By air, land and sea, the ADF played a starring role in Australia Day 2025 festivities on Sydney Harbour to mark the national day of celebration.
Tens of thousands of Sydneysiders shuttled around the harbour on small craft and packed along the foreshore to get the best seats in the house for the day's activities.
Navy's amphibious Bay Class Landing Ship Dock HMAS Choules took a commanding position on the harbour, making the ship the centrepiece for the day's events.
Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Christopher Smith was on board and said he was honoured to represent the Navy on Sydney Harbour, in celebration of the nation he proudly serves.
"The Australian Defence Force aspires to be an exemplar of a modern, diverse and inclusive nation where people from all backgrounds work together to achieve a common goal, protecting Australia and its interests," he said.
Rear Admiral Smith also hosted a reception on HMAS Choules for representatives of the NSW emergency services and other dignitaries.
"Defence protects our national interests abroad and supports Australians in times of crisis at home. We are thrilled to receive the opportunity to also participate in times of national celebration," Rear Admiral Smith said.
'The Australian Defence Force aspires to be an exemplar of a modern, diverse and inclusive nation where people from all backgrounds work together to achieve a common goal, protecting Australia and its interests.'
At midday, the Royal Australian Artillery's 7th Battery, 9th Regiment, who represent the Army's diverse, professional, part-time force, fired a 21-gun salute from Milsons Point in what Battery Commander Major Dustin Gold described as a team effort.
"Gun salutes like this one are conducted across Australia today, but in Sydney, the midday salute weaves together cultural traditions and military events in a tribute to our nation. Our team, who live and work in the local area, are particularly proud to participate," Major Gold said.
Later, loud cheers echoed across the harbour as the Australia Day crowd took in every moment of the RAAF Roulettes' thrilling display, as they looped and rolled in close formation over the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Pilot of 'Roulette 3', Flight Lieutenant Brodie Sweeney, enjoyed her first Sydney Harbour display, having joined the team in July last year.
"I spent a number of years in Western Sydney, being based here flying the C-130J Hercules, but to see all the people and the boats while flying over iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House on Australia Day is definitely up there with one of my top five moments in the Air Force," she said.
Capping off the ADF's display was a Navy MH-60R Seahawk, which flew multiple laps of the harbour, proudly displaying the Australian National Flag. This was followed by a sunset parachute demonstration by the Army's highly professional Red Berets team who jumped over Sydney Harbour before descending into the waters near the Sydney Opera House.
