From Seahawks to Singapore Slings

In conjunction with the release of this edition of RAN Band News as well as the band’s latest recording ‘The Seafarer,’ the Navy Band farewells one of its longest serving members after completing 39 years service to Navy and the nation. The Seafarer is dedicated to Warrant Officer Musician Leslie ‘Shina’ Wright OAM, who is undoubtedly one of the true seafarers of the Navy Band. We thank him for his service and wish him every success during the next leg of his voyage. As you all prepare to celebrate Christmas I wish to thank each of you for the good work that you do for Navy and wish you and your loved ones a happy and safe holiday season.

FROM SEAHAWKS TO SINGAPORE SLINGS

Article by Petty Officer Camille Smith

Eight members of the RAN Band personnel were fortunate enough to be chosen as members of the Sea Deployable Element to embark in HMAS Anzac’s for its recent East Asian deployment from 23 August to 7 November 2004. The musicians were Petty Officer Camille Smith, Leading Seaman Robert Flynn, Able Seaman Yoshi Izumi and Able Seaman Bruce McIntyre from the Melbourne detachment, and Leading Seaman Jason Campbell, Leading Seaman Matthew Klohs, Able Seaman Ian Aston, and Able Seaman Kirstin Sampson from the Sydney detachment. The ports visited included Singapore, Kuantan, Pusan, Qingdao, Tacloban, Manila and Port Klang. After some initial challenges sorting out power and the storage of equipment, the Sea Element Group settled into life at sea. It was certainly an interesting experience initially practicing rock group on the quarterdeck amongst rubbish bins and under the watchful eyes of the smokers having breaks. In heavy seas the quarterdeck became rather wet; so equipment was soon moved to the more-favourable position of the gym before the seas got too rough. The flight deck and the hangar became the new rehearsal spaces and the band practiced whenever possible, juggling available time between flying stations and ship manoeuvres. When the musicians were not rehearsing, they were involved in general duties on the ship such as café party, galley hand, mess duties, laundry hand and watch keeping on the bridge. From a very early stage, the ship’s company saw the ‘bandies’ integrating with the rest of the ship and accepted them as part of the crew and taking ownership of the RAN Band Sea Element Group element as their own. One very memorable afternoon was when the ship discovered a sinking Indonesian fishing vessel. All fifteen crew were rescued just as the last of their boat disappeared into the ocean. They most surely would have perished if HMAS Anzac had not come by at that time: it was quite frightening to see just how quickly the vessel sank. This rescue was to make world news. Our commitments included cocktail parties and ceremonial sunsets in Singapore, Pusan, Qingdao and Manila with guests including Maritime Commander and Chief of Navy. Both made special mention of the Navy Band contribution and enhancement to the events. The Banyan cultural BBQ, celebrating the opening of Exercise Bersama Lima 04 was an eventful evening for all. All the countries involved in the naval exercises contributed to the evening by providing food, drinks and cultural acts from their countries, with many sailors and dignitaries in attendance. The rock group performed to a huge gathering and got the Australian sailors dancing and singing along to some Australian rock, encouraging all guests to eat more delicious food and sip a couple more Singapore Sling cocktails or an Aussie beer. The concerts at the Australian International Schools in Singapore and Malaysia were huge successes. The children thoroughly enjoyed the concerts, showing their enthusiasm by dancing and jumping around to the music. The concerts started off with the traditional bugle and drum corps and finished with a variety of rock music. We played at the US defence recreational club called ‘The Terror Club’ in Sembowang, Singapore, and also at the US Camp Hialeah Army base in Pusan, South Korea. Many of HMAS Anzac’s ship’s company, along with military personnel from other countries, were in attendance.