Australia: Ship’s Company of NUSHIP Canberra Reaches Significant Milestone

NUSHIP Canberra’s Ship Company reached a significant milestone last week, as they marched together for the first time as a unit in the Sydney City Anzac Day Parade.

Canberra’s tri-service contingent made up of Navy, Army and Air Force personnel marched proudly as thousands of onlookers showed their support for Australian Defence Force Service.

Commanding Officer, Captain Jonathan Sadleir AM, said he felt proud to lead his Ship’s Company on a formal parade.

“I felt extremely proud to lead such an exceptional group of men and women on Anzac Day, such a special day for all serving personnel.

“This was our first opportunity to march as a Ship’s Company and I was honoured to lead the team as we pay respect and remember all those who have served and are currently serving,” he said.

Petty Officer Combat Systems Manager, Mark Elliott, was selected by Command to bear the ceremonial life ring for the march.

“I was very honoured to carry the ceremonial life ring for Canberra.”

“As a former member of Canberra (II) Ship’s Company as an Able Seaman, it was a very personal occasion for me, I felt very proud.”

“It was great to have my wife, Ceinwen, and my young son and daughter at the march as well,” he said.

‘NUSHIP’ is the term used for ships that have not yet Commissioned and stands for ‘Non-Commissioned Unit’. Canberra will be commissioned later this year and will then become ‘HMAS Canberra’. As the ship is not yet a Commissioned Unit, all personnel wore ‘Royal Australian Navy’ tally bands rather than ‘HMAS Canberra’ tally bands.

This is the third Royal Australian Navy ship to bear the proud name Canberra. Canberra (I) was a County Class heavy cruiser who served with distinction until she was heavily damaged and sunk during the Battle of Savo Island in August 1942.

Canberra (II) was a Guided Missile Frigate with a Pennant number of ’02’. Canberra (II) participated in numerous operations the most recent being Operation Slipper as part of the international coalition against terrorism. Canberra (II) was decommissioned in 2009.

Canberra (III) will be the first of the Royal Australian Navy’s two new Landing Helicopter Dock ships.

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Press Release, April 28, 2014; Image: Australian Navy