HMAS Moreton commissioned
The Royal Australian Navy formally commissioned Navy Headquarters South Queensland as HMAS Moreton today in a ceremony steeped in tradition – and the first such commissioning in nearly 40 years.
CAPTION: Seaman Paige Blake prepares to raise the Australian White Ensign at HMAS Moreton. Photo by Able Seaman Steven Thomson.
The Governor of Queensland His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey, together with Senators Joanna Lindgren and Chris Ketter, joined Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett to mark the significant and rare occasion.
“The Navy last commissioned an establishment in 1978 and today’s transition of Navy Headquarters South Queensland to HMAS Moreton recognises the enduring relationship Navy has with Brisbane,” Vice Admiral Barrett said.
“Navy will grow this establishment with new facilities and Moreton will continue to support Navy operations that have been undertaken in the area for over a century.”
Moreton provides administrative support for Navy members in the area, supporting Australian and foreign warship and military visits, promoting the service through community engagement, and maintaining facilities for Naval Reserve activities.
The base was a key support hub for the recovery effort following the 2011 Brisbane floods.
HMAS Moreton establishment has a small permanent Navy contingent and is home to a number of Reserve units including Dive Team 8 and the Queensland detachment of the Navy Band.
It also accommodates the Australian Navy Cadet Training Ship Gayundah.
Commanding Officer Commander Peter Tedman said he looked forward to a new chapter in Navy’s presence in south Queensland.
“This is an exciting time as we embark on considerable upgrades to our base that will strengthen our ability to support all Navy members in the region and serve the wider Brisbane community,” Commander Tedman said.
“This is the third time the name Moreton has been bestowed on an establishment in the Brisbane area and as a local boy I’m proud to be part of that history.
“I joined the Navy in Brisbane as a 15-year-old junior recruit and, 43 years later, finishing my full-time career commanding Moreton is a privilege.”
AbleThe commissioning ceremony concluded with a fly past from a Bell 429 helicopter from 723 Squadron in Nowra.
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