HMAS Newcastle shows the flag at Canadian International Fleet Review
21 Jun 2010
On Wednesday 9 June, HMAS Newcastle arrived in Esquimalt (Vancouver Island), Canada, to represent the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) at the Canadian Naval Forces’ Centennial Celebrations and International Fleet Review. The port visit, which lasted for 5 days, was marked by a number of spectacular events, including welcome receptions, sports tabloids, a fireworks display and rock concert, and culminated in an International Fleet Review at Royal Roads on Saturday 12 June.
Thousands of onlookers lined the shore line of Esquimalt Lagoon to view the spectacle comprising ships from Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, France and the United States. The day was picture-perfect providing locals and visitors alike with rare views of the snow-capped Olympic Mountains to the south and Victoria and the distant Mt Baker to the north east.
Against this magnificent backdrop, the US Navy’s 333m long aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan paraded at anchor with 19 other ships eagerly awaiting the Fleet Review ship, HMCS Algonquin and her VIP passengers, including Her Excellency Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada, Canadian Chief of Defence Staff and Canadian Chief of Navy. Newcastle’s man and cheer ship did Navy proud and gave the New Zealanders something to cry about (sadly, not so in the Rugby the following day).
More excitement followed with the Canadian Forces’ Skyhawks’ parachute demonstration; a Sea King helicopter fly past; and the deafening finale of the Canadian Forces’ Snowbirds.
On completion of the event, Commander Justin Jones, CO Newcastle, was personally approached by COMMARFORPAC’s Special Adviser and IFR Organiser, CAPT Harrison, who remarked at how sharp Newcastle looked on the day. Members of Newcastle’s ship’s company also remarked on how much they enjoyed their visit to British Columbia – some even making it to the mainland to visit Vancouver and Seattle. Many members have expressed an interest in returning to this picturesque part of the world on holiday in the near future.
