Despite hot conditions, ADF rowers put in an impressive effort at one of Australia's premier regattas on November 23, with two of three crews recording podium finishes at the Head of the Yarra Regatta in Victoria.
The Defence women's crew won its division, while the men's crew came third.
Organisers cancelled the event before all 243 crews could race, with temperatures reaching nearly 40 degrees in Melbourne - but not before the ADF men's, women's and mixed crews showed their skills against teams from Australia and New Zealand.
The Head of the Yarra is one of the world's largest head races - a time-trial event where boats start at 10-second intervals.
ADF rowers tackled the twisting 8km course along the Yarra River, stretching from the city to Hawthorn.
Taking off in the peak midday heat, the women's eight overtook their opposing crew within the first kilometre, thanks to a blistering pace set by stroke Leading Seaman Holly Kilmartin and efficient steering by coxswain Flying Officer Alice Clayton.
The Melbourne local ranked in the top 10 for coxswains who navigated the most efficient line along the serpentine course.
Chief Petty Officer Brianna Murray rowed in seat five, known as the boat's engine room.
"It was a little bit hard in those hot conditions trying to find the motivation when you don't have someone to race against or someone catching up to you," Chief Petty Officer Murray said.
"We put in the hard yards and picked up the pace. We did some really good split times coming down the finish line."
Finishing 10 seconds behind the second-placed Banks crew after a 30-minute race, the men's eight was a closer contest.
In seat seven, Squadron Leader Samuel Goldspring said a clash of oars with University of NSW added to the excitement of a challenging course.
"They were told to yield and move across, but they just kept on coming closer," Squadron Leader Goldspring said.
"Then we hit them before they eventually moved."
More than 60 rowers nominated to take part in the event, which has become a popular addition to ADF Rowing's calendar in recent years.
