HMAS ANZAC To Gallipoli Retracing WWI Convoy Route

HMAS Anzac Departure From Albany To Gallipoli Retracing WWI Convoy Route

What: Royal Australian Navy ANZAC Class frigate, HMAS Anzac, will depart Albany, Western Australia for a global deployment, in part retracing the historic 1914 World War I convoy route from Albany to Gallipoli.

When: 10:00am on Friday, 11 March, 2005, local Western Australia time.

Where: HMAS Anzac will depart from Berth 1, Albany Port, Albany, Western Australia.

Media Opportunities: Commanding Officer HMAS Anzac, Captain Richard Menhinick, will be available for interview prior to the ship's departure.

Media intending to cover the ship's departure from Albany Port are to advise Lieutenant Rachel Irving by 8:00am on Friday 11 March 2005.

Media Contact: Lieutenant Rachel Irving, telephone: 0439 454 205 or Defence Media Liaison: (02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664.

Background: HMAS Anzac is visiting Albany, the ship's adopted city, from 8-11 March 2005, before leaving for a six-month global deployment. The ship will depart Albany, the mustering point for the 1914 World War I convoys, and follow the route of the convoys on to Turkey. HMAS Anzac will anchor in Anzac Cove for the 90th Anniversary ANZAC Day commemorations.

HMAS Anzac will take with her two five-inch cartridges, one filled with peace messages from the City of Albany, to be presented to the Mayor of Gallipoli. The other will in turn be filled with peace messages from the Turks to be carried back to Australia onboard HMAS Anzac and presented to the City of Albany.

HMAS Anzac will visit ports in Asia, Europe, the United Kingdom, and South Africa before returning to Australia later this year.

The ship will participate in the 200th Anniversary Battle of Trafalgar celebrations and the Festival of the Sea in the United Kingdom.

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