AAAWA Newsletter 2015 June

NEWSLETTER
PATRON
Her Worship
Lisa Scaffidi,
Lord Mayor
Perth WA
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
VICE PATRON
Captain Brett Wolski
RAN
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PRESIDENT
Max Kay AM Cit WA
VICE-PRESIDENT
David Siglin
Nola Raguse
SECRETARY
Sandra Williams
TREASURER
Merv Bailey
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Chris Castle
Norma Kay
Marice Purser-Bailey
Juliette Reay
Mary-Ann Wright
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Issue No: 28. June 2015
VISIT ON BOARD USS CARL VINSON
As some of you may know, some recent visitors to our
shores were the US Navy. There were three ships in
Fremantle and Gauge Roads which, during sunsets,
was a great vision. Within 48 hrs of their arrival, ten of
us were lucky to be invited on board USS Carl Vinson, a
Nimitz class Supercarrier, for a tour. We met at the
wharf in Fremantle and needed to go through strict
security. As usually happens to me these days, I needed to be screen checked, because I have a fake knee.
This has become quite the norm in recent years, and I passed, yea............
We boarded a ferry type boat, and motored out to the Aircraft Carrier number 70.
We were carefully escorted on board to the hanger deck, where we were told of the
procedures during our visit. Then we were taken to the Carl Vinson Museum, which
is an amazing room with much information regarding The Hon. Carl Vinson who was
a Congressman from Georgia, born Nov. 18, 1883, died June 01, 1981. He was elected to Public Office Nov. 1914. Retired January 1965. He sure played a huge role in
the US Navy and Marine Corps. It was an honour to be on board, and to learn about
a special US Citizen.
We then went up to the flight deck. WOW, if any of you watch Jag, which is on ch.
11 at 1pm week days, you certainly would feel at home. We watch the show every
day and it felt fantastic being on board. There is one thing which we needed to be
careful of, our heads. When going up and down ladders etc. it is so easy to hit one's
head, and of course some of us did just that. Not to worry, it was well worth it. We
got to meet some great Sailors and Marines and learnt a lot about the ship and being in the Service of Their Country. Check the photos and you will see the joy felt.
Having been in the Middle East for 8 months, they were here purely for Rest & Recreation; to meet Aussies and enjoy some Time Out. There were no official events, it
was take it easy and enjoy, as we did during our visit, which you can see from the
photos. We sure look forward to the next US Navy
visit. Who knows, it might be your turn on board,
next time.
David Grace
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Marice Purser-Bailey
and
Juliette Reay
Contact:
jreay@space.net.au
Postal Address: PO BOX 307
Victoria Park WA 6979
by Marice Purser-Bailey
www.aaawa.com.au
Page 1
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Max Kay AM Cit WA
The 4th May, the day of the commemoration of the battle of the Coral Sea, looked
gloomy and threatening, with rain forecast to hit at 11am, the very time of the start of
the wreath laying ceremony. There was a very substantial turn out of wreath layers from
the various organisations, members and friends and of course all the dignitaries led by
her Excellency Kerry Sanderson AO, the governor of Western Australia. Lo and behold,
as we waited for the fly past, kindly supplied by the RAAF Pearce airbase, the sun broke
through and the ceremony began. I thought this must have been divine intervention and
it was with grateful thanks that only a few raindrops fell throughout the whole proceedings.
I was very proud of my granddaughter Sarah Kay Darby when she sang the two national anthems. “The Star Spangled
Banner, and Advance Australia Fair. This was followed by the Very Reverend Dean of Perth Richard Pengelly of St
Georges Cathedral who read the prayers and the ceremony began.
As the representatives of the various organisations began laying the wreaths, the piper Chris McCauley of the WA Police
Pipe Band played a haunting lament. Lt Michael Munjak USN ret. president of the North American Veterans, recited
“taps” whilst Leading Seaman Nigel Barrat played taps and then The Last Post. The ode was recited by Captain Angela
Bond RAN Commanding Officer of HMAS Stirling.
The Deputy Warden Geoff OAM RFD invited the Warden of the State Memorial, Mr Duncan Warren, to welcome those
assembled. Then there was a beautiful tasteful and compassionate, Coral Sea address, read by Her Excellency the Gov-
ernor. The messages from the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of Australia were read by their various representatives.
I then had the pleasure of thanking everybody present for taking the time from their busy lives to attend this touching
ceremony and inviting them all to a light lunch at Council House, kindly provided by the Perth City Council. The lunch at
council house, was, as usual, absolutely wonderful and Cr Rob Butler most aptle represented the Lord Mayor Lisa
Scaffidi, who was in Houston for the Energy Cities Conference. We were also fortunate to have with us, visiting Perth
the federal president, of the Australian American Association Mr Keith Shackley. He was invited to speak and his words,
of what our friendship with America meant to both countries, were well received.
On my arrival at Council House, I was told that a video message, addressed to me, from our Prime Minister, the Hon.
Tony Abbott, had been received especially for this occasion. With the help of the city council we managed to play this
message to all who were present and it proved to be extremely meaningful and relevant to our friendship with the United States. I believe it was well appreciated by all. Many photographs of the event were taken and I believe they will appear on these pages in this newsletter. The battle of the Coral Sea is our reason for being, as it was this event which led
to our amazing friendship which has now lasted for 73years. Long may it continue.
Functions Update
OUR ASSOCIATION MEET, EAT, DRINK AND HAVE A GREAT TIME
Last month members and friends got together for a most enjoyable evening at the Pagoda Restaurant and Bar in
Como. Everyone who attended had a lovely time especially watching the sunset over the Swan River. For those of
you who could not make it, you were missed. We all enjoyed a good chat with Australians, Americans and British. A
good time was had by all so we have decided to make it a regular event.
Our Joyous June Sun-downer is almost here. We will be at the
Pagoda Restaurant and Bar in Como, at around 6pm on Friday
19th June for drinks, at your own cost.
This is a great opportunity to come along and meet members
and friends. It is also a good way to start the weekend, to relax
and enjoy great company.
There will be some American citizens in attendance this time , so
“come on down” and catch up. We look forward to seeing Y’all
and sharing the sun setting over the Swan River.
Members having an enjoyable time at the May Sun-downer
Kevan Barrett, Merv Bailey & Chris Castle
We are planning a Christmas in July dinner for 25 July 2015 so keep the date free. More information is on it’s way.
Another great time to catch up.
Check the website for all the details.:
www.aaawa.com.au
Birthdays
June
2 - Hugh Butler
7 - Paul Summers
27 - Nola Schlam
11 - Glenda Gotts
Members!
If your birthday does not
appear in our newsletter
and you would like it to,
please email us for
inclusion.
July
9 - Denise Hallion
19 - Fiona Castle
28 - Harold Simmons
August
2 - Harry Grey
23 - Evelyn Grey
21 - Gary Jackson
28 - Snow Fairclough
THE WORLD'S OLDEST SAILING SHIPS
by David Grace
The 'USS Constitution', a naval frigate built in 1797and based at Boston, Massachusetts is the oldest commissioned warship afloat.
HMS Victory, built in 1765, Nelson's famous Flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, is older, is also commissioned,
but dry docked at Portsmouth, England.
The third oldest sailing ship, HMS Trincomalee, built 1817, is afloat in Hartlepool Harbour, England.
The USS Constitution took three attempts to launch. It was made of the finest American oak, - so hard that cannonballs bounced off it. Accordingly the ship was nicknamed 'Ironside'.
The ship played a prominent roll in the 1812 American War of Independence, and defeated a total of 4 British
ships when in 3 separate engagements.
It was fast, - 13 knots (15 mph/24 kph), very manoeuvrable and had plenty of fire power.
On one occasion it found itself closely pursued by a squadron of British ships. The wind dropped, all became
becalmed, and each dropped rowing boats with crews to pull the ship along. When 'Constitution' found the
British ships closing the gap, it repeatedly placed the ships anchor in a rowing boat, dropped the anchor ahead
of the ship, and pulling itself along by it. By this means it managed to escape.
Returning briefly to the Trincomalee, (which I spent a weekend on in 1960, sleeping in a hammock) it's first set
of plans were put aboard HMS Java in 1812, but off the coast of Brazil HMS Java was reduced to a total wreck
by, - you've guessed it, - 'Constitution'. The USS Constitution was later engaged in anti slave, and anti piracy duties around the world.
__________ o O o __________
MEMBERS RECIPE
TUNA SLICE
(Thank you to the late, Margot Hveissel)
3 eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup (120 grams) Jatz biscuits, crushed
1 large tin tuna, drained. (not in oil)
1 onion finely chopped
1 cup grated tasty cheese
3 tblsp chopped fresh parsley
Salt & pepper to taste.
Grease a 23 cm ovenproof plate or dish. Whisk eggs and milk in bowl. Stir in crumbs, flaked tuna, chopped onion, cheese & parsley. Season to taste. Pour into dish and cook in 180o oven for 20 – 30 mins or until lightly
browned. A little cheese on top is nice.
Serve slice, either hot or cold. This goes really well with either salad, or veg, or in sandwich. It could also be varied slightly with other herbs or spices. Very simple and goes down well.
“Old age is difficult, but better than the alternative.” Maurice Chevalier. “Enjoy what you have”