After twenty-six years of service the cities namesake ship, the HMAS Newcastle, today made her final docking in the cities port.
The largely Novcastrian crew and their Commanding officer, Newcastle local, Anita Sellick made their emotional home-coming into the harbor this morning, waving to their families and on-lookers a top Fort-Scratchley.
Georgia Clarke, company member, and Polkobin local just completed the ship's journey down the East coast of Australia, making port in both Cairns and Brisbane.
"It's always good to come back to Newcastle after being away so long, especially coming in on this ship," Miss Clarke said.
"It's nice to know my family is watching, it's enjoyable for them to see me coming back."
Lady Mayoress of Newcastle Mrs. Magaret McNaughton, the wife of the then Lord Mayor John McNaughton, launched the ship in 1993.
This morning Mrs McNaughton was flown by helicopter onto the ship, riding the vessel into the harbor.
The ship's arrival also marks the end of the war-ships final overseas deployment, aimed at strengthing relationships in the Indo-pacific region.
"The whole deployment itself has been about four months...and we've actually visited eight ports in seven weeks whilst we were overseas, but we've also circumnavigated Australia in that time," the ship's commander, Anita Sellick said.
The crew performed a ceremonial salute, with the RAAF Hornets flying over before company member, Benjamin Lidell had the privilege of driving in the ship for its final docking.
"It's definitely up there with one my favorite voyages I've ever done," Mr. Lideel said.
The HMAS Newcastle has a rich history, serving in the middle east and being involved in the 1988 Sydney to Hobart tragedy.
"There are so many things this ship has contributed to in our region and the ships' companies over the years have all held their name high and done the city of Newcastle and HMAS Newcastle proud," Anita Sellick said.
The Commander is hoping to ship will be sold and be allowed to continue its use.
