Personnel on board HMAS Canberra lived a story worth telling during a recent tasking on Lord Howe Island. 

Canberra was chasing desirable meteorological conditions as part of UH-60M helicopter first-of-class flight trials, which brought the landing helicopter dock (LHD) ship near the island in the Tasman Sea. 

Seizing the opportunity to engage the island community, Canberra provided non-emergency assistance through the supply of communication masts. 

This will enable greater coverage for the community and businesses of the island, ensuring people are able to communicate when it matters the most. 

Midshipman Riley Wilson, a Lord Howe Island native, had the incredible opportunity to return home during the tasking and share the iconic natural beauty of the island with his shipmates. 

More than 700km from the coast of Sydney, Lord Howe Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site with strong naval ties.

“It was an absolute honour to be able to invite team Canberra ashore and explore the magic that is my home,” Midshipman Wilson said. 

'The small but targeted community engagement received very positive feedback, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the island.'

Before joining Navy as a surface warfare officer, Midshipman Wilson worked within the conservation community on the island.

Commanding Officer Canberra Captain David McPherson was invited to visit Lord Howe Island Museum for a gift exchange ceremony with community leaders. 

Returning the island’s hospitality, children of Lord Howe Island Central School and their guardians were welcomed on board Canberra via landing craft for a tour of the ship.

While the children were on board, the embarked cadets travelled ashore and engaged with the locals as part of their mariner mastery experience. 

The cadets and children experienced firsthand the extraordinary opportunities a career in Navy has to offer. 

“This was a great combined event where the operational program allowed ship’s company to have an amazing experience,” Captain McPherson said. 

“The small but targeted community engagement received very positive feedback, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the island.”