HMAS Sydney hosts Carrier Strike Group Commodore

HMAS Sydney has welcomed the Commander of the United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG), Royal Navy Commodore James Blackmore, on board for a tour of the Australian destroyer.

CAPTION: Commander United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group, Royal Navy Commodore James Blackmore is welcomed on board HMAS Sydney. Story by Lieutenant Hinako Shiraishi. Photo by Leading Seaman David Cox.

The meeting took place at sea as Sydney integrated with the CSG en route to Australia, where it will wrap up its regional presence deployment and join Exercise Talisman Sabre.

Commanding Officer Sydney Commander Ben Weller said it was a pleasure to host Commodore Blackmore and discuss commonalities in naval priorities.

“It was a great opportunity to strengthen our long-standing relationship with the Royal Navy, as they’re not just our oldest relationship but they remain one of our closest partners,” Commander Weller said.

“Australia and the United Kingdom share a partnership that reflects a deep mutual understanding and shared strategic interest.

“Our people-to-people links are important, and I thank the Commodore for making the time to visit.”

CAPTION: Royal Australian Navy aviation technician Petty Officer Jarrad Klomp, centre, speaks with Commander UK Carrier Strike Group, Royal Navy Commodore James Blackmore. Photo by Leading Seaman David Cox.

During the tour, Commodore Blackmore was shown key parts of the ship, including the bridge, Combat Information Centre, Platform Control Room, armoury, junior sailors’ café and the flight hangar.

He also visited the galley, where he thanked the chefs who prepared his lunch.

Petty Officer Chef Justin Macey said they served him a summer watermelon salad, classic Australian surf and turf, and tiramisu for dessert.

CAPTION: Royal Navy Commodore James Blackmore speaks to the chefs on board HMAS Sydney. Photo by Leading Seaman David Cox.

“It was thoughtful of the Commodore to come to the galley and personally thank us for making his lunch,” Petty Officer Macey said.

“The Commodore particularly enjoyed the three dishes we made as they are his favourites.”

CAPTION: Commanding Officer HMAS Sydney, Commander Ben Weller, presents Commander UK Carrier Strike Group, Royal Navy Commodore James Blackmore with a cricket bat. Photo by Leading Seaman David Cox.

As a parting gesture, Commodore Blackmore received a cricket bat – a signature gift from the crew of Sydney.

Under Operation Highmast, the Australian Defence Force will conduct training and engagements with the UK CSG along with ships and personnel from Canada, New Zealand, Norway and Spain until October.

CAPTION: HMAS Sydney and HMS Prince of Wales sail through the Indo-Pacific, as part of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group on Operation Highmast. Photo by Leading Photographer Kevin Walton.

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