End of an era: Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Chris Smith, HMAS Shepparton II commanding officer Lieutenant Commander Benjamin Stevenson, Seaman Libby Eden and Felicity Gaylard as they cut the ship’s decommissioning cake at HMAS Cairns, Queensland
Photo by
LSIS Shane Cameron
The HMAS Shepparton II bowed out of service last Friday, June 15, leaving a trail of 33 years of formidable duty.
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As the revered protector of our coasts, this naval sentinel, christened after our very own city, concluded its journey in a poignant decommissioning ceremony.
The responsibility of participating in this event fell on former City of Shepparton mayoress Felicity Gaylard.
Mrs Gaylard’s connection with the ship dates back to its inception, as she launched it on its inaugural expedition in 1990.
The event was a grand salute to a vessel that served the nation with unwavering dedication and etched the name of our city in the records of maritime history.
March: The HMA Ships Benalla II and Shepparton II’s crew depart their respective ships for the final time during the decommissioning ceremony held at HMAS Cairns in Queensland.
Photo by
LSIS Shane Cameron
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Farewell: Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Chris Smith accepts HMA Ships Benalla II and Shepparton II’s Australian White Ensigns during their decommissioning ceremony held at HMAS Cairns in Queensland.
Photo by
LSIS Shane Cameron
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Salute: HMAS Benalla’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Michael Casey, salutes the Australian White Ensign as it is lowered for the last time during the ship’s decommissioning ceremony held at HMAS Cairns in Queensland.
Photo by
LSIS Shane Cameron
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Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Chris Smith presents HMAS Benalla II’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Michael Casey, with the ship’s decommissioning order during the decommissioning ceremony held at HMAS Cairns in Queensland.
Photo by
LSIS Shane Cameron
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HMA Ships Benalla II and Shepparton II’s guard stand at attention during the decommissioning ceremony held at HMAS Cairns in Queensland.
Photo by
LSIS Shane Cameron
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Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Chris Smith (left), and the commanding officers of HMAS Benalla II and Shepparton II salute during the decommissioning ceremony at HMAS Cairns in Queensland.
Photo by
LSIS Shane Cameron
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HMA Ships Benalla II and Shepparton II’s commanding officers depart their respective ships for the final time during the decommissioning ceremony held at HMAS Cairns in Queensland.
Photo by
LSIS Shane Cameron
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Commanding officers of HMA Ships Benalla II (front) and Shepparton II receive their respective ship’s Australian White Ensigns during the decommissioning ceremony held at HMAS Cairns in Queensland.
Photo by
LSIS Shane Cameron
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