A Navy Seahawk helicopter from 816 Squadron, flys the Australian White Ensign over Sydney Harbour while Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, AO CSC, RAN launches the Royal Australian Navy's International Fleet Review 2013 on board HMAS Parramatta in Sydney Harbour.

The launch event featured Anzac class frigate HMAS Parramatta, tall ship HM Bark Endeavour, historic vessel Lady Hopetoun, a NSW Police Eurocopter and a Navy Seahawk helicopter.

Special guests included NSW Premier, Barry O'Farrell, Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore, Mrs Jean Nysen - daughter of 1913 fleet entry sailor Donald McKenzie, and Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Tim Barrett AM, CSC, RAN.

Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, has invited over 50 nations to participate in an International Fleet Review (IFR) to be held in Sydney from 3 – 11 October 2013.

The International Fleet Review is being held to commemorate the centenary of the first entry of the Royal Australian Navy Fleet into Sydney which occurred on 4 October 1913. On this date, the flagship HMAS Australia led the new Australian Fleet of seven ships into Sydney Harbour for the first time. The Australian Fleet was greeted by thousands of cheering citizens lining the foreshore and this was a moment of great national pride and importance, one recognised as a key symbol of Australia’s progress to nationhood.

The International Fleet Review is Navy’s signature commemorative event for 2013. It is anticipated that 40 foreign warships and at least 12 tall ships will participate. This historic event is being held in partnership with the NSW Government and City of Sydney.