‘Lights, Camera, Action’ – Fire!
9 March 2010
They went to see action and the media did not come away from last week’s Fleet Concentration Period (FCP) media sea day disappointed.
Presenter Sarah Harris and a crew from Channel 9’s Weekend TODAY Show, along with an Australian Associated Press journalist flew out to HMAS Anzac (CAPT Peter Quinn, CSC) in the Eastern Australia Exercise Area (EAXA) to get a taste of FCP action.
Their busy day started with a flight from HMAS Watson out to the ship in a Sea King helicopter from 817 Squadron.
Once aboard, they witnessed live firings of Anzac’s 5-inch and 12.7mm guns, a damage control exercise and casualty treatment as well as seeing the inner workings of the ship’s galley, machinery control room, sick bay, aviation facilities and living quarters.
Along with a taste of the excitement of navy warfare training, the media also sampled the ship’s excellent cuisine and hospitality when they enjoyed lunch in the wardroom.
An afternoon flight off the ship and back to HMAS Watson in a Seahawk helicopter from 816 Squadron completed an exciting day at the office for some Sydney-based media.
A segment about the exercise was broadcast on Channel 9’s Weekend TODAY Show on Saturday morning, March 6.
“Much of the hard work and training we do is over the horizon and out of sight to most ordinary Australians.
“Bringing the media out to the task group during a major exercise gives us the opportunity to improve the public’s understanding of what we do while also showcasing the RAN and inspiring young people to consider a navy career,” CAPT Quinn said.
