Naval voyage approaches its end as sailors salute the chief: [1 All-round Country Edition]
Stapleton, John. The Australian [Canberra, A.C.T] 22 June 2005: 8.
Show highlighting
Abstract
Rear-Admiral [Rowan Moffitt] said Vice-Admiral [Chris Ritchie]’s term as 27th head of the Royal Australian Navy was hectic, with thelast Iraq war involving the service in its most serious conflict since the Vietnam War.
Naval Association of Australia national president Bob Trotter said Vice-Admiral Ritchie was forward-looking but respectful of tradition. “In general, ex-navy people have seen Ritchie’s watch as a good and caring one,” Mr Trotter said.
Vice-Admiral Ritchie joined the navy at 16 and graduated from the Australian Naval College in 1968. His sea commands included HMAS Tarakan, Torres and Brisbane, and he was deployed in the 1991 Gulf War.
Full Text
WHEN Chris Ritchie joined the navy, none of the present ships were in service and no women were on deck.
Forty years on, more than 600 sailors in Sydney yesterday paid respects to their Chief of Navy of the past three years.
“It has been a great honour and a privilege to be your chief,” Vice-Admiral Ritchie said after inspecting the ranks one last time on a cold and windy winter’s day.
Maritime Commander Rowan Moffitt said Vice-Admiral Ritchie, who will retire next month, was “a shining example of a life lived in complete accord with the values of the navy”.
Rear-Admiral Moffitt said Vice-Admiral Ritchie’s term as 27th head of the Royal Australian Navy was hectic, with the last Iraq war involving the service in its most serious conflict since the Vietnam War.
Vice-Admiral Ritchie was a “down to business” person who had helped turn the Australian Navy into one of the world’s most capable medium-sized fleets.
An emotional Vice-Admiral Ritchie suggested the freezing sailors might be glad they did not have to bid farewell to him every day, but he was grateful for the opportunity to thank them for their dedicated service “on my watch”.
He said the core of the service was the same as when he joined, “young and not-so-young Australians giving their best in the service of their country”.
Australia Defence Association executive director Neil James said Vice-Admiral Ritchie was well regarded by all ranks. “He leaves thenavy in as good shape as it can be under current resourcing constraints,” Mr James said.
Naval Association of Australia national president Bob Trotter said Vice-Admiral Ritchie was forward-looking but respectful of tradition. “In general, ex-navy people have seen Ritchie’s watch as a good and caring one,” Mr Trotter said.
Vice-Admiral Ritchie joined the navy at 16 and graduated from the Australian Naval College in 1968. His sea commands included HMAS Tarakan, Torres and Brisbane, and he was deployed in the 1991 Gulf War.
He is an Officer of the Order of Australia.