Publication:Navy Annual 2005/FIMA PERTH - Aiding Naval Cadets
BY LIEUTENANT COMMANDER GREG LAXTON, RAN
Training Ship (TS) Canning personnel recently purchased a second-hand bus to transport their cadets to and from special events. Previously, such evolutions were performed using parents' vehicles. Often, TS Canning was unable to attend functions simply because transport was not available, or because the organisation of said transport was akin to herding cats!
After much fundraising activity, some kind donations, and a considerable amount of searching, TS Canning were able to purchase an old Toyota Coaster 22-seater bus. While mechanically sound, the bus was not in the best shape externally. TS Canning approached Fleet intermediate Maintenance Activity (FIMA) Perth, HMAS Stirling, and asked whether it was possible for FIMA to assist.
Fortunately, FIMA Perth had recently researched the Defence approval process for assistance to the civil community that enabled FIMA Perth to provide the assistance required. Almost all of the FIMA Perth workshops chipped in with the lion's share of effort being from the ship's Husbandry workshop. The dishevelled and rusty coaster was restored to its former glory and provided the team valuable training in 'bogging' and finishing.
The bus was handed over to Commanding Officer TS Canning, LEUT Andy Carlson ANC, on the Friday before Anzac Day. It arrived at TS Canning that afternoon to the enthusiastic cheers of the grateful cadets and their parents. It was used that very evening to transport the cadets to an international cadet week parade at LEEUWIN Barracks.
The benefits of this kind of activity for the Navy are many and varied. All involved felt it was certainly a rewarding experience for FIMA Perth!
