I
am writing to express my view and concern regarding the Fleet
Base car park in Woolloomooloo Sydney.
I have been in the RAN for over 17 years and in that time I
have served on several ships and have been issued, at various
times, car passes to enable me to park my car in the South Block
car park whilst I am at work.
Whilst posted ashore I have not been able to park my car in
the car park during working hours, however was able to utilise
this facility after hours and on weekends.
I can confidently say that on all occasions when I utilised
the car park on weekends there was ample parking to be found.
I am currently posted to HMAS Watson and had only heard on the
grapevine about the new “swipe card” system that is
now in place in the Fleet Base Car park.
I wasn’t sure if this new system would negate sailor’s
ability to utilise this facility on weekends or indeed after
hours but alas and to my disappointment it does.
I attempted to park in the South Block car park on the weekend
only to be turned away as I didn’t have a “swipe card”.
I am fully aware that in the past some people have abused the
system regarding the car park and that managing the car park
must be difficult at best.
My question is, are Naval personnel going to able to use this
facility on weekends and after hours ever again? After all I
assume it was built for the use of Naval personnel in the first
place.
Name and address witheld
Step
back in time to asbestos memories
With
refernce to Page 2, Navy News, September 8, what about all the
Birdies from the mid 1950’s and up to the mid 1960’s
and their contact with asbestos?
Why that time frame? When we operated Sea Venom and Vampire
aircraft the line sailors would place an asbestos fire blanket
over the tail of the aircraft, to protect the tailplane in the
event of a ‘wet start’ which was a large ball of fuel
burning outside the exhaust.
After flight ops, we would carry these blankets up to the hanger
if it was raining ... common at HMAS Albatross. We would then
shelter under them on the flight line.
We know that asbestos is dangerous now, but in the ‘60’s
we did not know.
John Miller
EX- POATA
Now living in California
Bulletin
board
Get
together in Perth
Leeuwin milestone
2005 marks the 40th anniversary of the post-in of the first
WBM Marks Division at HMAS Leeuwin. To celebrate this milestone,
a series of activities have been organised in Perth. All former
members of the Division, along with their partners, are encouraged
to attend. The program includes an official visit to Garden
Island and reception in the Senior Sailors Mess (October 7),
candlelight dinner in the former wardroom at HMAS Leeuwin (October
8) and Service of Remembrance (October 9). For more information
and to book your spot, contact Terry TC Frankland on 0411 595
959 or email at wealth@iinet.net.au.
Hungry to meet
Victuallers planning underway
The RAN Victuallers Reunion will be held in Hobart on the weekend
of October 28-30. For further information contact Glenn Jackson
(03) 6229 5400 or write to PO Box 27, Kingston Beach, Tasmania
7050 or email glennbarb@ozemail.com.au.
Seeking old mate
Ex Navy Seaman rate in 1980’s
Peter Spilby is trying to locate Don Hughes, who was a Seaman
rate during the 80’s who was awarded a bravery award at
Government House. If you can assist Peter in finding him, please
email spibypetern@hotmail.com
Seeking shoulder flash
Tingira era
Darryl Wynne-Allen, ex Cerberus JR 1964 is trying to obtain
a Tingira shoulder flash to complete his honour board. Please
contact him at rite_way@ozemail.com.au
or phone (03) 6382 2191.
Photographic memories sought
The late ABMT Roger Lamothe
The parents of the late ABMT Roger Lamothe, who passed away
on April 27, 2003 while serving at HMAS Stirling, are seeking
photographs of him. They currently have only four photographs
of him during his Navy service. They will cover all costs associated
with reproduction and postage. Please contact Roger Lamothe
(Snr) at roger.lamothe@defence.gov.au
or phone (02) 4964 6964
Duchess reunion in Fremantle
Seeking ex-crew members
Attention Ex-HMAS Duchess crew (all ranks): National President
of the HMAS Duchess Association Jim Flood is organizing a HMAS
Duchess reunion in Fremantle W.A. on October 27, 28 and 29 2006.
Those interested should contact him on (08) 92434470 or email
to fludzbloodno1@ozzienet.net.au.
Will be big event with ex-crew coming from all over Australia.
Reunion touted for 2006
Remember Nirimba
The 50th anniversary of the founding of the RAN training establishment
HMAS Nirimba will occur in 2006. To mark the occasion, it is
proposed to hold a reunion the Anzac week of 2006 in Canberra.
For more information contact Jake Jacobs on (02) 6265 1694 or
email alfred.jacobs@defence.gov.au
or Kevin Assenheim on (02) 6161 3875 or email krassen@webone.com.au.
Class of 1954-1955
Hawkesbury crewmen
John Sheahan is hoping to get in touch with past crewmen (1954
to 1955) from HMAS Hawkesbury. If you can assist email sheahanshouse@optusnet.com.au.
