Historic Fleet Entry
17 March 2009
Friday 13th proved to be anything but a jinx for the 15 Royal Australian Navy ships that conducted a historic Fleet Divisions ceremony following the spectacular Fleet Entry into Sydney Harbour.
HMAS Sydney (CAPT Braddon Wheeler) led the 15 ships as they steamed through Sydney Heads in a historic Fleet Entry that highlighted the Navy’s links with the community whom they protect in times of both war and peace.
Sydney, undoubtedly the most famous name ever carried by an Australian warship, led the Fleet past the Sydney (I) memorial mast at Bradley’s Head before anchoring in formation from the Opera House to Point Piper.
The ships converged on Sydney Harbour for a Fleet Review by the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir, AC, CVO, to mark the successful conclusion of the 2009 Fleet Concentration Period (FCP), one of the Navy’s largest annual exercises.
Sydney had the honour of firing the 21 gun salute to the Governor of NSW, the sound of which gave Navy a voice to tell the public of its proud historic day.
The Fleet Entry gave the adoring public the rare opportunity to see such a grand Navy presence in the harbour for the first time since the RAN’s participation in the 1988 Bicentennial celebrations.
Sydney’s 21-gun salute was followed by a flypast involving ten helicopters from 723, 816 and 817 Squadrons, as well as a Sea King helicopter carrying a large Australian National Flag.
Commander Australian Fleet, RADM Nigel Coates, told Navy News that Friday 13th “was a great Navy day.”
“I am very proud of all the sailors and officers who worked so very hard during the FCP which has culminated in this historic Fleet Entry and Review,” he said.
“The FCP has provided the Navy with a great opportunity to show off our personnel and warships to the people we so proudly protect.”
While at anchor, RADM Coates and his senior officers inspected all ships in a ceremony known as Divisions, which was followed by a formal review by the Governor of NSW.
Professor Bashir, who holds the honorary rank of CDRE in the Navy, was acknowledged with a traditional “Cheer Ship” by sailors as the Admiral’s Barge sailed past each ship.
Video Gallery
Image Gallery
Visit the Navy gallery to view images of the Royal Australian Navy Fleet Entry.
