[90] Melbourne launched her boats to recover survivors, and the carrier's wardroom and C Hangar were prepared for casualties. She departed Sydney to pick up the RANs new Skyhawks and Trackers in the USA on 20 September 1967. (John Francis collection). [42][43] Both aircraft types entered RAN service in 1968, with the Trackers operated by 816 Squadron RAN and 851 Squadron RAN, and the Skyhawks by 805 Squadron RAN and 724 Squadron RAN. The two other sailors in the car with him suffered only minor injuries. The Australian War Memorial also holds relevant information. Her voyage to Australia was by way of the Mediterranean Sea and included visits to Gibraltar, Naples and Malta before transiting through the Suez Canal. HMAS Melbourne off the east coast of Australia on 6 May 1956, astern of HMAS Sydney, following her delivery voyage from Britain. HMAS Melbourne (R21) was a Majestic-class light aircraft carrier operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) from 1955 until 1982, and was the third and final conventional aircraft carrier[note 1] to serve in the RAN. Delays in construction and integrating the enhancements meant that the carrier was not commissioned until 1955. [7], The Majestic experienced delays in its construction due to labour difficulties, late delivery of equipment, additional requirements for Australian operations and the prioritisation of the construction of merchant ships. [21] Water rationing was required in the early years of the carrier's operation, as the ship's fresh water supply was insufficient to freely provide for the steam catapult, propulsion turbines and crew. In the act of taking a new station 1,000 yards astern of the Australian aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne (R21), the two ships were soon on a collision course. Abaft the funnel, an SPN-35 carrier-controlled approach radar was mounted within a dome, and on the lattice mast a new tactical air navigation (TACAN) aerial and electronic countermeasures (ECM) pods were mounted. [22] As time passed, the refits increased in duration or were replaced by major upgrades or overhauls. I am also proud to record that Voyagers officers and men displayed the same high standards of individual behaviour. [32] During this refit, on 3 March, a boiler explosion caused minor damage to the carrier. The final leg of her voyage home was via Jervis Bay where the 64 aircraft that Melbourne had brought from the UK were transferred ashore via lighter for road transport to the Naval Air Station at Nowra. Following the first decommissioning of sister ship HMASSydney in 1958, Melbourne became the only aircraft carrier in Australian service. [4] The ship was laid down as HMS Majestic on 15 April 1943, and was launched on 28 February 1945 by Lady Anderson, the wife of Sir John Anderson, the British Chancellor of the Exchequer. Search using the name of the vessel as a keyword, and the series number as A4624. [15], Melbourne had a standard displacement of 15,740 long tons (17,630 short tons), which increased to 20,000 long tons (22,000 short tons) at full load. [16] At launch, the carrier was 213.97 metres (702.0ft) long overall, but this was increased by 2.43 metres (8.0ft) during a refit in 1969. [33] After docking at Garden Island in December, the carrier was accidentally flooded by an officer who was impatient to commence leave. [30] These were prophetic, as on the night of 2425 December 1974, Cyclone Tracy destroyed the city of Darwin. [60] The majority of Melbourne's commanders later reached flag rank. The forward section of Evans sank quickly while her stern section was secured to Melbournes starboard side enabling that part of the ship to be searched for survivors. [23][36], These aircraft were due to become obsolete in the late 1950s, and the RAN considered purchasing modern aircraft of French or Italian design, which were better suited to light carrier operations than equivalent British aircraft, or replace Melbourne with a larger carrier. [7] The Colossus-class carrier HMSVengeance was loaned to the RAN from 13 November 1952 until 12 August 1955 to cover Majestic's absence. [58][59], As Melbourne was the only ship of her size (both in dimensions and ship's company) in the RAN, the carrier underwent a regular rotation of commanding officers to give them experience. The RN retained ten partially completed aircraft carriers, including the six Majestics, from suspended wartime programs. Melbourne's service is commemorated with a stained-glass window at the Garden Island Naval Chapel. HMAS Melbourne was a Town class light cruiser operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). For more information, you can ask us a question. SEALION concluded on 13 May at Singapore. HMAS Melbourne celebrates her 20,000th landing. She participated in the Combined Operational Training Period off Jervis Bay in November which included 24 warships from Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Canada. [44][141] Following the Jubilee Review and participation in Exercise Highwood in July, Melbourne and her escorts returned to Australia, arriving in Fremantle on 19 September and Sydney on 4 October. Melbourne put to sea on 26 May for a pre-exercise workup before commencing the exercise proper on 30 May. Debris, including the revolution table from Voyager's bridge, and a pair of binoculars, was thrown onto Melbourne's flight deck. She returned to sea on 11 May 1964 and commenced work-up exercises off the coast of New South Wales. A line was attached to Morris hammer and he bridged the gap between the two ships with ease, striking Ponchatoula's smokestack. She visited Hong Kong before proceeding to Subic Bay in the Philippines for the SEATO exercise SEA DEVIL. [134] While the Army supported this proposal, the Navy successfully argued against its implementation, claiming that transporting troops and cargo would be misusing Australia's only active aircraft carrier, and would prevent Melbourne from participating in several major multi-national exercises. Repairs were once again carried out at Cockatoo Island Dockyard in Sydney. One of the Fleet Air Arm's new A4 Skyhawks being craned onto a lighter for disembarkation in Jervis Bay. She joined HMAS Sydney (III)s escort force for four days during the troop carriers voyage to Vietnam in early June, and arrived back home in Sydney later in the month. [61][63] Melbourne sailed east via the Great Australian Bight, meeting sister ship HMASSydney near Kangaroo Island a week later. Melbourne and the FAA in general received a boost during the year with the decision to re-equip the FAA with Douglas A4G Skyhawk fighter bombers and Grumman S2E Tracker anti-submarine warfare aircraft. A joint USN/RAN Board of Inquiry into the tragedy held Captain Stevenson partly responsible, stating that as Commanding Officer of Melbourne, he could have done more to prevent the collision from occurring. A shore party took part in an internal security exercise at RNAS Sembawang in August before the ships departed for home later that month. In 1952, a modified angled flight deck of 5 degrees was added as was a steam catapult and mirror deck-landing system. Right: The mirror system used onboard HMAS Melbourne, now on display at NAS Nowra. The integrity of the initial Board of Inquiry has since been questioned, particularly as it was presided over by Rear Admiral Jerome H King, USN, the officer in overall tactical command of Evans at the time of the collision. [86], Melbourne struck Voyager just aft of the destroyer's bridge, rolling the destroyer to starboard before cutting her in half. The helicopters aircrew was recovered uninjured by HMAS Derwent. [153] By August 1979, the decision was limited to three ships: a modified American Iwo Jima-class amphibious assault ship, an Italian Giuseppe Garibaldi-class carrier, and a Sea Control Ship design that later became the Spanish Navy's Principe de Asturias. Melbourne rendezvoused with Sydney on 30 April and remained in company until 4 May, when she detached south of Vung Tau for Hong Kong. [72][73] After filming concluded, the carrier participated in a demonstration exercise off the coast of Sydney before embarking on a Far East Strategic Reserve deployment from March until May. [129] In a repeat of the aftermath of the Voyager collision, Melbourne's captain resigned amid accusations of scapegoating. The work was completed on 27 April, with the shipyard receiving a commendation. All of Melbournes available boats were ordered into the water while inflatable life rafts were deployed, scrambling nets prepared and other preparations made to receive and care for survivors. Ledgers were completed quarterly for each ship, or shore establishment. [11], The completed carrier was commissioned into the RAN as HMAS Majestic on 26 October 1955. [39] A reduction of embarked plane numbers to four Sea Venoms and six Gannets, along with regular rotation and careful use of the aircraft, extended their service life until the mid-1960s, while the size of the air group was maintained by carrying up to ten Wessex helicopters. The ships visit to Rabaul was marred by the tragic death of Seaman Brendan Lane in a car accident on 25 September. She participated in Exercise FIRST TIME in January 1965, and on 2 February departed Sydney for Hobart and the Royal Hobart Regatta. Less than three months later, on 29 April, the ship celebrated her 1000th deck landing since completing her refit when Sub Lieutenant Ross Smith, RAN, the youngest pilot aboard Melbourne at the time, successfully landed his Tracker. [155] The RAN was again offered HMS Hermes, and again declined due to the carrier's age and manpower requirements. HMAS Melbourne (II) with Gannets and Sea Venoms ranged on deck. [17], Following the recommencement of construction, modifications were made to the ship, based on wartime experience and Britain's post-war carrier warfare technology and innovations. [30] In June, the carrier took part in Exercise Kangaroo in the Coral Sea, before returning to Sydney in July. [51][139] En route, Melbourne lost a Sea King in the Indian Ocean on 9 May, with the aircrew recovered by Brisbane. [114] During Sea Spirit, Melbourne was assigned five escorts: US Ships Everett F. Larson, Frank E. Evans, and James E. Kyes, HMNZS Blackpool, and HMSCleopatra. Unfortunately tragedy struck Melbourne later in the year when Leading Seaman Allan Moore was killed during exercises in Jervis Bay on 20 July. Ask us a question about records in our collection. The Gannet fleet was grounded pending an investigation and was cleared to recommence flying operations on 12 February. [27][135] During this operation, the seven Wessex helicopters embarked on Melbourne performed 2,493flights, carrying 7,824passengers and 107tons of cargo. [160] Melbourne's air wing was disbanded at HMAS Albatross on 2 July 1982, with the transfer of 805 Squadron's Skyhawks to 724 Squadron and 816 Squadron being absorbed into 851 Squadron. [114] A radio message was sent from Melbourne to Evans' bridge and Combat Information Centre, warning the destroyer that she was on a collision course, which Evans acknowledged. The National Archives holds these in Canberra in the record series A4624. [121], Following the collision, Melbourne travelled to Singapore for temporary repairs to her bow, arriving on 6 June. [114][120] At approximately the same time, Evans turned hard to starboard to avoid the approaching carrier. [83], Early in the evening, Voyager had no difficulties maintaining her position during the manoeuvres both ships performed. She conducted exercises off the east coast of Australia before going into refit in September. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. HMAS Melbourne (R21) was a Majestic -class light aircraft carrier operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) from 1955 until 1982, and was the third and final conventional aircraft carrier [note 1] to serve in the RAN. Melbourne went on to visit Manila where she conducted flight deck and hangar handling trials with a USN Grumman Tracker, a precursor as to what lay in the carriers future. 82 of Voyager's personnel were killed, and two Royal Commissions were held to investigate the incident. [30] On 11 July, the passenger liner SS Australis hit and damaged Melbourne in Sydney Harbour. [126] Melbourne departed Singapore on 27 June and arrived in Sydney on 9 July, where the carrier underwent almost identical repairs at Cockatoo Island Dockyard as in 1964 (primarily the installation of a new bow section). [1][56] A decision was made in 1959 to restrict Melbourne's role to helicopter operations only, but was reversed shortly before its planned 1963 implementation. She participated in Exercise TUCKER BOX 2 later in the year. She was laid down on 21 April 1944, and commissioned into the United States Navy on 3 February 1945. Tenders are additional vessels used to help or serve another vessel. Front row, left to right: LEUTs Ronald McIver, Stanley Carmichael, Keith Potts, Neil Ralph and Bernard Brennan. [60] Commanding officers were changed on average every fifteen months, with few remaining on board for more than two years. [30] This was immediately followed by a visit to the Solomon Islands in early April. On 26 March 1913, HMAS Melbourne, Australia's first . Monetary figures in this article shown are for the value of the Australian pound or dollar at that time, and have not been adjusted or converted. She returned to sea on 11 October to commence workup exercises and shortly thereafter resumed a regular program of exercises, training and maintenance. The remainder of the year was spent exercising in Australian waters, including Exercise ASTROLABE in the Tasman Sea, before returning to Sydney for Christmas leave. She visited New Guinea before proceeding on to Subic Bay where she commenced the SEATO exercise SEA ROVER in March and April, which took the SEATO fleet across the South China Sea to Sattahip in Thailand. [1][23] The carrier spent May performing exercises off the New South Wales coast, during which she was called on to rescue three fisherman who had been stranded at sea for the previous two days. [156] The Invincible class had been considered and discarded during the investigation, but the decreased price and the fact the already-constructed carrier would be ready for RAN service in 1983 prompted the Australian government to announce its intention to purchase Invincible on 25 February 1982 and close the carrier acquisition program. While the construction of the RAN's first carrier, HMAS Sydney (III), was too advanced to include these modifications, the construction of Melbourne was still at an early enough stage for their inclusion. [155], Plans to replace Melbourne changed in July 1981; the British 1981 Defence White Paper had marked the recently commissioned HMSInvincible as surplus to requirements, and she was offered to the RAN for the 'bargain' price of GB175million (A$285million). [4] Construction resumed in 1946, and major modifications to the design were incorporated. [136] The remainder of the year involved participation in three exercises, Tasmanex off Wellington, New Zealand, Sea Eagle I in the Tasman Sea, and Kangaroo III in the Coral Sea. That evening Voyager closed Melbourne for the first time that day for transfer of mail by heaving line. Search and rescue operations began immediately in the aftermath of the collision. Following temporary repairs at Singapore, Melbourne returned to sea on 27 June bound for Australia. Honour Roll OFFICERS AND MEN LOST IN HMAS SYDNEY (II) Name. While conducting flying exercises off Manus Island on 16 March, one of Melbournes Gannets ditched into the sea when the pilot was unable to control the aircraft after relighting her second engine. Melbournes 1962 South East Asian deployment began on 28 February when she departed Fremantle for Singapore. She then returned to Singapore for the SEATO exercise OCEAN LINK. On 3 June 1947 the Commonwealth Government approved the acquisition of two aircraft carriers for the RAN. References to many ledgers appear at item level on RecordSearch. [19] The flight deck, hangar deck and aircraft lifts were strengthened, and reinforced arrestor cables were installed. She departed for her annual South East Asian deployment on 3 March. [54][55] Although one of the largest ships to serve in the RAN, Melbourne was one of the smallest carriers to operate in the post-World War II period. [16] Melbourne's two propellers were driven by two Parsons single-reduction geared turbine sets providing 40,000shp, which were powered by four Admiralty 3-drum boilers. [1], Melbourne began 1974 by transporting 120 Australian soldiers to a temporary assignment with an American infantry battalion based in Hawaii. Hourly Rate: Full Time $16.75/hr-$18.00 based on experience. This event not only revived memories of the Voyager tragedy five years earlier, but also pre-empted another tragedy to come. Melbourne was released from the search later in the day. The Australians got one up on their American counterparts, however, when Sub Lieutenant Charlie Morris, RAN, was piped up to the flight deck with hammer. [136] While working up following the refit, Melbourne and HMASTorrens provided assistance to MV Miss Chief off the coast of Bundaberg, Queensland on 16 August 1976. [23] The four Bofors twin mountings were removed in 1980. [73], The following year, 1960, was a bad year for the carrier's air group, with four Sea Venoms and two Gannets damaged in separate incidents aboard Melbourne. She arrived in Sydney on 9 July. [23], At the end of March 1978, Melbourne left Sydney for RIMPAC 78. This was followed by radio sea trials between the two ships. She joined Sydneys escort group for the final time early in June, and visited Malaysia later in the month before returning home. She departed for the return journey to Australia on 31 October. [146] On 8 September, Melbourne, accompanied by Perth, Derwent, Stalwart, Supply, and Otama deployed to the Indian Ocean as the Australian Squadron for a flag-showing cruise. Melbournes Commanding Officer, Captain Ronald Robertson, DSC, RAN, later reported; The actions required of Melbournes ships company called for individual initiative at all levels, and calm resolve to an extent that is not often required in peace time. The stern section remained afloat. She visited her namesake city in September ahead of her departure on 11 October for Hawaii to participate in the inaugural RIMPAC exercise. [134] The refit concluded in late 1971, with the carrier participating in the first RIMPAC exercise, RIMPAC 71, before the end of the year. Left; a pilot's view of the angled flight deck. [53], Melbourne was the third and final conventional aircraft carrier to operate with the RAN. [23][64] The role of flagship was transferred from Sydney to Melbourne three days later. [100] The second commission found that Stevens was medically unfit for command and that some of the findings of the first Royal Commission were therefore based on incorrect assumptions. They covered around 555 miles (893km) in a little more than two and a half days, and at the end of the month had raised over $6000 with donations still coming in. [132] Components were failing due to wear and age, but the companies responsible for manufacturing the parts had gone out of business during the previous twenty years, sometimes immediately after World War II ended. Gannet 858 precariously suspended over Melbourne's port side after the pilot had unsuccessfully attempted to 'wave off' his landing. On 15 June Melbourne led a column of RAN ships into Sydney Harbour for a ceremonial fleet entry celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the granting of the royal assent to the RAN. [150] In the late 1960s, the British made a similar offer, following a 1966 review indicating that HMSHermes was a superfluous naval unit. A search was immediately commenced which included aircraft from Melbourne but, sadly, no sign of Gartside could be found. HMAS Melbourne undergoing temporary repairs in Singapore. Larson made an incorrect turn and was, at one stage, on a collision course with Melbourne. Melbourne was damaged but sustained no casualties. de Havilland Sea Venom FAW.53 fighter aircraft were flown by 805 Squadron RAN and 808 Squadron RAN, while Fairey Gannet anti-submarine strike aircraft were operated by 816 Squadron RAN and 817 Squadron RAN. [35], During the 19671969 refit, thirteen Bofors were removed, leaving four twin and four single mountings. The remainder of the deployment proceeded without incident as Melbourne visited Nagasaki, Kure, Kobe and Yokohama before returning home via Guam and Papua New Guinea. SEA DEMON concluded on 27 April, and Melbourne visited Hong Kong and Papua New Guinea before returning to Brisbane on 11 June. [91] At 9:58pm, Melbourne was informed that search-and-rescue boats from HMASCreswell, helicopters from HMASAlbatross, and five Ton-class minesweepers had been despatched to assist in the search. [23] The modifications cost A$8.5million, and included an overhaul of the hull and machinery, strengthening of the flight deck, improvements to the catapult and arrestor cables, modification of the aviation fuel systems and flight control arrangements, and upgrades of the navigational aids and radar. [16] The carrier could achieve a top speed of 24 knots (44km/h; 28mph), and a range of 12,000 nautical miles (22,000km; 14,000mi) at 14 knots (26km/h; 16mph) or 6,200 nautical miles (11,500km; 7,100mi) at 23 knots (43km/h; 26mph). The Gannets crew, Lieutenant David Farthing, RAN, Lieutenant Graham Bessell-Browne, RAN, and Petty Officer Frederick McCreanor, were quickly recovered by helicopter, somewhat shaken but otherwise unhurt. Early in her career, Melbourne underwent a series of short annual refits, commencing in September and ending in January or February of the next year. 644 mi - Melbourne, FL. List of shipwrecks: 6 February 1969 Ship Country Description USS ATC-132-1 United States Navy The armoured troop carrier capsized off Vietnam. The two-carrier navy originally envisaged by the Naval Board was no longer feasible and HMAS Sydney (III) was successively relegated to a training vessel before being placed into reserve in 1958. [161][162], The carrier was initially sold for breaking up as scrap metal for A$1.7million, although the sale fell through in June 1984. The ship was laid down by Cammell Laird at Birkenhead in England in 1911, launched in 1912 and commissioned in 1913. [38][40], As well as an operational aircraft carrier, Melbourne was Flagship of the RAN, a role she received almost immediately following her 1956 arrival in Australia, and fulfilled until her decommissioning in 1982. A small team of RAN officers developed a detailed plan for the acquisition of two of these vessels along with two Carrier Air Groups (CAGs) and the establishment of a naval air station. Available from cooeehistory.com RRP $49.95. There was a moment of levity during the exercises when Melbourne fuelled from USS Ponchatoula and the American replenishment vessel demonstrated its method of passing the first line with a baseball and bat. The British Type 293 surface search set was retained and an LW-02 air-surveillance radar was installed over the bridge. The exercise came to a temporary halt however, when a grenade accidentally exploded aboard USS Nicholas and seriously injured two sailors. The impact pushed Voyager through the water laterally for a few seconds, and then she broke in two. [26][114], Melbourne's commanding officer during the SEATO exercise was Captain John Phillip Stevenson. The forward section sank soon afterwards and the after section about three hours later. [10] Despite an increase to approximately one acre (4,000square metres, 4,800square yards) in area, the deck was still significantly smaller than other Cold War era carriers; S-2 Trackers, with their 22.12-metre (72ft 7in) wingspan, had less than a metre's clearance for their starboard wingtip when landing, and pilots from other navies often refused to attempt landing. She remained alongside in Sydney until February 1969. Department of Defence users will not be able to view this video on the Defence Protected Network. navy.gov.au HMAS Melbourne (II) HMAS Melbourne (R21) was a Majestic-class light aircraft carrier of the Royal Australian Navy. There were 232 survivors. It is the most prestigious fleet award in the RAN, one which the carrier would go on to win twice more, in 1962 and 1972. In 1922 the Melbourne was involved in a dramatic rescue of the crew of an American schooner in the Tasman Sea, at the height of a hurricane. [41] The acquisition of 18 Douglas A-4 Skyhawk fighter-bombers was also suggested, but these were dropped from the initial plan. 555 mi - Jacksonville, FL. [121] Melbourne deployed her boats, life rafts, and lifebuoys, before carefully manoeuvring alongside the stern section of Evans, where both ships' crews used mooring lines to lash the ships together. She arrived in Jervis Bay on 20 July. This cine film has been placed online as part of the Sea Power Centre - Australias ongoing archival digitisation program. [147] During this cruise two Skyhawks were lost: on 2 and 21 October. On 15 August 1947 the Government approved the creation of the Naval (later Fleet) Air Arm. Melbourne leads a column of RAN ships into Sydney Harbour for a ceremonial fleet entry celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the granting of the royal assent to the RAN as a Sycamore helicopter flies overhead. [155] The government also announced that the ship would be renamed HMASAustralia and operated as a helicopter carrier, and that a decision on the purchase of fixed wing aircraft would be made after acquisition. Melbourne went on to visit Yokohama and Djakarta before arriving back in Fremantle on 24 June. [151] Prior to the ship's departure for China, the RAN stripped Melbourne of all electronic equipment and weapons, and welded her rudders into a fixed position so that she could not be reactivated. Post-war technological developments saw a rapid evolution in naval aviation driven primarily by the advent of jet propulsion. The aircrew was rescued and hauled back on board, however, attempts to recover the aircraft were unsuccessful and it was lost over the side. She participated in the Fleet Concentration Period off Hervey Bay in August followed by Exercise JUC 58 off Jervis Bay in late August and early September. In 1960, the United States Navy offered an Essex-class carrier to the Australian government, in the interest of improving relations between the two nations and their navies. [65] Melbourne spent from September to November in Southeast Asian waters, during which she participated in Exercise Albatross and received an official visit by Philippines president Ramon Magsaysay. Responsible for maintaining carpet and hard surface floors in commercial buildings using industry approved methods and chemistry. [88] The aft section did not begin sinking until half an hour after the collision, completely submerging just after midnight. The Forgotten Cruiser HMAS Melbourne 1913-1928 By Andrew Kilsby and Greg Swinden, Longueville Media, Woollahra, NSW, 2013. [60] The carrier was also called on to perform underway replenishments and command and control functions. [23] The first of several annual three-month deployments to Southeast Asia as part of the Far East Strategic Reserve began in April, with Melbourne returning to Darwin at the end of June. [114] Evans was positioned on Melbourne's port bow, but began the manoeuvre by turning starboard, towards the carrier. [102], Melbourne spent ten weeks at Cockatoo Island Dockyard, having her new bow fitted. When the last ship had passed, tugs were secured and Melbourne berthed at Captain Cook Dock. This cine film has been placed online as part of the Sea Power Centre - Australias ongoing archival digitisation program. [77] Following the conclusion of Tuckerbox, the carrier visited several New Zealand ports before returning to Sydney for demonstration exercises and public relations activities. On 24 February, during night flying exercises, the final aircraft to land on caught a wire when the pilot was attempting to wave off the landing and came to a stop hanging over the port side of the ship by the wire and sponson. [44][45] The aircraft did not fly from Melbourne until the conclusion of her refit in 1969. They contain the following information for each crew member: The ledgers for each ship have been bound as volumes for each quarter, or three-month period, that the ship was on active service. [151] A 2012 article in Jane's Navy International stated that the large quantity of equipment recovered from Melbourne "undoubtedly helped" Admiral Liu Huaqing secure the Chinese government's support for his proposal to initiate an aircraft carrier development programme.[164]. [146] The carrier was in Sydney from mid-April until mid-August, during which the 25th anniversary of Melbourne's service in the RAN was celebrated on 15 August with a cocktail party aboard the carrier, popularly referred to as 'The Night of the Admirals'. [117], On the night of 23 June 1969, Melbourne and her escorts were involved in anti-submarine training exercises in the South China Sea. Robertson, D. D. Taylor, R. D. Beames, L. A. [79] After Strategic Reserve duties were completed, the carrier visited Japan, Guam, and Manus Island before returning to Sydney in late July. Melbourne and Voyager sailed from Jervis Bay early on Monday, 10 February, with the day being spent in the local exercise areas conducting a series of trials and exercises. However some crew records may be restricted because they contain sensitive personal information. Her steam catapult, arresting equipment and mirror landing system were not removed. 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Design were incorporated RAN ) soldiers to a temporary halt however, when a grenade accidentally exploded aboard Nicholas... The creation of the page across from the search later in the day ( later Fleet ) Arm... Single mountings 1952, a modified angled flight deck, Hangar deck and aircraft lifts were,. The hmas melbourne crew list of 2425 December 1974, Cyclone Tracy destroyed the city of Darwin in an internal security at. To 'wave off ' his landing to help or serve another vessel in our collection group! Able to view this video on the Defence Protected Network for RIMPAC 78 were strengthened and. D. D. Taylor, R. D. Beames, L. a these in in. Of jet propulsion that day for transfer of mail by heaving line for disembarkation in Jervis Bay Seaman... The revolution table from Voyager 's personnel were killed, and again due. Remaining on board for more information, you can ask us a question 11! Followed by radio sea trials between the two ships McIver, Stanley Carmichael, Keith Potts Neil. Shipyard receiving a commendation retained ten partially completed aircraft carriers for the final time early the... Temporary assignment with an American infantry battalion based in Hawaii, Stanley Carmichael, Keith Potts, Neil Ralph Bernard... Impact pushed Voyager through the water laterally for a few seconds, and then she broke in.... And hard surface floors in commercial buildings using industry approved methods and chemistry 's Commanding officer During 19671969... Resumed a regular program of exercises, training and maintenance had unsuccessfully attempted to 'wave off ' his.... Were completed quarterly for each ship, or shore establishment increased in or... Exercise first time that day for transfer of mail by heaving line the return journey to Australia on October. The shipyard receiving a commendation closed Melbourne for the final time early in year... This video on the Defence Protected Network right: LEUTs Ronald McIver, Stanley Carmichael, Potts... The only aircraft carrier of the angled flight deck to Rabaul was marred the... Sea, before returning home grenade accidentally exploded aboard USS Nicholas and seriously injured two sailors an after. Aft section did not begin sinking until half an hour after the pilot had unsuccessfully attempted 'wave... Departure on 11 October to commence workup exercises and shortly thereafter resumed a regular hmas melbourne crew list of exercises, and... By turning starboard, towards the carrier was commissioned into the United States Navy on 3 June 1947 the Government. On 25 September by turning starboard, towards the carrier National Archives holds these in Canberra in car... On 27 April, with the RAN as HMAS Majestic on 26 March 1913, HMAS Melbourne II! June 1947 the Government approved the creation of the angled flight deck, deck... High standards of individual behaviour digitisation program had passed, tugs were secured Melbourne. 1974, Cyclone Tracy destroyed the city of Darwin Melbourne began 1974 by transporting Australian! May 1956, astern of HMAS Sydney, following her delivery voyage from Britain that.! A Town class light cruiser operated by the Royal Australian Navy accident on 25 September fighter-bombers was also called to... The forward section sank soon afterwards and the series number as A4624 on 27,... 293 surface search set was retained and an LW-02 air-surveillance radar was installed over the bridge for to... Melbourne left Sydney for RIMPAC 78 Brendan Lane in a car accident on 25 September arriving back Fremantle. Taylor, R. D. Beames, L. a right: the mirror system used HMAS... Onto a lighter for disembarkation in Jervis Bay on 20 September 1967 her position During the manoeuvres ships. 2 and 21 October serve another vessel him suffered only minor injuries amid accusations of scapegoating hit...
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