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Singapore ship, Prince Harry part of Australian Navy celebrations

Singapore ship, Prince Harry part of Australian Navy celebrations

Monday 7 October 2013

Story from abc.net.au

The Singapore Navy's RSS Endeavour and Prince Harry were part of celebrations marking 100 years since the Royal Australian Navy arrived in Sydney Harbour, an event attended by thousands of onlookers.

More than 20 warships from 17 different nations arrived this week for the International Fleet Review in celebration of Australia's Navy.

The enormous fireworks display kicked off at 7:40pm (AEST) and lasted 30 minutes.

It was the biggest display since the city hosted the Olympic Games, with fireworks launched from city rooftops, the Harbour Bridge and the decks of warships, along with light projections, narration and music.

The Sydney Opera House came alive with Navy imagery and history projected onto its sails, along with the message: "We salute you".

Sailors watched on from the decks of warships and an estimated 1 million people witnessed the spectacular from parks, wharves and balconies.

In 1913 seven warships, which formed the beginnings of Australia's Royal Navy, emerged from behind Bradleys Head and entered the harbour.

One hundred years later, contemporary Australian and International warships did the same.

Earlier on Saturday Prince Harry joined Governor-General Quinten Bryce in officially reviewing the warships from aboard the HMAS Leeuwin on the harbour.

They were welcomed by a 100-gun salute as crowds of people packed onto the foreshore looked on.

The Prince then met members of the public who had gathered at The Rocks, before heading to Kirribilli House where he was greeted by Prime Minister Tony Abbott and members of his family.

The Airforce also paid its respects to the Navy with formation flyovers on Saturday and Navy helicopter teams took to the skies to display their skills.