Following a series of successful activities around the Dardanelles and the Gallipoli Peninsula for the Centenary of Anzac, the Australian Navy’s helicopter frigate HMAS Anzac made a port visit to Istanbul where the crew participated in several diplomatic events.
Together with her sister ship, New Zealand’s HMNZS Te Kaha, Anzac berthed on the Bosphorus in front of Topkapi Palace.
After making official calls on the Mayor of Istanbul, the Governor of Istanbul and the Turkish Navy’s Northern Straits Commander, Anzac’s Commanding Officer, Commander Belinda Wood, together with Australia’s Consul-General in Istanbul, Mr Lino Strangis, co-hosted an official reception onboard the ship.
Throughout her few days in port, Anzac’s crew had a chance to experience the sights, sounds and culture of Istanbul.
Before leaving Turkey, Anzac’s ship’s company will have the opportunity to undertake battlefields tours of Gallipoli prior to continuing on a series of international engagements throughout Europe and Africa as part of her NORTHERN TRIDENT 2015 deployment.
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Image: Australian Navy