HMAS Anzac returns home

HMAS Anzac paid a visit to its ceremonial home port of Albany recently as part of the city’s Maritime Festival.

CAPTION: HMAS Anzac drew a large crowd as the ship held an open day during its recent three-day visit to the ship’s ceremonial home port of Albany, Western Australia. Story by Lieutenant Gary McHugh. Photo: byKrysta Guille.

During the visit, Anzac opened its gangway to visitors with hundreds of members of the public enjoying a tour of the Anzac-class frigate.

Commanding Officer Commander David McPherson said it was a privilege for him and his ship’s company to welcome the community on board and to give them an insight into life at sea.

“Given our extremely busy schedule, opportunities like this don’t come around all that often,” Commander McPherson said.

“It has been five years since Anzac last carried out a port visit to Albany so it really is a special occasion for the men and women of Anzac.

“And because of the history that exists between the name Anzac and the city, we know this visit will reinforce the connection that was forged so many years ago when the original Anzacs left from Albany for the shores of Gallipoli.

“The entire ship’s company is excited to be here in our ceremonial home port and we are very much looking forward to meeting as many Albany locals as possible.”

Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington said it was an honour to welcome Anzac to Albany.

“The city’s Maritime Festival is about celebrating everything maritime in Albany, which includes our naval forces,” he said.

“Few of us have experienced what it is like to be inside a Navy warship or understand the life of a Navy crew member so this is a fantastic opportunity to get a valuable insight.”

Anzac is the lead ship of the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet of eight Anzac-class frigates and is based at Fleet Base West, Rockingham, Western Australia.

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