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SHE’S BACK: Stuart arrives back in Sydney after five months. |
Volume 49, No. 20, November 02, 2006
By LCDR Mick Gallagher
As HMAS Stuart rounded the Opera House at Bennelong Pt, upon her return to Sydney from a five-month overseas deployment, the sound of the lone piper, ABBM Cory Ryan, could be heard.
“We brought the Pacific sunshine with us,” said Stuart’s XO, LCDR Brian Schlegel.
Moving slowly up the harbour on a glorious spring morning, the Anzac Class frigate passed by her usual berth at Garden Island (FBE) and came alongside the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay.
HMAS Stuart returned to Sydney on October 13, after participating in three major combined exercises: RIMPAC, AUSTHAI and Bersama Padu.
It was during RIMPAC that Stuart fired the 99th and 100th worldwide Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles.
Not only were family and friends there to welcome her home, the harbour side locals and tourists had a ringside view of the grey funnel line vessel.
“After five months away, it’s fantastic to be back,” Stuart’s Commanding Officer Peter Leavy said. He was greeted by his wife Anna, their daughter Erin (5), and many family friends.
Also on the wharf was Taylor (9) with a large sign “Welcome back Uncle James”.
The message was for POET James Phair who had joined the ship in February.
“It’s great to have the family welcome me home,” PO Phair said.
Shortly after arriving alongside, the ship was open to family and friends with a ship’s tour conducted by MIDN Melanie Gore.
Stuart moved to FBE the following day and participated in the launch of the new Navy Lifestyle website, televised live on board on October 23.
HMAS Stuart departed Sydney that evening for a five-month refit at Williamstown dockyard in Victoria.
