Record Crowds Attend HMAS Cerberus Open Day 2009

28 October 2009

Captain Sheldon Williams, Commanding Officer of HMAS Cerberus, has thanked the community for making this year's Open Day the most successful ever held in the establishment's 88 year history.

A record crowd of more than 7,000 people interested in the Royal Australian Navy, a Navy career or just wanting a great family day out were part of the 30% increase in visitor numbers from 2007.

CAPT Williams said visitors were treated to an action packed day of helicopter winching displays, firefighting displays, skydivers, precision drill displays, aircraft and truck emulators, vintage and military vehicles, training school exhibitions and more.

Making it a complete family day, the little ones were entertained with a giant slide, jumping castle, animal farm and the ever popular, fairy floss. One of the most popular areas for the nippers was the obstacle course set up at the gymnasium and the climbing wall. This also had the added benefit of giving the mums and dads a brief respite while the PT staff took over.

"It was thrilling to see so many in the community interested in one way or another in Navy and showing their support to all in Cerberus through attending today, CAPT Williams said.

"Today's Open Day was about meeting with the community and strengthening our relationship with the people of greater Melbourne."

The RAN Band and Cerberus Guard provided a breathtaking close to the day with the performance of a Ceremonial Sunset and Beat to Quarters. This fittingly leads into the opening of Navy Week Victoria 2009 and the visit next week to its namesake city by the guided missile frigate HMAS Melbourne.

Gallery

View images of the HMAS Cerberus Open Day.