Splash of Red (Beret) and guns in Sydney’s Australia Day

The Australian Defence Force put on spectacular displays in and around Sydney Harbour for Australia Day.

CAPTION: Gunners from the 9th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery in action during the 21-gun salute as part of the Australia Day celebrations at Bradfield Park, Sydney. Photo by Sergeant Tristan Kennedy.

Navy destroyer HMAS Sydney was the centrepiece for the Salute to Australia at Sydney Cove, while the Australian Army’s 9th Regiment performed a 21-gun salute.

On the last note of the national anthem, it was all eyes to the skies as an Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft conducted a handling display.

A Navy MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, with the Australian flag underslung, flew over the harbour and along the beaches to the north and south of the city.

Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Christopher Smith, who represented the RAN at the Salute to Australia, said Defence was proud to support this longstanding tradition.

“The Australian Defence Force plays an important role in the life of all Australians. Our troops, ships and aircraft help to shape the strategic environment and support a rules-based order,” Rear Admiral Smith said.

“We are proud to join the community on Australia Day and showcase some of our capability and people.”

The Army’s Red Beret parachute team and Air Force’s formation aerobatic display team, the Roulettes, brought the day to a close, providing demonstrations over the Sydney Opera House as the community enjoyed the Australia Day Live concert below.

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