From Richard Jones
President, 2/3 AHS Centaur Association
(10/10/10)
We are
commencing to catch our breath back after the recent activities. The At-Sea Thanksgiving and Remembrance Service was
perfect in every respect.
On board I gave
a public vote of thanks on behalf of the Centaur Association in front of those attending for (Christopher Milligan's)
efforts along with those of John Foley and the many, many people at the government and personal level who contributed in one
way or another to the eventual location of Centaur and the two memorial services. I am still amazed by the extraordinary
team effort which to me seemed to be directed by an invisible hand towards such a successful and gratifying conclusion.
Every one of a cast of dozens or more, perhaps hundreds even, made a significant contribution, often without being aware of
the parts being played by others or of the full story being assembled around them.
There were approximately 300 relatives on board HMAS Manoora for the service, which was the limit allowed by
the Navy. The people from the Premier's Department were extremely professional, respectful and friendly in
their organisation and conduct of the days activities. The ship's personnel from the Commanding Officer, Commander
Stephen Dryden, down were wonderful and attentive hosts during the 13 to 14 hours on board. The interest and courtesy
of the ship's personnel assigned to our care was very genuine and much appreciated. Comments expressed to me by
those attending have all been very positive and appreciative. The weather could not have been better on the day after
a pretty atrocious weather week up to the day before. I was told that some of the crew were seasick on the voyage from
Sydney to Brisbane. Then the weather set back in shortly after our day at sea.
All told it was memorable day that was long waited for.
