Australia: Welcome Mat Rolled Out by Success

Welcome Mat Rolled Out by Success

On the evening of 4 October, HMAS Success had the honour and privilege to assist the Commander Australian Fleet (COMAUSFLT), RADM Tim Barrett, in hosting a welcome Reception for the International Fleet Review onboard the Royal Australian Navy Replenishment Ship.

This Reception provided the opportunity for COMAUSFLT to welcome participating International Navies to Australia and to introduce them to the beautiful city of Sydney. With the sparkling Sydney Harbour as their backdrop, Success’ Ship’s Company took great pride in hosting the highly successful event, one that allowed them to show off their skills, and their ship to the Australian Fleet and visiting navies.

The evening began with a ‘Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony’ which was performed by the RAN Indigenous Performance group and Local Elders. This moving ceremony set the scene for a uniquely Australian occasion, supported by a mouth watering modern Australian Menu designed by theSuccess catering team. The extensive work undertaken to prepare Success, and organise the function was of particular note with all staff involved excelling themselves with world class hospitality and service. Success was supported by participating Fleet Units and Sydney Shore Establishments, truly highlighting the professionalism and pride of the RAN during such an historic event. Also supporting the function was the RAN Heritage Collection who supplied historic artefacts for the evening. These doubled as both talking points for guests, and reminders of our history as a fighting Navy.

Following a much enjoyed reception and welcome address by COMAUSFLT, the RAN band and a ceremonial guard captured guests’ attention with a flawless musical performance, and rendition of Beat to Quarters and Ceremonial Sunset. This contribution to the evening truly bought home the significance of the IFR and the sense of pride we all share in our Navy. COMAUSFLT noted that “the event was significant for the IFR and the conduct of those Officers and Sailors who supported the reception bought great credit to Success, the RAN Band and Navy”, a sentiment shared by all those involved.

After the welcome event, the IFR continued to wow the people of Sydney, visiting nations and the Australian Fleet. HMAS Success was proud to have had the opportunity to commence the celebrations with a spectacular event. Successparticipated in the remaining IFR events, including the combined Navy’s march on Wednesday 9 Oct, and will soon sail for a Mariner Skills Evaluation and Sea Qualification Trials in the coming weeks.

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Press Release, October 14, 2013; Image: Navy