Tributes to flow an ocean away

It will be an Anzac Day with a difference for Wellard sailor Sally Lovett, as she pays tribute to Australia’s fallen servicemen from aboard HMAS Toowoomba.

Despite being out on patrol in the pirate-ridden waters of Somalia, Petty Officer Lovett and her colleagues will stop work tomorrow morning to pay tribute to those who have gone before them, and lost their lives at war.

“We are all really looking forward to it,” she said.

“We will hold a traditional dawn service and throw memorial wreaths into the sea, before having a barbecue and probably playing a few games of two-up.”

But there is no day’s holiday for the vessel’s 192 personnel as they get back to work in the afternoon, restocking supplies.

Petty Officer Lovett said the navy goes “out of its way” to keep traditions alive and always aimed to maintain a good relationship with the public.

“Anzac Day definitely acts as a morale booster for sailors when we are out on patrol,” she said.

“The job can be difficult at times and remembering Anzacs from the past reminds us why we do the job we do.

“There are other navys out here too and, while they don’t celebrate the day, they know how important it is to us.”