Sydney beach-goers got their first taste of the International Fleet Review on the weekend when two Royal Australian Navy helicopters flew over the city’s beaches towing a large International Fleet Review flag.
On Saturday morning, an S-70B-2 Seahawk Helicopter took off from Middle Head Oval in Balmoral, flying the large flag.
First, the Seahawk flew over HMAS Watson at South Head. From there, it was joined by the AS350BA Squirrel helicopter sporting International Fleet Review livery for a lap of Sydney Harbour. The two aircraft then headed north over Sydney’s Northern Beaches before turning south to pass over Bondi and Bronte.
The flypast was conducted to promote the Royal Australian Navy’s International Fleet Review, which will be held in Sydney from 3-11 October 2013.
The International Fleet Review will bring approximately 40 warships, 16 tall ships, 60 aircraft, 10 military bands and over 8000 sailors from around the world to Sydney, to commemorate 100 years since the arrival of the first Royal Australian Navy fleet.
The international fleet will be reviewed by the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO, who will be accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales, known around the world as ‘Prince Harry.’
Selected ships will be open to the public on Sunday, 6 October. Other celebrations will include a massed navy parade through Sydney’s streets, freedom of entry parades in Mosman and Parramatta, as well as band recitals, commemorative services and other events.
The International Fleet Review will coincide with the Royal Australian Navy Sea Power Conference 2013 and Pacific 2013 International Maritime Congress and Exposition, being held at Darling Harbour from Monday, 7 October.
[mappress] Press Release, September 26, 2013; Image: Royal Australian Navy