Hi all,

Just passing on to those who may have known him or were or are members of "Gunplot" , that Russ Graystone was found deceased by his son (who was visiting) Thursday morning at his home in Thailand .

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Bruce Francis
R112774
JRTE 40TH Intake
July 72-June73
Ex WM,QMG,Bosun,Paid off Sept 93
Leeuwin,Cerberus x3, Lonsdale, Watson, Coonawarra(DNB), Harman.
Supply, Melbourne, Vampire, Attack, Ardent, Brisbane x2, Fremantle(Commissioning Crew), Sydney-FFG 03(Commissioning Crew), Hobart, Cessnock. Go the Mighty Magpies

RIP Russ

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Charlie (Chuckles) Britt JP TPI
Welfare Pensions Officer
R95712
Ex-LME(D) LSMTP2
17th Intake JR's, 23rd MOBI Intake .
Oct 66 - Nov 74
Leeuwin, Nirimba, Cerberus, Stalwart, Cerberus, Waterhen, Penguin, Carpentaria, Dolphin, Penguin, Sydney, Albatross, Leeuwin, Acute, Leeuwin, Cerberus, Stalwart, Waterhen, Attack, Leeuwin, DEE.

I never served directly with him, but I do remember many who would admire his dedication and professional skills.

Here is a good overview of his career:

https://navalinstitute.com.au/obituary- ... griffiths/

Vale Rear Admiral Guy Richmond Griffiths aged 101 years.

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Brian Carney
R43371
Ex-WOMTP5
22nd Mobi Intake
Jan 67 - Jan 89
RANATE, Sydney, Swan, Creswell, Stalwart (FMU), Cerberus, Derwent, Nirimba, Parramatta, Nirimba, FHQ (FMMO).

Vale POQMG Noel (Wacka) Payne R64388 served 8th of May, 65 to 75.

A great mate to all who knew him. Spent a long time as an advocate on the Gold Coast, helped many. Passed over the bar this evening, after battle with Cancer.

Those who served on the Vung Tau Ferry will recognise Noel as the co-author of the book 'The Vung Tau Ferry' along with Rodney Nott. This was the book that really started to bring an awareness to people outside the RAN about the great work the SYDNEY and her escorts did on the Vietnnam runs.

My sincere condolences to Noel's family and mates on their loss of a good bloke.

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Chris O'Keefe
R43136
Ex WO Chippy
19th MOBI Intake
July 65 to July 85
HMAS Nirimba X 4 -Penguin-Sydney-Queenborough - Creswell - Moreton - Stalwart - Platypus - Coonawarra Reconstruction Team 76 - Platypus - Hobart - Cerberus - FHQ - Coonawarra.

Anyone can be ordinary. Shipwrights choose to be extraordinary!

Sad news indeed CJ.

Noel and Rodney had to do a hell of a lot of research to compile that book, which gives recognition to RAN logistical involvement to the Vietnam War.

Noel's Vietnam Service involved 3 x Escort Trips in HMAS Stuart in 1967 & 68.

My condolences to Noel's family and friends.

RIP Noel

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Brian Carney
R43371
Ex-WOMTP5
22nd Mobi Intake
Jan 67 - Jan 89
RANATE, Sydney, Swan, Creswell, Stalwart (FMU), Cerberus, Derwent, Nirimba, Parramatta, Nirimba, FHQ (FMMO).

Served with Russ on the Brisbane. He was an interesting character, but rubbed a lot of people the wrong way…RIP Russ…

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Robin (Bob) King
R105234
Ex-WOETS4
25th MOBI Intake
July 68 - June 88
Nirimba, Waratah (Dam Neck), Brisbane, Waratah (Mare Is & LBNSY), Harman (CDSC), Waratah (Mare Is), Brisbane, Harman (Navy Office & CDSC), Waratah (Dam Neck & Mare Is), Harman (CDSC)

Wisdom comes with age, sometimes age comes alone.

Whilst I agree with Tafmo, credit where credit's due, without 'Stones' and my personal differences with him on his 'The Gun Plot' there would be no RAN Skilled Hands, (but that's another story,)
and let's not forget that after his initial retirement, he accepted an offer from the RAN to re-join and create most of what is now the 'official' RAN website and much of the historical content therein...

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Rick Pengilly
WEBMASTER
Ex-CPOMTH3
R42630
13th MOBI Intake
July'62 to July'74
HMAS Nirimba - HMAS Melbourne - HMAS Cerberus - HMAS Tarangau - HMAS Lonsdale - HMAS Tarangau - HMAS Nirimba - HMAS Brisbane

This is to advise that the funeral service for Rear Admiral Guy Griffiths will be livestreamed from the Garden Island Chapel on Friday 15 March from 1100, Eastern Standard Time.

For those wishing to view the Service access is available via the following links,

https://www.annwilsonfunerals.com.au/up ... rals/ytr4/

alternatively,

https://www.ceremonycast.com.au/guygriffiths

Kind regards,
David Michael
President

_________________
Brian Carney
R43371
Ex-WOMTP5
22nd Mobi Intake
Jan 67 - Jan 89
RANATE, Sydney, Swan, Creswell, Stalwart (FMU), Cerberus, Derwent, Nirimba, Parramatta, Nirimba, FHQ (FMMO).