Crowds in New York over the Fourth of July weekend were treated to a military show on a spectacular scale, as the United States celebrated 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

The centrepiece event in New York was the US Navy’s International Naval Review 250, hosted in the Port of New York and New Jersey from July 3 to 8. 

The review drew an armada of naval and tall ships from more than 30 nations, bringing together about 15,000 officers and sailors to honour the United States’ maritime heritage, global partnerships and enduring commitment to freedom of the seas.

Celebrations took throughout Manhattan, including a performance by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Band.

A stage band of RAN’s best pop and rock musicians joined forces with three First Nations members – who played the didgeridoo – to front a uniquely Australian ensemble.

RAN Naval Attaché in Washington Commodore David Frost said the band represented the essence of saltwater diplomacy. 

“What this blended team brings is a level of national representation far beyond what can be achieved by many others,” Commodore Frost said.

“The fusion of Australia’s First Nations culture with that of contemporary Aussie pop/rock and our evolving naval culture promotes a cohesion representative of the strong and enduring relationship between Australia and the United States.” 

From July 3 to 5, the band performed three times on a special stage in the centre of Times Square, delivering a set list of Australia’s most famous rock and pop anthems.

'It’s really a beautiful thing to capture people’s attention and connect with them in the moment.'

Songs included AC/DC’s Thunderstruck, Men at Work’s Land Down Under and a moving rendition of My Island Home that segued into the finale: John Farnham’s You’re the Voice.   

The performances attracted crowds of thousands from across the globe, including football supporters in town for the World Cup. 

Even Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Chris Smith, who was in town representing Navy senior leadership, was able to take a break from official duties and enjoy the band’s performance. 

Significantly, it was the first time RAN First Nations sailors had incorporated the didgeridoo into a contemporary rock band performance. 

Shoalhaven Regional Indigenous Development Coordinator Able Seaman Kieryn Nieves said the collaboration was an opportunity to bring First Nations culture to a global audience.

“We work with Navy to bring Indigenous culture to high-profile events like this,” Able Seaman Nieves said.

“We are saltwater and First Nations diplomats in this way, and we have an opportunity to capture people’s curiosity and imagination, bringing Indigenous culture to the world stage.

“Many people may not have been exposed to this before. They may know what it is, but have not seen it up close and personal.

“It’s really a beautiful thing to capture people’s attention and connect with them in the moment.” 

As well as their Times Square gigs, the band also performed as part of a joint concert with the United Kingdom’s Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines and United States Navy Band at the Seaport Museum in downtown New York. 

This was followed by an impromptu performance at Old Mate’s Pub before the Socceroos vs Egypt World Cup match, where the sailors led patrons in a rousing rendition of Waltzing Matilda. 

“Having people here be so curious and receptive to us sharing our culture has been absolutely phenomenal,” Able Seaman Nieves said.