ADF thrills Sydney’s Australia Day crowds
With the sun shining bright for Australia Day, the ADF provided a spectacular display on and around Sydney Harbour.
CAPTION: HMAS Choules in Sydney Harbour for the 2024 Australia Day celebrations. Story by Sub-Lieutenant Tahlia Merigan. Photo by Leading Seaman David Cox.
As HMAS Choules was on the harbour for the start of the ferry race, the Australian national flag was flown along the north and south beaches by a Navy MH-60R Seahawk helicopter.
Army’s 9th Regiment performed a 21-gun salute, and on the last note of the national anthem it was all eyes to the skies as the Air Force Roulettes conducted a formation aerobatic display.
Commanding Officer Choules Commander Arron Convery said, after having recently assumed command, he was particularly proud to have Choules as the centrepiece for Australia Day activities on the harbour.
“Australia Day is an opportunity to reflect on everything that makes Australia the best country in the world,” Commander Convery said.
Along with being the focal point of the day, Commander Convery welcomed families on board the ship.
“With 55 new joiners and the ship on the verge of a regional deployment, I saw this as an opportunity for crew members to showcase their skills within the workplace.
“It provides an understanding for those at home to see what it is that our men and women do when deployed.
“I was really proud to showcase Choules and the Navy off to my partner and her family. It was their first time on a Navy ship so they thoroughly enjoyed the experience and are looking forward to next time.”
Army’s Red Beret parachute display team closed the day, jumping over Sydney Harbour and descending into the waters near the Sydney Opera House as the community enjoyed the Australia Day live concert.
A number of Defence personnel received Australia Day honours and awards, acknowledging their significant contribution to the country.
CAPTION: ‘Red Berets’ parachute display team conducted a four-person free-fall parachute jump into Circular Quay. Photo by Sergeant Tristan Kennedy.
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