Success and Pirie centre of Chinese attention
28 April 2009
The eyes of the world were on HMA Ships Success (CMDR Simon Brown) and Pirie (LCDR Matthew Webb) as they sailed into Qingdao Harbour on a cold and misty morning for the 60th Anniversary of the Peoples Liberation Army – Navy (PLA-N) and the International Fleet Review.
A military band and a guard of 50 sailors from the PLA-N greeted the two ships as they came alongside in what proved to be one of the biggest Naval events held in China.
Ships from 14 countries and the Navy Chiefs from 29 countries, including our own Chief of Navy, VADM Russ Crane, AM, CSC, RAN, attended the four-day festivities in support of the 60th Anniversary of the PLA-N.
Throughout the event, the ships’ companies from Success and Pirie attended professional development exchanges with the other Ships, conducted a hugely successful open day, held an official reception attended by over 750 guests and came third in the Sampan races behind two Chinese teams.
The official visit culminated in the International Fleet Review on the 23 April where the 20 ships from all over the world went to anchor along with 10 PLA-N vessels and 4 submarines.
The review was overseen by the Chinese President, Hu Jintao, and the visiting Chiefs of Navy and included several fly-pasts of Chinese aircraft and helicopters.
Commanding Officer of Success, CMDR Simon Brown, said, “This is such a significant event for the Chinese and for them to be celebrating their 60th Anniversary on the same day that Success turns 23 is quite special for us.”
“I am proud to be here along with Pirie, the newest class of ship in the Royal Australian Navy Fleet, to show the Navies of the world what Australia has to offer”.
Whilst the weather was cold and dreary, the excitement of the ships’ companies of both Success and Pirie to be involved in such a huge occasion was obvious.
LSBM Rudsyn Marinas was the official ‘piper’ for the reviewing Ship and was quite nervous in the lead up, but the bosun’s call from Success was clearly heard above all the noise.
“It’s an honour to be able to say that I was the one that piped the Ship that held all those Admirals and the President of China; it’s one of the highlights of my career so far” said LSBM Marinas.
Success and Pirie then returned alongside in Qingdao to conduct an ANZAC Day ceremony in conjunction with Ships Te Mana and Endeavour.
It was an early start for the companies of all four ships with sunrise being around 0500 and a wakey wakey call at 0345.
The wharf area between the ships was turned into a makeshift memorial with the ships’ companies forming up around the ceremonial life rings.
A truly ANZAC Catafalque Party fell in on Success’ flight deck for the half masting of the AWE and .
The ceremony was followed by a gunfire breakfast in Success and Te Mana with personnel from all ships mixing together.
The Australian and New Zealand ships departed Qingdao the day after ANZAC Day and made their way towards Hong Kong to continue their South East Asia deployment.
Gallery
View images of the China visit on the Department of Defence gallery.
