Navy ready for Anzac sunset

Royal Australian Navy personnel have been training daily since last week in preparation for the Anzac Albany ceremonial sunset tomorrow night.

Navy combat systems operator Leading Seaman Melinda Templeton said they had been training once a week since September and increased to daily training last week before their scheduled arrival in Albany yesterday.

The 24-strong group, from different organisations within HMAS Stirling, is led by a parade commander, LS Templeton said.

“(Last week) we introduced the communicators who are the flag bearers for the evening and also the music,” she said.

“We’ve started conducting the volley shots, which means we fire five blanks.”

LS Templeton said every day on navy ships and at shore bases, two ceremonies were conducted called colours and sunsets, raising and lowering the Australian flag and the Australian white ensign.

“On special occasions, particularly those that mark significant events in history such as the Albany centenary, we introduce the naval guard and the band,” she said.

“It’s an excellent way of acknowledging the courage and sacrifices of the men and women of the RAN for more than a century of service through war and peace.”

LS Templeton said the ceremony included the guard marching and performing different movements to different songs, a salute, the lowering of the flag and firing a volley of blank shots into the sky during the hymn.

“Everyone was honoured to be asked to be a part of the guard … it’s a bit nerve-racking with so many people,” she said.

“It’s just really important to make sure we get that shot off at the same time and everyone stays in sync.”

The Royal Australian Navy ceremonial sunset will be held at the Anzac Peace Park tomorrow at 6.30pm.

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