Volume 49, No. 20, November 02, 2006
ROWE YOUR BOAT

Tartan Terror stars on Today

 

NOW HEAR THIS: Today show presenter Jessica Rowe interviews LS Amy Ryan at the launch of the Navy Lifestyle website onboard HMAS Stuart. Photo: ABPH Brenton Freind

ON SET: HMAS Stuart’s CO CMDR Peter Leavy is interviewed by Channel Nine’s Today show presenter, Karl Stefanovic, on the ship’s bridge.

By LCDR Mick Gallagher

It was lights, cameras and action when the Channel Nine Today show team broadcast live from the Tartan Terror – HMAS Stuart on October 23.
Sitting at buoy in Sydney Harbour on a sunny morning, with the Harbour Bridge as a natural backdrop, the Anzac Class frigate was a perfect picture.
At 6am LSCSO Kris Peterson piped “calls the hands” on the Bosun’s Call as the show got underway.

On the flight deck of Stuart, presenters Jessica Rowe and Karl Stefanovic prepared for their Navy experience.

They were supported below decks by Cameron Williams and Steve Jacobs with Richard Wilkins ashore at nearby Garden Island with the RAN Band-Sydney Detachment.
The occasion was to promote the nationwide launch of the Navy Lifestyle website. This event was a major element of a joint recruiting campaign and profile-raising activity for Navy and the ADF.

The Today show presenters gave an overview of conditions and life aboard a Navy ship, interviewing many of the ship’s company during a viewers’ tour of the ship and her activities.
Viewers were introduced to the ship’s weapon’s systems, the CO’s valet LSSTD Lewis Bunt and the CO’s cabin, LS Peter Fry in the main galley, and the main cafe where CHAP Murray Lund and Junior sailors were interviewed.

Working out in the ship’s gym was LSPT Travis Lovell who emphasised that the Navy involved not just physical training, but building mental morale as well.

There was a boarding party re-enactment from HMAS Ballarat, Navy divers, and a sea-winching of presenter Steve Jacobs from the waters of Sydney Harbour by a Seahawk helicopter.
Stuart’s XO, LCDR Brian Schlegel was in the Operations Room, in charge of the missile attack exercise. “Exocet bearing 332” and the Ops Room was in action.
With all this going on, the Navy Rock band ashore at GI, near the historic boatshed and museum, played on.

POMED Nicole Grundy, LSCIS Amy Ryan, and ABCIS Sarah Cruickshank were interviewed on what they thought of the Navy lifestyle.

“Navy is a good opportunity to travel overseas, job security, and you’re treated as an equal,” said LS Ryan.

Also interviewed were Maritime Commander RADM Davyd Thomas and Defence Minister Brendan Nelson, who both highlighted the benefits of becoming a member of the RAN.
The presenters gave a special mention to LEUT Gillian Brownlie, Navy Events Manager for coordinating the Navy Lifestyle launch.

After the show, Stuart’s ship’s company retreated from the limelight.
“A big thank you to all the sailors on board HMAS Stuart, you’ve made us so welcome this morning,” said Jessica Rowe.

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