A MUSICAL VOYAGE - Royal Australian Navy

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Day Two of our four day stint found us fed, watered and hopefully rested after a first
night’s sleep on mozzie-net-cocooned stretchers in tents at Guadalcanal Beach Resort. We
had hit the ground running; Jazz Group off to play at a Pink Ribbon Fundraising Dinner
upon arrival, and the rest of us straight to a barbeque reception to meet and greet troops
and fellow performing artists (civilians) of the Tour de Force ’07 contingent.
We came to a clearing, climbed out of the trooper carriers and spent some time at the
riffle range where the civvies enjoyed firsthand experience firing live ammunition down
the range and out to the ocean. As well as this we all witnessed a spectacular
demonstration of a section attack which included smoke grenades and flares.
In the afternoon the troops drove us up to a village, a real highlight of the trip. It involved
meeting warm, loving yet shy Solomon Islanders, as well as some not so shy ones along the
way! With grins and waves, smiles and squeals of excitement, they provided as much
entertainment for us as I’m sure we did for them! Our tour guide, Captain Daniel, told us
the relationship of this village to the Australian Army was remarkable due to their men
helping locate and rescue the missing body of Australian Soldier Jamie Clark who had died
on the steep slopes near the village.
Well, after a big day out already, we headed back to camp via the US Memorial site and
began set up for our first concert. The bar area was packed with AFP and Army Troops as
well as some New Zealanders. The Darryl Cotton and Nash Band (but without the Nash –
Able Seaman Mildren “filled in”) began the show…. Then…Comedy, Magic, Brazilian
Dancers, Didgeridoo music and more, we finally got up to play our Rock Group set and the
toe tappers started to boogie. A good night was had by all and the stretchers felt
wonderful tonight!
Day Three began at 8am with a drive to the Forward Operating Base Maritime (FOB) and at
Lieutenant Colonel Ferndale’s request (or crack of the whip?) we set up and repeated the
previous night’s concert – the whole kit and caboodle – well shortened from three hours to
two. The troops appreciated it and fed us again with a delicious barbeque. Splitting into
two groups from there some of us drove to the Solomon Island’s Prison to perform an
informal concert with the Solomon Island Police Band. Our audience grew from eight to
ten, to forty… to fifty curious little bodies all huddled up close together enjoying the
show, in particular Adrian Ross’s didgeridoo stories.
We returned fairly exhausted to Guadalcanal Beach Resort to find the others slaving away
in the heat setting up for the final concert. This time outdoors in the tropical setting, up
on the side of a semi-trailer truck as our stage. We all pitched in had yes another
barbeque – very nice, and kicked off the show. It was a wonderful night celebrating for
many police, the end of their deployment, and for those who were staying on, a chance to
let their hair down.
At unsustainable tempo, this four day whirlwind was close to finishing. We gladly fell
asleep before our final task of cleaning all our gear at 7am. Every lead wiped down and all
road cases vacuumed. This event somehow was a joyful team bonding experience.
Everything was weighed and at last I could pop my toes in the pool, before saying
goodbyes. All in all a wonderful first time Tour de Force experience.
JINGILI MAN’S SOLOMON’S TOUR
Article from Navy Website
Jingili’s Andrew Stokes is just back from the Solomon Islands, where he has been
entertaining Australian troops and police in the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission
to the Solomon Islands — RAMSI for short. It was Andrew’s job to bring them a touch of
home if only for a day or two. “It was a great opportunity to do our bit to help boost
morale,” said Andrew. “I always look forward to the challenge of putting on a great show in
difficult conditions!”
Andrew attended Jingili Primary School, Nightcliff High School and Casuarina Secondary
College, and joined the Navy in 1990. Then came more training at the Defence Force School
of Music. Andrew is now a Lieutenant, and he is the Music Director of the Sydney
detachment of the Royal Australian Navy Band.
Royal Australian Navy Band: A Musical Voyage