The HMAS Sydney, the first in the class of upgraded frigates in the Royal Australian Navy and arguably the most capable frigate in the Southern Hemisphere, docked at Canada Place in Downtown Vancouver on Saturday, October 21st and welcomed guests on to the vessel for a cocktail reception.
The event, which welcomed dignitaries and the members of Vancouver’s social fabric responsible for promoting the Canadian and Australian relationship, included Assistant Commissioner for the RCMP, Peter German, and Vancouver’s Police Chief Constable, Jim Chu.
During the event, attendees also were given the unique opportunity to experience the Royal Australian Navy’s Sunset Ceremony. Watch the video after the jump.
The HMAS Sydney departed Vancouver’s Port on October 21st en route to Hawaii. Read excerpts of press from the Royal Australian Navy, below.
“Sydney will be conducting Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) trials at the Pacific Missile Range Facility off Hawaii. During the deployment she will also be conducting trials at the Canadian Naval Underwater Testing range, at Nanoose Bay near Vancouver. Sydney will also visit a number of Canadian and American ports, before returning to home in mid December.”
Source: www.navy.gov.au
HMAS Sydney departs for North America
17 September 2007
Royal Australian Navy (RAN) frigate HMAS Sydney deployed from Fleet Base East (FBE) Garden Island this morning, for her first visit to mainland North America in more than 16 years.
The purpose of the deployment is to complete testing of functionality of the Adelaide Class Frigate Upgrade (FFGUP). While off the coast of Hawaii, Sydney will participate in Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) firings at the Barking Sands Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF).
The firing will demonstrate the integration of the Baseline Build 2 Combat System software and the MK41 Vertical Launch system recently installed as part of FFGUP.
The ship now is equipped with two missile systems to combat anti-ship missiles and aircraft.
While deployed, Sydney will also conduct underwater trials using facilities at Nanoose Bay, Vancouver. The trial will tender evidence of the capabilities of the Torpedo Decoy System, installed during the FFGUP.
The ship’s company will also get the opportunity to promote the RAN’s relationship with the United States and Canada through port visits to Pearl Harbour, Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco and San Diego. The deployment reflects the ongoing importance of the relationship between the three nations.
Source: www.navy.gov.au
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Tags: Canada Place, Cocktail Party, Cruise Ship Terminal, HMAS Sydney, Royal Australian Navy, Vancouver
Raj, you really do go to all the cool and weird parties…love all the pics.
Thanks! It’s great to see that people appreciate this stuff!
How do you get invited to these events? Way cool
Good karma and an even better camera