 |
| © Australian DoD (Click to Enlarge) |
The 2013 International Fleet Review was launched today in Sydney by Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Ray Griggs AO, CSC.
From 3–11 October 2013 the International Fleet Review will offer a spectacular program of naval events to celebrate the centenary of the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet arrival in Sydney Harbour on 4 October 1913.
On this day, the flagship HMAS Australia led the new Australian Fleet of seven cruisers and destroyers (HMA Ships Melbourne, Sydney, Encounter, Warrego, Parramatta and Yarra) into Sydney Harbour for the first time.
The program will include: a tall ships parade; warships arrival; ceremonial fleet review; naval gun salutes; fixed wing and helicopter flypasts; aerial acrobatic displays; Sydney Harbour fireworks and light show; ships open to visitors; combined naval march through the streets of Sydney; military band concerts; Freedom of Entry parade in Parramatta; religious and memorial services; and sporting competitions.
Vice Admiral Griggs said the International Fleet Review would be the nation’s most significant commemorative naval event in the past 100 years.
The Royal Australian Navy will be represented by at least 17 ships and submarines from across the Navy.
A significant naval aviation component is also planned with more than a dozen current and former naval aircraft types represented, including the Australian Fleet Air Arm’s current Sea Hawk, Squirrel, Bell 429 and MRH90 helicopters alongside historic aircraft from Navy Historic Flight.
Tall ships from around the world will embark on an exciting journey to Australia to help celebrate the centenary of the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet entry into Sydney Harbour. Australian and foreign tall ships will visit Fremantle, Melbourne and Hobart prior to gathering in Sydney on 3 October 2013 then take part in a special regatta race to Auckland, New Zealand.
International tall ships expected to participate include: Libertad (Argentina), Gloria (Columbia); Dewaruci (Indonesia); Bark Europa, Oosterschelde and Tecla (Netherlands); Spirit of New Zealand (New Zealand), and Lord Nelson (UK). Local tall ships include: Lady Nelson and Windeward Bound (Hobart); Enterprize (Melbourne); Coral Trekka and South Passage (Queensland); Bark Endeavour, James Craig, Soren Larsen, Southern Swan and Young Endeavour (Sydney).
“We are delighted to welcome so many foreign navies and tall ships to Sydney for this exciting event and I thank the Federal and NSW Governments and the City of Sydney for their support. I am sure everyone involved will take away some fantastic memories of their involvement in this very important historic occasion,” Vice Admiral Griggs said.
Many of the Australian and international warships will participate in Exercise TRITON CENTENARY off the east coast of Australia and visit other Australian ports before and following the International Fleet Review.
Additional information on the International Fleet Review is available HERE.