MessDeckBuzzesPageADFMEDAL

The Naval Association

of Australia

NHQ SOUTH QUEENSLAND OPEN DAY 0900-1200 SUNDAY 9 DECEMBER 2007 - WITH NEWLY COMMISSIONED ACPB HMAS MARYBOROUGH ALONGSIDE.

CMDR Forbes Peters, ADC RAN, Commanding Officer Naval Headquarters, South Queensland and his team held an open day today for the local community and association members at Bulimba Barracks. The Army component also had several displays in their section of the barracks.

From all reports the commissioning of HMAS MARYBOROUGH yesterday went very well and it was good to finally walk around HMAS MARYBOROUGH today to see how they compare with the Fremantle and Attack classes. Chalk and cheese might be a starting point! No ladders for these lads. Grand stairways and lots of open space 'tween decks. Great to see a good sized galley and although that was all I saw with the exception of the forecastle, part of the quarterdeck and the bridge they seem like a great advance on the two previous classes of Patrol Boat.

One of the boat's RIBs did a few fly pasts and donuts while the RAN Reserve Band provided music. ANC cadets were everywhere which is great and it was good to see the Cadets enjoying the activity.

Thank you to CPO Don Currell from Recruiting for the welter of information he provided me (I regret that I was unable to sign up, however there are a heap of volunteers out there who will be willing after today) and for the loan of two AA batteries that I took the accompanying photos with. It was good to meet the new Community Engagement Officer, LEUT Anne Allica.

The young man in the photograph with CMDR Peters is SBLT Peter Cameron ANC from TS GAYUNDAH.

A sausage sizzle was provided by the Cadets and the local populace certainly enjoyed themselves.

After an enjoyable visit we drove home to the Sunshine Coast thinking that the Navy is in enthusiastic and adventurous hands.

Cheers, Les.