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The crew of HMAS TOWNSVILLE Tying Up Under the Bow of HMAS NEWCASTLE
The crew of HMAS TOWNSVILLE Tying Up Under the Bow of HMAS NEWCASTLE

The crew of HMAS TOWNSVILLE Tying Up Under the Bow of HMAS NEWCASTLE

Artist (Australian, born 1954)
Date2006
Object number00040494
NamePainting
MediumWatercolour, paper, pencil
Dimensions755 x 560 mm
Copyright© Robert McRae
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionArtist Robert McRae was invited to record Exercise Ocean Protector which was held off Jervis Bay, NSW in February 2006. The annual exercise brings together naval and air force units from Australia and New Zealand to test their war-fighting skills. This painting is a portrayal of the crew of HMAS TOWNSVILLE and HMAS NEWCASTLE participating in the exercise.HistoryExercise Ocean Protector is an annual combined maritime exercise bringing together naval and air force units from Australia and New Zealand. They conduct a range of training activities off the east Australian coast to develop and test maritime fighting skills. HMAS TOWNSVILLE - a Fremantle class patrol boat - was one of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ships involved in the joint exercise. The artist Robert (Bob) McRae was invited on board by the RAN to record the ship's activities during the exercise. He has been portraying naval ships since 1999 and is now represented in the Australian War Memorial and ANMM among other Australian galleries and museums. SignificanceThis is a painting by established Australian marine artist Robert McRae portraying a significant training and development event in the calendar of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Artworks such as this allow us a glimpse into the activities of the RAN.