HMAS Coonawarra hosts its first Darwin open day in seven years

Darwin’s naval base opened its doors to the public for the first time in seven years. See the photos.

First HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Royal Australian Navy is sowing the seeds for future seamen as HMAS Coonawarra opens its gates to the public for the first time in seven years.

Commanding Officer Captain David Shirvington said he was thrilled to see the community welcomed aboard the Navy's ships.

Captain Shirvington said the open day was a chance to foster “greater understanding between our sailors and the local community”.

Commanding Officer Captain David Shirvington at the first HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“This event will showcase the tremendous changes that have occurred at HMAS Coonawarra over the last decade,” he said.

“Allowing the community to experience life as a sailor on-board our patrol boats and a visiting foreign aircraft carrier and strengthens our bonds with the Darwin community, reinforcing the importance of our Navy in protecting and defending Australia’s interests.”

Captain Shirvington said open days were a great opportunity for would-be seamen to deeper explore a career in the Navy.

He said a “sense of adventure” – as well as professionalism and a desire to serve the country – was critical for any future applicants.

“Be prepared to challenge yourself,” he said.

“It’s not easy putting on a uniform – and that goes for other two services as well – but what it does do is give you tremendous personal growth.”

See all the photos.

First HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

First HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

First HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Cunningham family at the first HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Cody Munday, Ella Hite, Nate Hite and Rick Hite at the first HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Welcome to country by Ronald Quall and Commanding Officer Captain David Shirvington at the first HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Arabeela, Alexander and Scott Dunk at the first HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

First HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

First HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

First HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

First HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

First HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

First HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

First HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

First HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

First HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Jorjia Duncan, Juanita Duncan and Steve Tetley at the first HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Jordan Franklin and Mason Franklin-Bairamis at the first HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Macy Godrich and Isabel Kelk at the first HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

First HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

AB Darcy Limbsch (left) Cpl Jones (centre) AB Warusam at the first HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

PO Cokanauto, CPO Brew, LS Cruikshank, LS Mollison and CHAP Koro at the first HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Saeng, Gabriel and Madelyn at the first HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Isaac Purnell and Jrue Adams at the first HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Planks at the HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

CPO Clout, LCDR Baczkowski, LEUT Do, PO Hayes at the first HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Gabey and Sagigi at the first HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

First HMAS Coonawarra open day in seven years. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin