08 April 2008
The Hon. Warren Snowdon, MP recently visit to HMAS CAIRNS

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Honourable Warren Snowdon, MP recently visited HMAS CAIRNS as part of a wider familiarisation tour of Queensland Defence establishments. His time onboard facilitated a briefing on HMAS CAIRNS roles, functions and the ongoing redevelopment project.

Walking around the Establishment with the Commanding Officer, Commander Jenny Daetz, the Minister witnessed the extent of construction underway due to the redevelopment..  With a number of key facilities offline and under the control of contractors the tour was abbreviated and the opportunity to vist three different classes of ships was taken. 

Getting a first hand impression of an Armidale Class Patrol Boat was top of the agenda.  Ardent Three Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Mal Parsons welcomed the MP to the operational sharp end with a briefing of the operational capability of the Patrol Boat Fleet. 

The Minister visited the other classes of vessels alongside HMAS CAIRNS.  HMAS BENALLA, a Paluma Class Survey Motor Launch and HMAS WEWAK, a Landing Craft Heavy.  Having spoken with Fleet crews the Minister took the opportunity to meet HMAS CAIRNS personnel.  Following a ceremonial departure the Minister continued his familiarisation tour of Defence in the north with a much fuller understanding of the valuable work undertaken by Navy.