Nearly six months after her departure in April for the Middle East, HMAS Newcastle was welcomed home by hundreds of family and friends at a ceremony at Garden Island, Sydney.
Joining the ship’s company’s loved ones in welcoming home the 230 men and women of Newcastle was the Prime Minister of Australia the Hon. Tony Abbott MP, Commander of the Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Tim Barrett, AM CSC RAN, the Commander Australian Surface Forces, Commodore Jonathan Mead, AM RAN and the Ship’s Commissioning Lady Mrs Margaret McNaughton AM.
Commanding Officer of HMAS Newcastle, Commander Paul O’Grady, CSM RAN had a memorable welcome as he was met at the bottom of the gangway by the Prime Minster who congratulated him on the ship’s success.
Joining the ship’s company’s loved ones in welcoming home the 230 men and women of Newcastle was the Prime Minister of Australia the Hon. Tony Abbott MP, Commander of the Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Tim Barrett, AM CSC RAN, the Commander Australian Surface Forces, Commodore Jonathan Mead, AM RAN and the Ship’s Commissioning Lady Mrs Margaret McNaughton AM.
Commanding Officer of HMAS Newcastle, Commander Paul O’Grady, CSM RAN had a memorable welcome as he was met at the bottom of the gangway by the Prime Minster who congratulated him on the ship’s success.
“Many of the crew celebrated birthdays, including milestone 21st, 30th and 50ths. However, many also missed wedding anniversaries, family birthdays and, sadly, the passing of some loved ones back home. It is always hard to be away from our families, but we are proud to have done our duty,” said Commander O’Grady.
The return marks the completion of Newcastle’s fourth deployment to the Middle East Area of Operations and the RAN’s 55th rotation of a major fleet unit since 1990. Newcastle was relieved on station in the Middle East Area of Operations by HMAS Melbourne.
[mappress] Press Release, October 15, 2013; Image: Australian Navy