As part of Northern Territory Defence Week, HMAS Coonawarra invited local defence industry, community members and school groups to step beyond its usually restricted gates and experience life on base.
With a long-standing presence in the Top End, Navy has stood by communities in times of remembrance and celebration, including helping with the clean-up after Cyclone Tracy and countless community events like Anzac Day marches and freedom-of-entry parades.
Visitors were treated to guided tours along the wharf and static displays highlighting the capabilities of units from the Larrakeyah Defence Precinct, alongside contributions from defence industry partners.
The event offered a rare opportunity to see the people, equipment and operations that underpin Navy's activities in northern Australia.
Commanding Officer Coonawarra Captain Bernadette Alexander welcomed the wider community as they explored the local naval base.
"Our Navy has helped protect Australia's maritime borders, natural resources and seagoing mariners for the last 125 years, so it's great to be able to show people how we continue to achieve that in the north," she said.
"For defence industry partners, they can see firsthand the operational realities for a clearer understanding of the challenges sailors and officers face on the ground to ensure sustained investment well into the future."
'Our Navy has helped protect Australia's maritime borders, natural resources and seagoing mariners for the last 125 years, so it's great to be able to show people how we continue to achieve that in the north.'
A highlight of the program was a Saltwater Leadership briefing, which explored the inaugural initiative conducted last year in the remote community of Bäniyala.
During the program, Navy personnel worked alongside Yolŋu Elders, community leaders and First Nations participants to build a traditional dugout canoe while engaging in cultural storytelling, land-based learning and ceremonial practices.
Able Seaman Kieryn Nieves flew into Darwin to support NT Defence Week activities after playing the didgeridoo at the Anzac Day service in Türkiye.
"It's important to me, as a participant of the Saltwater Leadership Program and on a personal level, with our adopted family there to support activities like this," he said.
"It was an absolute privilege to make a detour to Darwin to support Navy's relationship with the traditional owners. I am very jet lagged and didn't sleep much, but I'm happy to be here."
The maritime personnel operator played the didgeridoo and participated in traditional dance during the NT Defence Week events.
'It was an absolute privilege to make a detour to Darwin to support Navy's relationship with the traditional owners.'
After the tours and sessions, guests celebrated 125 years of Navy at an official reception hosted by Coonawarra personnel and Rear Admiral Darren Grogan on behalf of Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond.
"This is an occasion for us to look back at 125 years of our Navy standing watch, defending this country at home and across the globe," Rear Admiral Grogan said.
"Generations of sailors have stood strong at sea, securing our borders and safeguarding the trade routes that power our nation.
"We recognise the service of our uniformed personnel and their families, but also our non-uniformed personnel: the Australian Public Service, our industry partners and our government representatives.
"Without every single person, our Navy would not succeed in our crucial role of protecting our nation's way of life and economic prosperity."
The evening wrapped up with a ceremonial sunset, complete with gunfire and live performances from the Royal Australian Navy Band.
This year, NT Defence Week attracted more than 2400 registrations across 17 events, with delegates travelling from across Australia and internationally to participate.
This year's theme, 'Northern Capability, National Defence' highlighted how the Territory's strategic location, infrastructure and industry capability strengthen the nation's defence posture and long-term resilience.
