Bound for historic commemoration

By Gary Warner.

Naval history beckons for these two Geraldton men.

Sub Lt Anthony Desmond, commanding officer of Geraldton’s navy cadet unit, Training Ship Morrow, and Cadet Able Seaman Travis Petford will participate in the Royal Australian Navy’s International Fleet Review in Sydney from 2 – 11 October 2013.  

Theirs were among 300 lucky names of Australian Naval Cadets (ANC) selected from over 2500 ANC personnel, Australia-wide.

They have been invited by the Chief of Navy, Vice-Admiral Ray Griggs, AO CSC RAN, to take part in the epic event, commemorating the centenary of the first entry of the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet into Sydney.  

On 4 October 1913, the flagship HMAS Australia led the new Australian Fleet Unit comprising HMA Ships Melbourne, Sydney, Encounter, Warrego, Parramatta and Yarra into Sydney harbour for the first time.

There will be 19 RAN warships, and it is anticipated that approximately 20 other countries will also participate, including vessels from the United Kingdom, Russia, Spain and the United States of America.  

As well, 20 military and civilian tall ships are expected to join the international warship fleet.

AB Petford, 19, is considering a naval career and is hoping to be one of the even luckier cadets chosen to ride on a RAN warship from Jervis Bay to Sydney.