By
SGT Ben van den Akker
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The
RAAF Central Band on location for the US Navy’s acceptance
of a High Speed Vessel in Hobart.
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THE
RAAF Central Band has provided musical support for a US Navy acceptance
ceremony in Hobart.
The historic occasion marked the US Navy Mine Warfare Command’s
receipt of the High Speed Vessel (HSV) 2 Swift built by Incat
in Tasmania.
Warrant Officer Attilio Celata said that of the countless functions
the band had supported, he could not remember having been part
of a US Navy vessel acceptance ceremony.
Commanding Officer Flight Lieutenant Steve Wright and his musicians
applied their expertise to adapt to US Naval tradition, performing
music that Australians would normally only hear in Hollywood movies
such as Clear and Present Danger.
The acceptance ceremony on August 12 was significant on several
other counts.
In its 328-year history, the US Navy has only bought ships from
American companies. The lease of HSV 2 Swift from Incat is the
first such venture. It is also the first time Incat has delivered
a catamaran with a cannon on the bow and a NAVAIR-certified helicopter
flight deck.
Coincidentally, Air Force Reserve Squadron Leader Derek Fox captained
the Qantas Link flight that took the Central Band to Hobart.
