 |
WHAT’S
IN A NAME: Naming Lady for NUSHIP Albany, Mrs Annette Knight, with gifts’
presenter, Ebony Daniels, and Naming Lady for NUSHIP Pirie, Mrs Margaret Humphrey.
|
Photo:
ABPH Quentin Mushinss |
By
Hugh McKenzie
Volume
49, No. 3, March 9, 2006
The
two latest Armidale Class Patrol Boats have been named at Austal’s Henderson
ship yard near Fremantle.
Not yet members of the RAN Fleet, NUSHIPS Albany
and Pirie will continue sea trials and work-ups prior to their commissioning later
this year.
Addressing the gathering CN, VADM Russ Shalders, AO, CSC, RAN, said
the Armidale Class Patrol Boats excited him greatly.
“I wish that
I were 25 years younger and that I was about to take command,” he said.
“I
was thrilled to be in Darwin last weekend for the commissioning of Larrakia and
Bathurst, and I look forward to similar events for these two new ships in a few
short months.
“When commissioned, Albany’s motto will be Stand
Tall – entirely appropriate for a ship that will be in the frontline patrolling
and protecting Australian waters and interests from illegal activities. Pirie’s
motto of Mark of Quality, exemplifies the traditions and heritage of her predecessor.
‘I
wish that I were 25 years younger and that I was about to take command.’
–
VADM Shalders AO, CSC, RAN
“Today,
we look forward to the bright future that the Armidale Class Patrol Boats will
provide. Albany and Pirie will continue to serve and protect Australia, contributing
to the preservation of our way of life with the same pride and tradition our nation
has grown to expect from men and women of the Royal Australian Navy.”
The
ceremonial naming, which has its roots dating back to Babylon in the third millennium
BC, was performed by Mrs Annette Knight, a former Mayor of the City of Albany,
for Albany, and Mrs Margaret Humphrey, daughter of LEUT Ellershaw, the Gunnery
Officer killed in action in HMAS Pirie I off Papua New Guinea during WWII, for
Pirie.
Mrs Knight said a great deal of effort had gone into getting a Navy
ship named for her city.
“I have to thank CN, VADM Russ Shalders,
because he was on the receiving end of a great many phone calls and letters,”
she said.
Mrs Humphrey, showed a great deal of emotion and thanked the
six former crew members of HMAS Pirie I who attended the ceremony.
“This
brings back many memories, particularly of my mother who preserved my father’s
memory for me.
I know I was taken to the commissioning of HMAS Pirie I
but I was two at the time and sadly I have no memory of the ceremony,” she
said.
Back
