The Bosun's Call
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The Bosun’s Call Vol 25 No 4 Once Navy, Always Navy May 2020 Keeling laying of HMAS Eyre (OPV 2) During the ceremonial keel laying for the sec- ond Arafura Class Offshore Patol Vessel at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide, Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, an- nounced the names of the next five vessels. In these unprecedented times, observing all COVID -19 restrictions, Vice Admiral Noonan announced the names during the speech delivered virtually, via video link. “It gives me a great deal of pride to be presiding over the keel laying of our second Offshore Patrol Vessel, albeit remotely. It is nonetheless a signifi- cant project milestone and well worth celebration,” Vice Admiral Noonan said. “Keel laying is an important shipyard and naval tradition, where the two groups come together to observe a moment that not only initiates the formal construction phase of the build, but also is thought to bring good luck through the build phase and sub- sequent life of the ship.” He formally thanked industry partners Luerssen Evyenia Kontakos, 4th year apprentice welder and boiler- Australia and ASC, who collectively have built and maker, ASC; and Larry Lavallee, OPV Block Construction commenced consolidation of the keel blocks of Manager, ASC Shipbuilding, after hammering in wedges what will be a 1600 tonne Offshore Patrol Vessel. to secure the Chief of Navy's ceremonial coin into place “The naming of a vessel is also a significant mile- stone and as you know, the first OPV when com- “The names encapsulate the importance of these missioned will be named HMAS Arafura and thus littoral regions around Australia and mark their sig- the class will be referred to as the Arafura Class,” nificance to the nation's security and prosperity,” Vice Admiral Noonan said. Vice Admiral Noonan said. “Significantly, it will be the first Royal Australian “Furthermore, the naming of each vessel is the be- Navy ship to ever carry this name. It also repre- ginning of a longstanding bond between the named sents a significant coastal land and sea region of region, communities and centres and that of the Australia.” Royal Australian Navy, our Navy People and the OPV 2, upon commissioning into the Royal Austral- Men and Women who will ultimately serve in each ian Navy, will be known as HMAS Eyre, which will of these ships. occur in 2023. Published on 09 April 2020 LCDR Helen Ward Following their respective commissioning, OPV 3 (author), Russell Millard (photographer) will be HMAS Pilbara, OPV 4 will be HMAS Gipps- land, OPV 5 will be HMAS Illawarra, and OPV 6 will .The names of the other six OPV’s will be announced be HMAS Carpentaria. at a later date. Events coming up In abeyance until further notice Newsletter of the ACT Section of the Naval Association of Australia Hardcopy printed by CopyQik Civic May 2020 Bosun’s Call Page 2 Naval Association of Australia ACT Sec- A/President’s Note tion Patron The Hon Sir William Deane AC KBE Shipmates, My very best wishes to you all. Though it does seem to be such a long time since we last saw Office Bearers each other, when I think of the joy and fellowship President Vacant we share whenever we do gather together my spir- A/President David Manolas 0427 504 564 its are lifted. Vice President Vacant As time passes there is an increasing number of Secretary Alan Masters 02 6281 5630 very promising developments in the campaign Treasurer Alan Masters 02 6281 5630 against coronavirus though we know there is great sadness and anxiety for those who have lost a Committee Members loved one or are standing by a friend or family Welfare Vacant member suffering from the virus; our thoughts and Membership Peter Cooke-Russell 02 6258 6892 prayers are with them. John Small 02 6258 1216 JJ Harrison 02 6258 4512 I am sure we will speak of how we observed Anzac Tiger Lyons 02 6254 3453 Day this year, whether it was in quiet contempla- Editor BC Peter Cooke-Russell 02 6258 6892 tion, perhaps standing at our front gate holding a Social Sec Bev Joce 0412 732 768 candle or in some other way, we pray that we can gather again next year under our NAA ACT Sec- Contact Details tion Banner and in the company of Shipmates. As I watched the televised Anzac Day National The President ACT Section Commemorative Service, my attention was drawn 0427 504 564 to these words at the outset of the service quote: [email protected] ‘we commemorate those who gave their lives and those who gave their good health’. I thought of The Secretary ACT Section those who returned, those veterans who have had NAA ACT Section to bear so much, perhaps in silence, and not 26 Nelson Place, shared with those close to them. I am sure that the CURTIN ACT 2605. decision by Alex Goodieson’s family to have an ‘Ode to the Naval Veteran’ in the order of service [email protected] for his funeral earlier in April also caused me to Tel 02 6281 5630 think some more about returned veterans. On Anzac Day and at all commemorative services, Membership Registrar/BC Editor our thoughts are also of those in all Services who [email protected] lost their lives in the defence of our nation and the 02 6258 6892 ideals we all hold so dearly. To those who did not return the whole nation is so very much indebted, we salute them and pay homage. General Meetings When we gather together at a Navy Commemorate Dates and Locations Service we bear witness to the deeds and hard- Programme ships of those who have and are serving at sea, ashore and in the skies above and at such times it is fitting that we should recite the ‘Naval Ode’ for Should the pandemic be lessened over the next those who did not return to their family and friends: two months the following provisional meetings They have no grave but the cruel sea are advised. The Committee meetings are also in No flowers lay at their head abeyance unless they can be done by email or A rusting Hulk is their tombstone phone. A’fast on the ocean bed 4 Jun Kaleen Sports Club 1330 ‘’I wonder on such occasions would it not be appro- 6 Aug Kaleen Sports Club 1330 priate to add an ‘Ode to The Naval Veteran?’’: 3 Sep Kaleen Sports Club 1330 In naval service their duty done 1 Oct Kaleen Sports Club 1330 At sea and ashore in peace and in war 5 Nov Kaleen Sports Club 1330 Wounds seen and unseen, deeds known and unknown Tables are booked for drinks and Now at rest we pray, the memories with us lunch in the host club from 1200 stay prior to the meeting. I dearly hope that on your Anzac Day you found the time and means to commemorate and, despite If you need assistance getting to the meeting and/ the limitations we are currently experiencing, you or functions, call Alan Masters on 6281 5630 who may have had the opportunity to make some form will try to organise transport for you. of contact with family and friends. (Continued on page 3) May 2020 Bosun’s Call Page 3 Gold Card Services and Support Services and support Card if your eligibility depends on your income and assets, living arrangements, age, impair- Mention that you have a Gold Card when you request ment rating or the payments you receive. services and support. 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