Publication:The Fearless Times Issue 3 2009/Happy 4th Birthday - 156

The ships arrival in Aqaba coincided with HMAS Toowoomba’s fourth birthday. Built in Williamstown, VIC and Commissioned on 8 October 2005 in Brisbane, QLD, HMAS Toowoomba has travelled more than 135,000 nautical miles during 12,551 hours underway.

A magnificent birthday cake, prepared by ABCK Thomas Hood was cut by the youngest sailor ABCK Barton, with the Commanding Officer. Toowoomba's birthday was also celebrated at an Official Reception held onboard the same night.

Guests attending the reception included the Australian Ambassador, Deputy Chief of the Jordanian Navy, BRIG GEN Al Karim Al Fdoul, the Australian Defence Attache to Jordan GPCAPT Murray Gordon and a large contingent of Embassy Staff and members from the Royal Jordanian Navy.

Toowoomba shared her birthday with six-year-old Aisha Grace. The Grace family, originally from Australia, now reside in Jordan as dad Steve is the Director of Water Sports for The Jordanian Royal Household. CMDR Ingham presented a Ship's ball cap to Aisha as a birthday gift.

TRADITION: - The CO and youngest member aboard, ABCK Luke Barton Cut the Birthday Cake with the CO’s Sword.

The ship had a Second Birthday Cake, presented by Inchcape Shipping Services during the Ship’s Official Reception in Jordan.

The Grace family, originally from Australia, now residing in Jordan attended the Ship’s Official Reception.