NAVY TASK FORCE'S AUSTRALIA DAY IN FLOOD AFFECTED QUEENSLAND

An Australia Day stand down period allowed the Chief of Navy to make a visit to Navy personnel recently assigned toJTF 637 in Brisbane and Amberley.

The 150-strong Navy detachment atRAAF Base Amberley described the tasks they had completed, working in the Fernvale and Somerset regions, and described the devastation they had witnessed. On completion, Chief of Navy met with the sailors and officers assigned to the Maritime Task Group at Bulimba Barracks.

Working in the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay the Task Group personnel are responsible for surveying, locating and identifying contacts on the river bed and within the shipping channels.

All Navy personnel, whether they be working on the river, in the Bay or ashore, have worked very hard at achieving their mission said Chief of Navy.

"It is very clear to me that there is some very great work being conducted for Operation Queensland Flood Assist.

"Whilst I am not in your operational chain of command right now I take an enormous amount of pride, responsibility and accountability in ensuring you are all ready to undertake tasks of this nature," he said.

The ADF response to the flood crisis has included 1900 personnel and numerous vehicles, ships and equipment. The joint nature of the operation is particularly significant for Navy personnel said Chief of Navy.

"With the introduction of LHDs in a few years, Navy will be operating in a joint environment on a daily basis, and that's really exciting. Operations like this will help to streamline our procedures and prepare our personnel to work with our Army and Air Force colleagues," he said.

SENATOR FEENEY JOINS YOUNG ENDEAVOUR TO CELEBRATE AUSTRALIA DAY

On Australia Day, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney welcomed the arrival of Australia’s national sail training ship Young Endeavour to Seaworks Foundation Maritime Precinct, Williamstown.

The Seaworks Maritime Precinct is the home of tall ships in Victoria and is devoted to the preservation of Victoria’s maritime history. The precinct is being promoted as part of Seaworks Open Week from 23 to 30 January 2011, andSTS Young Endeavour joined the celebrations on Australia Day.

Senator David Feeney said: ‘It was terrific to see the Young Endeavour, which is crewed by eighteen young Australians, many from the local area, join with Victoria’s resident tall ship Enterprize and engaged in a mock battle, with cannon fire, off Gellibrand Point.

‘Voyages aboard Young Endeavour not only teach young Australians about their maritime history, but provide the youth crew with unique and challenging experiences.’

‘The crew develop qualities Australians are proud of: a strong sense of community and egalitarianism, teamwork and leadership skills.’

‘I would encourage Australians to come and visit the Seaworks Foundation in Williamstown to learn about Victoria’s maritime history and the early European settlement of Victoria.’

Senator David Feeney thanked Lieutenant Commander Damien Munchenberg, Commanding Officer of the Young Endeavour, Mr Stephen Moss CSC, Executive Director Young Endeavour Youth Scheme and Ms. Rennis Witham, Executive Officer of Seaworks Maritime Precinct.

The Young Endeavour will be open for public inspection between 4pm - 6pm on Australia Day, providing a backdrop centrepiece for the Seaworks Foundation Festival.

The Young Endeavour Youth Scheme is currently accepting applications from young Australians aged 16 – 23 for 11 day voyages along the east and south coasts of Australia aboard Young Endeavour. Voyages depart between January and August 2011.

For more information visit : http://www.navy.gov.au