Ceremonial change for Manoora

CMDR Martin Brooker thanks his command during CO’s Divisions. Photo: ABPH Brenton Freind

By LEUT Greg Crass

After 19 months in command of HMAS Manoora, CMDR Martin Brooker will be fondly remembered by his crew for leading them through a busy and operationally challenging period.

Ceremonial divisions to bid CMDR Brooker farewell and welcome new CO, CMDR Andrew Rourke, were recently undertaken in true naval tradition beside the LPA at Fleet Base East.

Manoora was in dry dock undergoing maintenance and an upgrade after a taxing period of operations including Operation Slipper, Operation Anode and amphibious exercises off the east coast of Australia. She refloated on Monday, July 12.

CMDR Brooker acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the ship’s company and made special mention of a number of the crew for their efforts in making his time in command successful. He has since moved onto his next role as Chief Staff Officer Warfare in MHQ.

CMDR Rourke joins the ship following a two-year stint ashore in the Plans shop at HQAST, as well as serving on HMAS Brisbane as her last XO before decommissioning. He has also had previous sea command on STS Young Endeavour.

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