24 June marks 100 days to go until the Royal Australian Navy commemorates the arrival of its first fleet 100 years ago with a spectacular International Fleet Review in Sydney from 3 -11 October 2013.
Ships from more 20 nations comprising around 40 warships and 17 tall ships, plus 8000 naval personnel will help celebrate Navy’s historic event which is being staged in partnership with the NSW State Government and City of Sydney Council.
More than 20 nations have confirmed participation by either a warship or tall ship including: Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Colombia, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Micronesia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Tonga, United Kingdom and the United States of America.
“Today is a significant day as it marks 100 days to the International Fleet Review Sydney 2013, an event which will not only celebrate Navy’s centenary in Sydney, but the largest commemorative event the Royal Australian Navy has ever undertaken,” says Captain Nick Bramwell, Director of the International Fleet Review.
The International Fleet Review will commence with the 17 tall ships entering Sydney Harbour on Thursday 3 October at 11am, followed by a combined fleet entry of over 25 warships on Friday 4 October from 6am to 6pm.
Saturday 5 October will mark the actual Ceremonial Fleet Review by Her Excellency the Governor General of Australia embarked in HMAS Leeuwin between 11.00am-2.30pm.
Military and historic aircraft will also feature prominently during the Review with more than 30 RAN and visiting navy helicopters and fixed wing aircraft taking part.
Saturday 5 October will conclude with a spectacular 30 minute International Fleet Review Pyrotechnics and Lightshow Spectacular commencing at 7.30pm.
[mappress] Press Release, June 24, 2013; Image: Australian Navy