Making the most of their stay at RAAF Base Richmond are HMS Nottingham Petty Officers Steven Johnson and Steven Mckenzie. Photo by LACW Christine Williams

IN his 15-year career with the Royal Navy, Petty Officer Steven "Mac" Mckenzie had visited virtually every corner of the globe, but there was one country he'd never set foot in - Australia.

When the British destroyer HMS Nottingham struck rocks off Lord Howe Island on July 7, PO Mckenzie and many fellow crew members found themselves with an opportunity to spend about a week in our most famous city.

An Air Force C-130J Hercules transported 138 HMS Nottingham crew from Lord Howe Island to RAAF Base Richmond on July 17, providing the Royal Navy personnel with the chance to experience Air Force hospitality and sneak a peek at the sights of Sydney.

"It's been brilliant. People here [at Richmond] have gone out of their way to help us - nothing's been too much trouble," PO Mckenzie said.

The first group of 78 HMS Nottingham crew were ferried to RAAF Base Richmond just after lunchtime on July 17. Another 60 arrived later that afternoon.

After settling in and catching up on some sleep, the Brits spent the next few days indulging in sporting activities, touring the base and relaxing over a few beers at a nearby pub.

RAAF Base Richmond also provided stationery and equipment to those who needed to get on with their day-to-day work. They were then given weekend leave to see the city and its attractions, a first for many of the ship's company.

"It's certainly what we needed after what happened," Petty Officer Steven Johnson admitted.
"If we could stay longer we would. The lads are really enjoying it."

PO Johnson's stay was made even more enjoyable when his wife flew out from England to join him at the base.

"Before the incident we were on our way to visit New Zealand. We're disappointed we missed out on that but this has made up for it," PO Johnson said.

In addition to the hospitality they received in Sydney, the Nottingham crew expressed gratitude for the support they received from the people of Lord Howe Island.

PO Johnson said that before their departure from Lord Howe, local residents had given the ship's company gifts in the form of souvenirs and books about the island.

Lieutenant Commander Mike Souter said the Royal Navy owed the Lord Howe Islanders a ""huge debt of gratitude".

"The Lord Howe Islanders have been magnificent," he said.

By Ben Caddaye