat covers
to an unusual blue champagne concoction.
Signal flags were displayed in the hangar and spelled out “Parramatta
Eels 2004”, adding colour to the occasion.
The RAN band provided the perfect musical backdrop for dancing
and the cocktail food proved a winner.
The Eels enjoy a close working relationship with the ship’s company
of Parramatta and the launch was one of many joint activities
undertaken.
CMDR Mike Noonan joined Eels coach Brian Smith in recognising
the importance of the working relationship and wishing the Eels
all the best for the 2004 season.
