Kuttabul out in full force

The parade marches past CDRE Geoff Geraghty at HMAS Kuttabul.

Photo: ABPH Brenton Freind

Reviewing officer CDRE Geoff Geraghty takes the salute at HMAS Kuttabul.

Photo: ABPH Brenton Freind

By LCDR Mick Gallagher

A sea of white descended on HMAS Kuttabul last month when lodger units paraded for divisions.

CDRE Geoff Geraghty, the Commander Australian Navy Systems Command (CANSC), was the reviewing officer for the parading Systems Command (SYSCOM) lodger units.

“The large complex nature of HMAS Kuttabul and her units is well appreciated,” said CDRE Geraghty.

“Unless SYSCOM gets it right, it makes it difficult for the fleet to operate effectively.”

There are some 4,000 personnel in SYSCOM units across Australia.

It includes all lodger units except HMAS Albatross which belongs to the Maritime Commander RADM Rowan Moffitt.

CANSC emphasised the importance of Sea Change.

“It is about bringing the Navy together. It is about you,” said CDRE Geraghty.

Sea Change will cover areas such as family, career, postings, communication, image, ethos, pride and leadership.

“You all have responsibility for leadership.

A manager watches things happen, a leader makes things happen.”

The CDRE thanked the efforts of Mr Michael Parkinson - manager Sydney transport, and WOMT Peter Stephens – manager Endeavour House Sydney.

He also thanked CMDR Brian Eagles, CO HMAS Kuttabul, for his fine leadership.

CMDR Eagles joined the RAN as a Recruit Writer in 1967 and was commissioned in 1988.

He leaves the RAN at the end of the year after 37 years of service.

CDRE Geraghty took the opportunity to present a Deputy Chief of Joint Operations Commendation (MAJGEN M Evans) to LCDR Kimbal Dunsmore for his outstanding service as the Maritime Task Group Operations Officer while serving in HMAS Manoora during Operation ANODE in the Solomon Islands in 2003.

He also received his Defence Long Service Medal.

LCDR Dunsmore was congratulated by his mother Mrs Pam Dunsmore and his wife Moira who, along with their children, attended the ceremonial divisions.

“It was a very busy and challenging part in my life,” said LCDR Dunsmore. COMAUSNAVSYSCOM Commendations were presented to CPOSTD Rebekah Day for outstanding dedication in the management of the wardroom HMAS Kuttabul, and to POET Nicholas Knight for outstanding performance as the Fleet Base Coordinator at Port Services Sydney.

“This has been a highlight of my 18 years in the RAN,” said CPO Day.

The parade was conducted to precision under the direction of CPOB Greg Morris of Command Ceremonial, Guard Commander LEUT Paul Applegate, and WOMUSN Leslie Wright from the RAN Band-Sydney Detachment.

It was the first divisions held at HMAS Kuttabul for new XO, LCDR David Jones and Command Warrant Officer Darren Jeffs.

On completion of divisions CDRE Geraghty carried out a walkround of HMAS Kuttabul including morning tea with personnel in the Junior Sailors’ Café.

The present establishment of HMAS Kuttabul takes her name from the RAN auxiliary accommodation vessel which was sunk at Garden Island during the Japanese midget submarine attack on Sydney Harbour on the night of May 31, 1942.

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