Soft option for bar-goers

By CAPT Anthony Kirk

Air Vice-Marshal Geoffrey Shepherd, Air Commander Australia, and Sergeant Debbie Freeman, of No. 38 Squadron, enjoy a soft drink after the offical opening of the “Caribrew Bar”.

Photo by CAPT Anthony Kirk

THE late Slim Dusty’s most famous song would not be out of place at the new “Caribrew bar”, because it’s a pub with no beer.

Air Commander Australia Air Vice Marshal Geoffrey Shepherd opened the establishment on a recent visit to the Solomon Islands to inspect facilities and speak to deployed Air Force members.

By the end of his first day, AVM Shepherd was impressed with what he saw and those he spoke to, and was more than happy to take on a ceremonial role and officially open the bar for the enjoyment of his people.

Noting the toll the Solomon Island humidity has on the visitor, he was undoubtedly keen to “quench a hard earned thirst” and sample the wares of the bar.

Owing to the no-alcohol policy, instead of a pale ale he was handed a Vimto, a locally made soft drink that, among other things, could easily support the sugar industry of any country.

ACAUST accepted the placebo and seized the opportunity to speak to as many people as he could.

He acknowledged the fine work being performed by personnel deployed on Operation Anode.

“The capability that the Air Force can provide to these types of operations is crucial and it is fundamental that we keep it,” AVM Shepherd said.

“The Anzac link of the air components is also very impressive and mirrors the other military components.”

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