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Silent service - Charity ride a trip of a lifetime
By John Martin
Volume 50, No. 14, August 09, 2007 |
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When five civilians bid $65,000 for a trip in RAN submarine HMAS Farncomb, they did not know what to expect.
“We all boarded the submarine with our own expectations but nothing could have prepared us for the adventure ahead,” the men said in a letter of thanks to CDRE Richard Shalders, Commander Australian Navy Submarine Group (CANSG), HMAS Stirling.
Fleet Command had agreed to provide the unique auction item of a submarine ride for the Ronald McDonald House Charities Mercedes-Benz Ball for 2006. The prize package included:
- a luncheon and briefing with CANSG;
- an interactive tour of the shore-base submarine facilities;
- an opportunity to go to sea in a submarine.
The men’s dream voyage happened last month. The men – John Edwards, Greg Brindle, Steve Harris, Jeff Bird and Terry Creasey – joined HMAS Farncomb at Rockingham and were taken to Albany under the command of CMDR Mark Hammond.
“Whilst we anticipated that a leisurely underwater cruise was on the cards, Commander Hammond certainly had other ideas,” the men said in their letter.
“Through a series of drills and real life operations we were able to gain a very special insight into the life of our silent fleet and the crew members who serve on them.
“We remained tactical for three days and through the enthusiasm and patience of the submariners onboard we were able to learn the basic principals of submarine operations. We also have a new appreciation for the quality and dedication of the men onboard as they face real challenges and hardships every day the submarine is at sea.
“From the training day to stepping off the sub we were treated with enthusiasm and friendliness.”
The visitors thanked the submarine and crew on behalf of the children and parents at Ronald McDonald House for such a wonderful experience. “Although our team provided the well-needed cash for this important charity, you and your team made the major contribution and provided an absolutely unforgettable experience.” |
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ON COMMS: ABAWASM Wayne Morgan talks to sailors on the fin of HMAS Farncomb.
Photo: ABPH Lincoln |
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MARRY THE LINES: ABAWASM Stuart Walz helps to berth HMAS Farncomb.
Photo: ABPH Lincoln |
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SUB DUTY: ABETSM Liv Brown signs HMAS Farncomb’s inertial navigation log.
Photo: ABPH Lincoln
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SPICY MEAL: LSCKSM Steven Rowell mixes the chilli con carne he is preparing for dinner.
Photo: ABPH Lincoln
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FORMED UP: Submariners stand ‘at ease’ on the forward casing while HMAS Farncomb comes into harbour.
Photo: ABPH Lincoln
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PLOT THE COURSE: Navigator’s Yeoman ABAWASN Stuart Walz works at the chart table.
Photo: ABPH Lincoln |
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TOP OF THE FIN: LSCTSSM Pete Martin looks out from HMAS Farncomb towards Albany.
Photo: ABPH Lincoln |
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