Police have praised the behaviour of crowds celebrating the 125th birthday of the Royal Australian Navy during the International Fleet Review in Sydney Harbour today.
Operation Fleet Review 2026 commenced at 6am (Saturday 21 March 2026), with 245 officers attached to multiple commands and specialist units tasked to areas across Sydney to monitor public safety.
As part of the operation, police deployed a number of vessels attached to Marine Area Command to ensure skippers and spectators were responsible and safe on the water amongst larger navy ships.
During the International Fleet Review, the Royal Australian Navy saw a combination of both Australian and foreign vessels take to the harbour to celebrate its 125th birthday.
Despite the size and complexity of the operation, Superintendent Rohan Cramsie, Commander of Operation Fleet Review 2026, praised the efforts of all operation personnel and the behaviour of crowds.
"I am incredibly happy with the respect and support spectators have shown throughout this event for our Royal Australian Navy service members as they celebrate this important milestone.
"With multiple crowds and vessels at vantage points across the harbour, police deployed a significant number of resources for public safety; however, both community members on the land and water were well behaved throughout the celebration," Supt Cramsie Said.
"I would like to thank the amazing efforts of our Royal Australian Navy personnel who worked on this event, whether on a vessel, on shore or in the air. The combined effort of both our organisations was vital in showcasing the quality of our navy on this historic day.
"The support and cooperation of NSW Police and all NSW Government agencies was critical for the success of the Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review, and we thank all of the personnel who worked for the safety and security of this memorable event," said Captain Tony Raeside, Director-General Navy 125 Program, Royal Australian Navy.
The public is reminded vessels from the Royal Australian Navy and partner nations will be docked in the harbour overnight and marine exclusion zones will remain in place throughout the evening.
Visit Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review | Royal Australian Navy for the most up-to-date information on exclusion zones.
