A Blast from the Past: Musical Memories on the Flagship HMAS Melbourne

The Flagship

I recently stumbled upon a poster of HMAS Melbourne, the Flagship of the Royal Australian Navy, and it sent a wave of nostalgia washing over me. Seeing that majestic ship brought back a flood of memories from my time onboard. It was an exciting period in my life, filled with music, camaraderie, and some truly unforgettable experiences.

And here's a fun fact: I actually slept in the same mess (4 November Port Outer) and even the same bunk that my father had slept in some 20 years before me! Talk about a family tradition!

As a member of the Fleet Band, I had the privilege of playing in numerous "Procedure Alpha" entering harbour ceremonies on the Melbourne's flight deck. These ceremonies, with the band playing and the ship sailing into port, were always special, but some were definitely more challenging than others!

One that stands out in my memory is when we sailed into Wellington, New Zealand. The weather was absolutely brutal – freezing cold with howling winds that seemed determined to rip the music right off the stands! But the show must go on, as they say, and we braved the elements to give the city a proper welcome.

I distinctly remember playing one of my all-time favorite marches, "Wellington" by Wilhelm Zehle, during that particular Procedure Alpha. It seemed fitting, given the circumstances! Despite the challenging conditions, the music rang out, and it was a proud moment for all of us in the band.

These musical performances while entering harbour and then ashore weren't just about entertainment; they played a crucial role in soft diplomacy. Every time we played, we were representing the Royal Australian Navy and our country. Music has a unique ability to transcend language barriers and create connections between people, and it was an honour to be a part of that. Music really is the universal language!

Seeing that poster of the HMAS Melbourne really took me back. It was a reminder of a unique time in my life, filled with incredible experiences and the chance to make music with some truly talented people.