HMAS Cerberus welcomed thousands of visitors for an action-packed open day on 6 April. The day showcased the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Crib Point base and its capabilities as a premier training establishment, providing attendees a thrilling first-hand experience. This included live demonstrations of sailors working to contain controlled fire simulations, as well as a weapons training simulation, and survival at sea training. Other highlights were Navy small boats and seamanship displays, recruit school displays, Navy Band concerts, Australian Defence Force careers presentations, and ship damage control demonstrations.
Cerberus provides initial training for all new sailors entering the Navy. Up to 6000 Navy, Army and Air Force personnel are trained at Cerberus annually through initial employment training. HMAS Cerberus Commanding Officer Captain Ben Favelle said it was a great opportunity to engage and educate the public.
“The best part of the day was seeing our sailors, soldiers and aviators, who are the factor that makes me proudest here at Cerberus, interacting so professionally with the public and so proud to be in uniform and on display,” he said. “We’re lucky enough to have a number of locals on base so it was great for them to be able to invite their families to come along and to really show off their workplace and this great establishment.”
Local groups were also part of the main arena displays including 1st Hastings Scout Group, Hastings SES, 36 Airforce Cadet Unit Frankston, and Frankston RSL.
First published in the Mornington News – 15 April 2025
