Royal Australian Navy Celebrates Australia Day

January 28, 2013

Navy was proud to have been involved in a variety of Australia Day events around the country. Australia Day is Australia’s national day and is celebrated on January 26th to mark the anniversary of the arrival of the first fleet into Sydney Cove in 1788.

Each year, the Australian Defence Force participates in a range of celebratory activities to demonstrate its support for Australia’s largest civic event.

Two Royal Australian Navy helicopters, a S-70B-2 Seahawk displaying the Australian National Flag and a Bell 429 were an exciting sight as they flew around Sydney Harbour to celebrate Australia Day.

From her position near Fort Denison, the Royal Australian Navy Guided Missile frigate HMAS Sydney (IV) served as the start and finish point for the Tall Ships Race.

Elsewhere in New South Wales, two Navy Minehunters joined the Hunter community as part of Australia Day celebrations. HMAS Huon (II) and HMAS Yarra (IV) hosted an Open Day at Throsby Wharf as part of the Newcastle Maritime Festival.

The Royal Australian Navy would also like to congratulate the Navy members who were announced as recipients of Australia Day honours.

Australia Day couldn’t have been a more fitting day at Fleet Base East for family and friends to welcome home HMAS Anzac (III) and her crew after a successful six month deployment to the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO).

[mappress]
Naval Today Staff, January 28, 2013; Image: Australian Navy