Decommissioning of Navcommsta Darwin

DECOMMISSIONING NAVCOMSTA DARWIN

G’day fellow Communicators.
The following has been received from John Ferguson who is co-ordinating the decommissioning of NAVCOMSTA Darwin
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I have been successful in my bid to have welfare subsidize the celebrations we have planned for the stations decommissioning. So this is how things will go at this stage (I say at this stage because the timetable changed 4 times this week the only certainty is the Ball on Sat 1st Sep)

Friday 31st Aug

At 0930 (310001Z Aug 01)

The Chief of the Navy will officially close the station by transmitting the last signal and close down the Coastal Operation Communications System by short voice message.

At 1200
HMAS Coonawarra will exercise their right to the freedom of the City of Darwin. This is to be followed by a reception at Parliament House hosted by the Chief Minister for Naval Personnel and their wives/partners (I will be talking to SNONA Captain Gerry Christian , to see if I can secure everyone attending the Ball an invite to this one)
At 1700

We will hold the last BBQ out the back of the station (this will give everyone a chance to have a last look inside the station as the official closing will most probably be attended by media and more hangeroners than you can poke a stick at. That’s not to say that you are not invited but it could get crowded.

At 1200
HMAS Coonawarra will exercise their right to the freedom of the City of Darwin. This is to be followed by a reception at Parliament House hosted by the Chief Minister for Naval Personnel and their wives/partners (I will be talking to SNONA Captain Gerry Christian , to see if I can secure everyone attending the Ball an invite to this one)
Saturday 1st Sep
HMAS Coonawarra will exercise their right to the freedom of the City of Darwin. This is to be followed by a reception at Parliament House hosted by the Chief Minister for Naval Personnel and their wives/partners (I will be talking to SNONA Captain Gerry Christian , to see if I can secure everyone attending the Ball an invite to this one)
At 1200

Probably an all day affair

The navy will be holding an open day at Darwin Naval Base in Larrakeyah Barracks. The communications display will be taking on a historical theme to coincide with the decommissioning, so if anyone has some short stories or photos they would like to submit it would help to make this a great display

Some time in the afternoon
The new wharf at D.N.B. will be opened probably by the minister of defence The new wharf has been commissioned, as early next year we will have 10 Patrol Boats based at Darwin
At approx 1830
A ceremonial sunset will be held at D.N.B.
At approx 1830

Venue. The Carlton Hotel Darwin

This will commence at 1930 for pre dinner drinks and a hot buffet will commence at 2030. The entertainment will be provided by a husband and wife Duo who I am told are very good, If anyone would like to make speeches at the Ball please let me know and I will fit you into the programme

Accommodation

Prices offered by the Carlton are

Delux $125 single/twin/double

Executive $165 single/double

When booking mention NAVCOMSTA

(There are many very good hotels around Darwin that will offer much better deals)

HMAS Coonawarra has a few demountables available by alas I don’t have the number handy while typing but if you contact the switch during business hours on (08) 89354111 they will be able to point you in the right direction

Tickets for the Ball are going for $45 a head only 300 tickets available. When booking please let me know when you served at either W/T Station Coonawarra, Darwin Naval Radio Station or NAVCOMSTA Darwin so we can seat you with some old mates. Also let me know if you will be attending all or some of the events above

Please make your cheques/money orders payable to NAVCOMSTA Darwin Ball Fund. Please post them so that they reach me by 10 Aug 01

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to call me, As I am still watchkeeping if you cannot get me at work ask for POCIS4 Kev Stenhouse.

POCIS4 John Ferguson NAVCOMSTA DARWIN HMAS COONAWARRA PMB 13 WINNELLIE NT 0820 Phone (w) (08) 89354120 (m) 0414 763859 Email (w) john.ferguson2@defence.gov.au (h) fergie18@tpg.com.au

PS: Will forward information about Port Crocks shortly

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