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SMILES ALL
ROUND: CN Vice Admiral Russ Shalders, AO, CSC, RAN, with
the two commissioning ladies Kylie Herron, left, and Mrs Donna
White, right.
Photo: LSPH Joanne Edwards |
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In time-honoured tradition the words “I
name this ship Wollongong, may God bless all who sail in her,” resonated
around the dock at the Austal facility at Henderson outside Fremantle
in WA.
Kylie Herron was the speaker and she was followed in quick succession
by Donna White who named her ship Childers and also asked for God’s
blessing.
When the words were spoken each of the naming ladies cut a ribbon and
a bottle of champagne swung in a graceful arc to smash on the bow of each
ship as the audience gave vent to a lusty three cheers.
This was the culmination of the day’s ceremonial, some of which dates
back to the reign of Henry VIII, where the two NUSHIPS received their
name and readied for months of trials and testing prior to commissioning.
Mrs Herron is the wife of CMDR Wes Herron (Rtd) a former CO of Wollongong
II. The crew of Wollongong I, a Bathurst Class Corvette, was represented
by Max Marvin a commissioning crew member.
The town of Childers in Queensland was represented by William Trevor,
Mayor of the Shire of Isis.
The Shire of Baw Baw, also the home of a Childers, in Victoria, was not
represented but sent a message of encouragement and support.
Childers’ naming Lady, Donna White is the daughter of the Executive
Chairman of Austal, John Rothwell, who earlier had welcomed guests to
the ceremony.
Greg Hodge, CEO of Defence Maritime Services had also welcomed guests
and began the Church Service, conducted by CHAPS Barrie Yesberg, Bob Hoskin
and Paul Raj, with an introduction to prayer.
Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells spoke as representative of the Minister
for Defence as did CN VADM Russ Shalders AO, CSC, RAN, followed by Greg
Hodge and then RADM Trevor Ruting representing the CEO of DMO Dr Steven
Gumley.
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