Navy crew opens doors for Hobart

THE crew of Australia’s newest warship, HMAS Hobart, is preparing a special treat for as many as 5000 members of the public on Monday.

Scott Oram, who left Hobart to join the Navy as a chef 17 years ago, said the guided missile destroyer’s crew would show visitors through parts of their ship that the public was not normally allowed to see.

The ship is taking a break from weapons trials for its first port visit to serve as flagship for the Royal Hobart Regatta to be held today, tomorrow and Monday.

HMAS Hobart will anchor off the Regatta Grounds for people’s day, which this year has been moved to Sunday. Some crew members will participate in the Trans Derwent Swim, starting 9am Sunday at Montagu Bay.

From 2pm today all 186 of HMAS Hobart’s crew members will march from Princes Wharf to the Town Hall for a rare ceremony to receive Freedom of Entry from the City of Hobart.

Chief Petty Officer Oram said it was fitting that Tasmanians be the first to examine HMAS Hobart.

“They are going to see a lot more than normal,’’ he said. “We will take them down to the lower deck … the accommodation spaces, along the main deck ... then all of the way up to the bridge.’’

He said there were eight Tasmanians on board, and a little piece of Hobart was already rubbing off on to the ship’s company. “There’s definitely a Hobart, Tasmanian (style) close-knit environment,” he said.

HMAS Hobart arrived yesterday.