The Olympics may have finished, but the flame was still burning for competition and camaraderie in Cairns.
Members of HMA ships Canberra and Cairns and the US Marine Corps Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) went head-to-head in basketball, volleyball and tug of war.
The three units held a sports day, which fostered friendships and enjoyment while Canberra was alongside during their deployment for Exercise Capital Baseline.
Commanding Officer Canberra Captain Brendan O’Hara said it was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to come together and demonstrate their sporting skills in a social environment.
“It’s especially important for team Canberra, who have spent a few busy weeks away conducting training in the region,” Captain O’Hara said.
Although it rained in typical tropical Queensland fashion, it didn’t affect the athletic efforts from members of each unit.
Using the facilities on Cairns Esplanade, the physical training instructors from Canberra and Cairns coordinated the event.
The knock-out tournament for basketball and volleyball was played in high spirits, with the victorious teams from Cairns and MRF-D, respectively.
Canberra physical training instructor Leading Seaman Scott Hogan said they fought valiantly in the tug of war, but lost out to a well-drilled Cairns squad in the final.
“We gave it our all but I think the home ground advantage helped Cairns today,” he said.
Thankfully it was blue skies for the rest of the port visit, and many of the MRF-D personnel – that have been in Australia since March – saw the Great Barrier Reef and other attractions Cairns has to offer.
After a restful port visit, Canberra will conduct aviation training and amphibious interoperability with MRF-D in the Whitsundays.
