Publication:Navy Annual 2005/South Africa Proves a Gem

BY LIEUTENANT RACHEL IRVING, RANR

Commander Turner, RAN talking to the side prior to the Diggers v South African Navy Invitational game at Simon

South Africa lived up to its fascinating reputation when HMAS Anzac visited Simon's Town and Cape Town in July 2005.

The visit to Cape Town was the first by an Australian ship since HMAS Shropshire berthed in 1946 on her way home from World War II.

Arriving in Simon's Town on 23 July 2005, HMAS Anzac received a warm welcome from the South African Navy, proud to host the Australian visitors.

Captain of United, Leading Seaman Combat Systems Operator Rice giving a plaque of HMAS Anzac to the captain of the Western Cape side.

Commanding Officer CAPT Richard Menhinick, RAN said the visit was a resounding success.

"South Africa is a dynamic society who welcomed us with open arms," CAPT Menhinick, RAN said.

"As well, the South African Navy has just taken delivery of four A200 Meko class frigates and they are keen to work closely with us as they bring them into service. Opportunities abound for us in South Africa."

Wallabies players with the HMAS Anzac rugby side, the

HMAS Anzac's crew was kept busy during the visit, with community work, band performances, sport, a BBQ for the Australian Wallabies and a Maritime Interception Seminar. But the crew also took advantage of the time to enjoy safaris, dive with sharks, visit wineries and even sky dive - making the most of the visit.

On the morning of arrival in Simon's Town, the ANZAC Diggers Rugby Club played a South African Navy Invitational side, who proved too strong for the tourists.

At lunchtime, transport took the majority of Ship's company to Newlands Stadium, home of the Stormers, where they watched some of their fellow shipmates and Wallabies on the big screen, in the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate against the Springboks.

The following day, the United Soccer team took to the grounds of Guguluthu in the HMAS Anzac Friendship Cup, where hundreds of supporters turned up to cheer on the local Cape Town Under 19 team. The local side, eager to play against the Australian-style soccer of the United team, chalked up a resounding win against the visitors.

Leading Seaman Spooner (2nd left) giving a pre-berthing brief to the other members of the Forecastle Part of Ship prior to berthing in Simon

The band meanwhile travelled to Cape Town's V and A Waterfront, where the ship berthed several days later, to entertain hundreds of delighted music fans with a mix of jazz and rock at the Amphitheatre.

With a last look at Table Mountain, rising majestically over Cape Town, HMAS Anzac sailed on 28 July for Reunion Island, the Ship's last port of call before she returned to her homeport Fleet Base West, HMAS Stirling, on 15 August 2005 after a 6 month "dream" deployment.