07 April 2005

HMAS Kanimbla hold memorial service

The remains of the nine Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force personnel who died in the 2 April helicopter accident on Nias Island, Indonesia, were returned to Australia on 5 April.

The Navy amphibious transport ship deployed in support of earthquake relief in Indonesia, HMAS Kanimbla, conducted a memorial service to coincide with the arrival in Australia of the remains of the deceased members of the ship's complement.

The memories of these professional men and women of the ADF were honoured at a ceremony on their arrival in Sydney attended by dignitaries from Australia and Indonesia including: the Governor-General, Major General Michael Jeffery; the President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono; the Prime Minister, John Howard; Chief of the Defence Force, General Peter Cosgrove and the Chiefs of Navy, Army and Air Force.

20050406ran8107930_034 The Captain of HMAS Kanimbla, Commander George McGuire, speaks at the shipboard memorial service held on Kanimbla on 5 April. (Date taken: 06 April 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res