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Australia celebrates with pride
By Michael Brooke

Volume 50, No. 1, February 8, 2007
 
IN THE GROOVE: PO Dennis Mercer plays with the Navy Band on the flight deck of HMAS Manoora during Australia Day celebrations in Sydney. Manoora was described as the “jewel in the crown” of the event.
Photo: ABPH Andrew Dakin
 
FLAG DUTY: LS Brian Lane and LS Scott Stevens acted as flag bearers during Australia Day events in Brisbane.
Photo: Graham Davis
 
FACE OF NAVY: A member of the guard in Melbourne.
Photo: ABPH Quentin Mushins
 
The Navy played a key role in the Australian Defence Force’s contribution to Australia Day celebrations on January 26.

The RAN kicked off the Australia Day celebrations in Sydney when a Sea King helicopter from Nowra’s 817 Squadron led the fleet by flying over Sydney Harbour. Later in the afternoon two helicopters performed search and rescue displays at Sydney’s Farm Cove and Milson’s Point.

HMAS Manoora (CMDR Charles McHardie), heralded as the “jewel in the crown” of the activities, was Flag Ship for the Australia Day Regatta, with more than 100 guests and ship’s company enjoying a memorable Australia Day afloat.

Guests included Sir James Hardy, President of the Australia Day Regatta, Fleet Commander Australia, RADM Davyd Thomas, Land Commander Australia MAJGEN Mark Kelly, and Air Commander Australia AVM John Quaife.

The regatta – under one name or another – has been held every year since 1837. It is the world’s oldest continuous annual sailing regatta, which began when a group of Sydney citizens decided to celebrate the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet.

The Navy’s sail training ship Young Endeavour competed in the tall ships’ race and the parade of sail.

Endeavour’s contribution culminated in Darling Harbour that evening after embarking the Australian Youth Choir who, with the ship’s youth crew, stood aloft and sang I Am Australian to the revellers.

The RAN Band also entertained members of the public at a performance at the Harbourside amphitheatre.

The ADF contribution climaxed with an F-111 from Number 6 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, lighting up the Sydney sky with its famous dump and burn manoeuvre over Darling Harbour, after the Australia Day Spectacular fireworks.