Some of the Navy
days start with the dawn patrol (as I
call it). We got up at early for this one , 4.45 AM which is probably normal
for some of our Defence force friends
We were kindly
invited to be part of a family day on the HMAS Adelaide. How thrilling and what
a privilege. It's difficult to put into words what an experience it was. It
was like describing a rollercoaster's
ride WOW !
For a start I
didn't think she was taking us for a spin. That's what my husband says when we
go to Pittwater with a five metre runabout. Maybe I didn't listen to orders
from the OIC Jan Maree, nothing unusual in that!
The next leg started off waiting at the famous landmark in
the harbour, Harry's cafe de Wheels and we waited near to the gate for security
check.
Jan-Maree did say we were going on board in landing craft as the Adelaide was
anchored in the harbour. We watched the LCs ferry visitors across the harbour.
Very quickly it was our turn. How great was that, skimming across the
harbour on a beautiful day. I was reflecting
at that time of how many soldiers, sailors and airmen and women these craft have
carried and the awesome work they do in a defence capacity as well as
humanitarian needs.
We passed a lot
of ships. Sydney harbour really is huge, and there she was! As my husband said
"come home to mummy" we actually drove into the ship. That's really
cool! How can the ship stay afloat with the rear flap down and a section full
of water? Brilliant engineering. I felt as if I was part of a blockbuster
movie. It was surreal.
It was going to
be a really busy day. We gained access to the upper deck on this amazing lift,
a huge square of metal with a lot of bleeping alarms, and then HMAS Adelaide sailed out of the
heads.
It was an
incredible experience. The flight deck was HUGE and I loved the scoop at the end. The
crew on board run up there and back for exercise. It was quite a hill!
She was
incredibly stable. It was only when you looked at the stern you could notice
the ship's movement. There were three helos on deck which put on an amazing display
for us. We needed earplugs for this.
Actually ships are very noisy, so many
alarms... the equipment continually humming and when when messages come over
the intercom that's called the pipes (when they literally used pipes before
electronics). Everyone stops and listens because it could be an emergency.
Thankfully Andrew, our gracious host and Chaplain, translated the terminology. I
couldn't understand a thing!
Next it was
lunch which was absolutely delicious, thank you chefs. I went gangbusters with
crumbed lamb cutlets. That was a treat! Hubby Howard had some delicious fish.
There were plenty of vegetables, although no dessert which the Navy calls duff
which is highly commendable considering how fit you have to be on a ship.
After lunch we
had a tour of the immaculate hospital with a very kind enrolled nurse. I found
it fascinating because I'm a radiographer. When needed, many reserve doctors and nurses and other medical staff come aboard, therefore giving the ship and incredible level of expertise whatever they are
deployed.
Thank you to all
the men and women who are reservists who fulfil these vital roles not only help defence members but also to
respond to humanitarian needs as well. You're awesome!
Well it's Showtime
up on the upper deck again. Face the stern
and eyes right. We are waiting for an F8 from Williamtown. Two hours
plus by road and 15 minutes in the jet.
Sweet! Here she comes, a black speck
and then screaming past in some fancy manoeuvre, and there's more! Yeah! I'm
nearly jumping out of my skin with excitement. How good does it get! After a
few spine tingling fly pasts she's gone. Well my husband is still smiling! That
beats an Air Show. Nothing beats an aerial
display on the deck of the HMAS Adelaide!
There is still
more! We go down to the lower deck to be greeted by the captain as friends
of the Navy and JM and the chaplain hand out a few of the laundry bags that
everyone on board will receive. Then it was a hilarious raffle with some great
prizes. Some of our Aussie Hero members were fortunate enough to be winners.
That was nice and it was a lot of fun.
Howard and I had
a final chat to a lovely Navy family
with a dad and his daughter serving on the ship together. In fact the
family has been in Navy service since
her grandfather. Two of her brothers are in the Navy as well. Thank you to all ( I hope I don't embarrass you) A big
thank you to their mum as well and also all the other wives husbands and
partners who support their loved ones
when they are away. It is a huge sacrifice for them, as well as those leaving
for deployments.
Unfortunately the
day had to end. As we sailed back we paid homage to the Sydney memorial as we glided past. Other nations
honour this tradition as well. The
chaplain gave us a lively commentary on all the ships we passed and all the
structures on the harbour. Thanks Andrew
you're a historian , it was fascinating.
Thank you so
much Navy friends for a simply awesome day and for including us as Navy family.
We hope our laundry bags brighten your day and cheer you up knowing that
complete strangers care about how your day is going.
We sleep at night
in this country because you do what you do and for that
we are grateful
We at AH want to
thank you for your service to Australia the best country in the world.
The landing craft waiting to take up to HMAS Adelaide.
On Board the landing craft and heading for the back door of HMAS Adelaide.
Waiting to walk off the Landing Craft, up the ramp at the back of the craft...
coming on to HMAS Adelaide
Our host, the Chaplain, and the Executive Officer
On the flight deck for the Helicopter display
Helos packed away for transit
A parade of smiling faces as Jan-Maree presented 50 of the 1000 laundry bags we had taken on board.
The rest of the laundry bags were stored in the cabin of the chaplain and the cabin next to his.
Aussie Hero Quilters Jenny N, Ashleigh, Bridget and Rachel.
Part of the hornet fly past... very, very cool!!!
not a bad view for the day.
Howard and Jenny N... thanks for the post guys!
Till next time keep spreading the word and happy stitching!
Jan-Maree xx
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