Melbourne shines during Navy Week

24 October 2007

Navy Week proved to be an extremely busy time for HMAS Melbourne's ship company hosting three different major events over three days.

Commander Australian Fleet, RADM Nigel Coates, AM RAN, hosted the Navy Week Reception onboard Melbourne on Thursday 4th October. The evening was a complete success, followed by a hasty clean up for the next function.

" Melbourne's crew were excellent hosts for the evening; professional and friendly, despite their busy schedule", RADM Coates said.

Melbourne played host again very early the next morning, to the Channel Nine Today Show, acting as the set for the show's live weather crosses.

Melbourne's busy period concluded with Fleet Base East's Navy Week Open Day, on Saturday 6th October. Along side at Garden Island, Melbourne was one of the star attractions.

Over 3,200 people took up the opportunity to tour the warship, experiencing a glimpse of Naval life.

During the Open Day, Melbourne's Commanding Officer, CMDR Stephen Hughes, RAN, was presented with a painting from Mr John Downton, a member of the Australian Society of Marine Artists.

Mr Downton was in East Timor during Operation Celeste, recording Fleet and onshore activities. The painting "HMAS Melbourne on Duty", was no doubt inspired by the time Mr Downton spent onboard the frigate.