http://www.navy.gov.au/Navy_People:_A_C ... g_Position
This is no doubt very significant, in my view, as I understand that Commander John Stavridis needed to overcome many obstacles along the way, as we all did within the conservative, nationalist and sometimes very racist institution, now defeated by the plucky contributions of Greek and Cypriot Australians within the ADF, and more specifically as Pilots of AP-3C Orions, FA-18, as Officers and soldiers of the elite SASR, as Diggers, Sailors and Airmen.
The ADF is now becoming a microcosm of multicultural Australia, and how fitting it is that Greek Australian will take command of a ship with an Aboriginal namesake.
http://www.aboriginalartonline.com/culture/dreamtim.php
I wish Commander John Stavridis well, and hope that he will sail HMAS Arunta to Souda bay in Crete on the ADF's annual pilgrimage in Crete, with the Australian Navy Ensign at half mast, to commemorate with the men and women of the Greek Armed Forces. May the ship's guns ring loud once again, as they did in WW2, whilst sailing past Crete to awaken the spirits of the Greek and Australian fallen which will be remembered in eternity.
The bonds between Australia and Greece will never die and the servicemen and women, past veterans, members of the RSL and Hellenic RSL will see to it!
Sound the Bosun pipe!
Background on the HMAS Arunta:
http://www.navy.gov.au/HMAS_Arunta
The ADF will continue to fight the good fight!
