A group of members from the Birkirkara St. Joseph Wahoo Swimming Nursery, swarmed the Maritime Squadron of the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) this morning, having a field day at the Squadron’s Quarters under the watchful and professional supervision of AFM personnel.

The Maritime Squadron, having a long history of assistance in the organisation of the Gozo-Malta Open Water Swimming Challenge organised annually by Birkirkara St. Joseph, accepted a request to host the Wahoos at their Quarters in Floriana. Top Squadron Brass showed the kids around the place and explained the operations of their Squadron. The young Wahoos started the day by paying tribute to Servicemen from the Squadron who lost their lives in the course of their duty, by praying at a beautifully decorated commemorative plaque.

The Squadron’s Warrant Office lectured the kids on the important work carried out by his Squadron and the types of boats used for specific operations. He also explained how this Squadron coordinates operations with other sections of the Armed Forces, especially in emergencies.

The group was then invited to see at close range the Squadron’s Patrol Boats and Search and Rescue Launches. Permission was also granted for them to go aboard these boats, where the highlight of the visit resulted in the Squadron Personnel showing off the boats’ weaponry. They were taken on the bridges of these patrol boats, and the use of navigational equipment was explained against the enquires made by the kids. Of particular interest were the American Swift Class Patrol Boat Papa Two Three, the ill-fated boat on which fireworks exploded back in 1984 killing six Squadron Personnel and two Policemen, and the Italian Diciotti Class Patrol Boat Papa Six One, the largest one with the canon that has “the roar of a lion”.

Re-grouped at the Squadron’s beautifully decorated conference room, Birkirkara St. Joseph Secretary General Mr. Euchar Camilleri thanked the Officers and Personnel of the Squadron for their prompt and efficient assistance whenever it was requested by the Club. In appreciation of this assistance he presented the Squadron with a plaque . AFM personnel promised that they will do their best to sustain their assistance to the Club in the coming years.