HMAS Ballarat visit in Hobart by Anne Horner

On Friday 24^th April, my grandsons and I visited HMAS Ballarat which was in Port for the ANZAC Day weekend.

About a month ago, I happened to be reading the Hobart Port Authority shipping schedule and noticed that an “Australian Warship” was due in Port for five days over the ANZAC Day weekend.   I am always interested in visiting RAN ships and there was a good chance one of my creations might be on board.  I contacted Jan-Maree and she set the wheels in motion.  Last week I received an email from SBLT Tom, inviting me to join a group tour on Friday 24 April. 

Once I found out it was HMAS Ballarat, I checked my records and sure enough I had made some items for the crew back when they were deployed in the MER in 2019.  One was still on board, though I didn’t get to meet him.  I also recalled that at the AHQ Annual Dinner at Old Parliament House 2019  I sat with the then Captain and CWO of HMAS Ballarat.

Friday was obviously a busy day for the ship.  Although there were no public tours, there were a number of organised groups visiting – potential recruits and defence industries personnel, plus VIP LTGEN Fox, who was in Hobart for the ANZAC Day events.  As it was school holidays, I asked if my 14 yr and 7 yr old grandsons could come along too. We were then offered a ‘private’ tour with Command Warrant Officer (CWO) Lex.   My grandson, Oakley, has visited several ships with me, but this was Huxley’s first visit, so he was quite excited.

We were met at the security gate by CWO Lex and we were issued with Hi Vis vests to walk across the wharf area.  Once on board, first stop was the Sea Hawk helicopter, under cover, with its tail turned in and the rotor blades folded.  We then wandered through corridors and up and down very steep ladders.  A certain level of fitness is required!   Next stop the Control Room where crew members were waiting to explain their functions – quite technical and lots of acronyms.  Next, up to the Bridge to check out how to drive the ship.  As soon as I mentioned I was from AHQ, two of the Bridge crew enthusiastically told me about their personalised LBs, one with Baby Yoda and Power Rangers, and the other with KFC! 

On the front deck, we checked out the anchors, and there was a fascinating (for the boys) hands on display of guns and they were taught how to hold, load and fire  - no ammo, of course.

Lots more ladders, and at my request, we checked out the laundry – spotted a few AHQ LBs, (apologies for the poor quality photos).  Most seemed to be relatively recent bags, as they had the little AHQ tag.

Finally, back to the rear deck via the kitchen and gym, for a photo with the white ensign.  The CWO excused himself for a moment and came back with some RAN drink bottles and RAN lanyards for the boys, how kind, great souvenirs. 

A big Thank you to CWO Lex for the tour, to the friendly and helpful crew on board, and to SBLT Tom and Jan-Maree for organising it for us.  A great outing and one the boys will remember.