Toowoomba’s guard impresses in Darwin
25 August 2010
In lieu of a traditional opening ceremony for Exercise Kakadu 2010, participants and special guests were treated to an Official Reception jointly hosted by HMA Ships Arunta (Commander John Stavridis) and Toowoomba (Commander Ivan Ingham) nested at Fort Hill Wharf Darwin.
It was a unique event commencing with a traditional smoking ceremony by members the Central Arrernte tribe on the flight deck of HMAS Arunta after which time guests moved across the gangway to HMAS Toowoomba who impressed guests with a polished Ceremonial Sunset.
Commander Australian Fleet (COMAUSFLT), Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore, AM, CSC, RAN attended the Official Reception and declared Exercise Kakadu 2010 well and truly open.
The Official Reception also marked the culmination of the Harbour Phase of Exercise Kakadu and the next morning, the Fleet Commander embarked HMAS Toowoomba and commenced the transit out to the exercises areas.
The Fleet Commander also took the opportunity to searide in HMA Ships Sirius, Arunta and Collins while they operated together in the waters off Darwin in Exercise Kakadu.
Kakadu has been running for some 20 years and will culminate this year on 3 September 2010.
