Task Force 72 Scale Model Ship Association Inc.

Carrier and Escort Weekend, Wagga Wagga 2005 Photo Gallery

Task Force 72 Fleet Base Wagga Wagga held its annual Carrier and Escort exercises on the dam at Jubilee Park over the weekend of 30 April – 1 May 2005. Task Force 72 members from Fleet Bases Brisbane, Sydney and Canberra made the trip to Wagga Wagga to enjoy a couple of days of sailing and socialising.

The arrival of Cameron from Brisbane and Craig from Sydney early on Friday evening helped to make for an early start to the weekend with some socialising at the local pub.

Saturday morning dawned cool and overcast but we all were looking forward to a pleasant days sailing no matter what the weather. A temporary wharf was constructed by Brian early in the morning to make launching of the models a little easier.

Other members and their models soon arrived at the dam, although some it seems took the scenic route. Jim Campion and his navigator Alan Pew had to resort to an SOS over the phone to ask how to find us. It was a difficult task to give them directions as they didn’t know where they were to start with.

A few models were on the water early in the day. By mid morning the wind had pick up a little and had created a small chop on the water. The larger models were not phased by this but it was tough going for a couple of the smaller ones. Throughout the rest of Saturday the weather was pretty good, the wind would die off every now and then and there were always a few models sailing around dam while most skippers were catching up and having a chat.

Saturday night saw a BBQ dinner for all in Kerry’s back yard. Some birthday cake for desert washed down with a few liquid refreshments and a whole lot of talk. As it got cooler everyone adjourned to Kerry’s workshop to carry on with the socialising until late into the evening.

Sunday morning was again overcast and looking like it was going to rain at any minute. As people started to arrive back at the dam the clouds began to move away revealing a cool sunny day. We were in for another great days sailing and there were plenty of opportunities for everyone to take photos of some of the big models together. Sunday was a rare occasion with a sight not often seen, Kerry had a transmitter in his hand and was in control of the Melbourne. Sailing continued throughout the day with only a few minor mishaps. Things like, Ron’s Fearless getting caught in the weeds, the Melbourne being attacked by low hanging branches of a tree and Kerry being eaten by the killer crocodile like jaws of a fold up chair. By mid afternoon everyone had had their fill of sailing and most started to pack up and depart.

All who attended the Carrier and Escort weekend seemed to enjoy their short stay in Wagga Wagga. The members of Fleet Base Wagga Wagga certainly appreciate the effort that all of our visitors went to just to show up, particularly those that travelled long distances. It seems that each year a few more Task Force 72 members experience the hospitality and change of pace that country life has to offer by making the trip to our part of the world. It would be great to see even more members give it a try next year.

Below are a few photos of some of the models that showed up for the weekend.

Just who are these Wagga bunch anyway?

Click on a photo to enlarge. [Back to Post Mission Reviews] Story and photos courtesy Steve Batcheldor.