HMAS Supply II navy ship crew reunited with families in Cairns
Sailors stepped off HMAS Supply II and into the loving embrace of family members after the navy ship docked in Cairns.
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HMAS Supply II crew have finally reunited with their families after a tough year at sea and separation due to Covid travel restrictions.
Cairns-local boatswains mate Able Seaman Joseph Parsons had an eager entourage awaiting his arrival, including sister Jessica Littlewood and his nephew.
The sailor had never met little Jack before.
Ms Littlewood was excited to have her brother back in Cairns after missing so many key events that would ordinarily be spent as a family.
“It’s really exciting that he gets to meet his nephew for the first time,” she said.
The siblings had not seen each other in about 10 months.
“The last time we saw him was three days in February and that is over the last two years,” Ms Littlewood said.
“He’s missed our wedding and the birth of his nephew.”
Separation was difficult but Ms Littlewood had extra insight into why it was necessary, since she too was in the navy in Cairns.
The crew came into port after 18 days at sea and about 24 months riding out the pandemic in NSW.
Out of about 40 crew members, a dozen were Cairns locals.
Maritime logistics supply chain Able Seaman Kurt Kenny was excited to touch base with his family after such a long absence.
He was one of many new recruits who started right as the whole Covid pandemic began in 2020.
He was last able to visit Cairns a year ago.
“I was down in Victoria for a while doing the training then came up to Sydney,” he said.
Now we finally have been able to come up to Cairns for a weekend away.
“I get to see some family and might see some friends as well.”
His mother Christina Kenny was beyond thrilled to finally cuddle her boy.
Like Mr Kenny, many crew members had only joined the navy in the last year or two.
A large contingent had planned trips up to the Daintree, on the Skyrail and out to the Great Barrier Reef.
The ship is scheduled to depart at 11am on Tuesday after restoration work is complete.
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Originally published as HMAS Supply II navy ship crew reunited with families in Cairns
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