24 July 2024
The streets of Samoa’s capital, Apia, were recently awash with the combined music of uniformed Australians, Fijians and Samoans during the port visit of HMAS Choules.
An 81-piece massed band, comprised of members of the Royal Australian Navy Band, Republic of Fiji Navy Band and the Royal Samoa Police Band, marched through the city during the ship’s first day in port.
The march itself is a long-standing daily tradition where local police officers walk from their headquarters every morning to Government House to raise the Samoan national flag.
Lieutenant Commander Brian O’Kane, officer in charge of the Royal Australian Navy Band, said it was a rare opportunity to share the musical experience.
“It’s unusual for this ceremony to have an 81-piece band,” Lieutenant Commander O’Kane said.
“I was proud to be part of it, especially with all the bands playing the iconic Australian tune Waltzing Matilda.”
Deputy Police Commissioner Papāli'i Monalisa Tia'i–Keti described the event as a symbol of service to Samoa and a source of national pride.
“Today, everyone found it very exciting,” she said.
“We had the opportunity to walk along with people who do a similar service to us, in terms of serving the people and serving the region.
“It showcases our dedication to our country and to the flag of Samoa and, for our young officers, it’s a reminder of their calling and why they are in the organisation.”
The march was one of many community engagement activities the ship undertook while in Samoa, as part of a south-west Pacific regional presence deployment.
