Residents and users of Sydney Harbour may observe increased ship movements around Garden Island, as the Royal Australian Navy prepares for the International Fleet Review and the transition to a new Fleet of ships.
Preparations include changes to mooring buoys located within Naval Waters to provide berths for the foreign ships scheduled to attend the RAN International Fleet Review (IFR) in October. 50 nations have been invited to attend the IFR, which celebrates the centenary of the RAN fleet arriving in Sydney.
Shortly after IFR the first of Navy’s new Landing Helicopter Docks, HMAS Canberra will arrive at her homeport Garden Island.
Commanding Officer of HMAS Kuttabul, Commander Todd Willson, RAN says this is an exciting time for Navy but also one of transition.
“Garden Island is the primary Naval base on the East Coast of Australia and is the homeport of 11 Navy ships. The base has been an important part of the Sydney Community for over a century and plays a vital role in protecting Australia’s national interests,” Commander Willson said.
“Navy is undergoing an exciting period of transition as we prepare for 2 new LHD’s and 3 new Air Warfare Destroyers, which will enhance our ability to fight and win at sea. To prepare for the arrival of our new ships, we have been doing some work in consultation with NSW Roads and Maritime and Sydney Ports Corporation. The changes to the buoys will ensure we have the capacity to berth our fleet during peak periods into the future.”
“Surrounding residents may notice some changes, while longer term residents may think we’ve gone back to the future reinstating one buoy used until the 1990’s on the eastern side of the island. We thank them for their understanding,” said Commander Willson.
[mappress] Press Release, June 28, 2013; Image: Australian Navy