Australia: Shore Force Commander Pays Visit to Navy’s Brisbane Base

Shore Force Commander Pays Visit to Navy’s Brisbane Base

Recently, Captain John Vandyke, the Royal Australian Navy’s Commander Shore Forces (COMSHORFOR), paid a visit to the Commanding Officer Navy Headquarters – South Queensland (NHQ-SQ), Commander Peter Tedman, and his headquarters staff. It was CAPT Vandyke’s first official visit to a Navy establishment since becoming COMSHORFOR.

After a formal briefing and an update on NHQ-SQ operations, Captain Vandyke took the opportunity to inspect the facilities located at Bulimba Barracks in Brisbane. This included the Dive Team 8 facility, the Royal Australian Navy Band – Queensland Detachment facilities, the pontoon, the boat shed and accommodation areas and Fleet Battle Staff at the Deployable Joint Force Headquarters at Gallipoli Barracks.

Captain Vandyke said the visit was important and enabled him to meet the new command team.

“The trip to Brisbane was a great opportunity to refamiliarise myself with NHQ-SQLD, the headquarters role and to visit the out stations that the new Commanding Officer has responsibility for.”

“While only a small unit, they do very important work. NHQ-SQLD is the face of the Navy in the region providing support to personnel posted to the area, supporting ship visits to Brisbane as well as an extensive community engagement program,” said Captain Vandyke.

“While in town, I had the chance to convey to the team that their work is important and that we would certainly notice if they weren’t there providing support.”

During the visit, Captain Vandyke had the chance to meet with all of the staff at NHQ-SQ and outlined his newly created role at a morning tea.

“As COMSHORFOR, I have responsibility for the Shore Force, including all Commissioned Establishments and Naval Regional Headquarters. The primary purpose of the the newly established Force is to deliver shore based capability to meet Navy strategic and operational objectives,” said Captain Vandyke.

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Press Release, December 04, 2013; Image: Australian Navy