History of the Royal Australian Navy 5606945 224752583 2008-07-10T07:36:30Z Rcbutcher 579140 /* Formation */ Set03 20.jpg renamed as HMASAustraliaOnDeliveryInUK1913.jpg on Commons {{RAN}} The '''History of the Royal Australian Navy''' can be traced back to 1788 and the colonisation of Australia by the [[United Kingdom|British]]. During the period until 1859, vessels of the Royal Navy made frequent trips to the new colonies. In 1859, the Australia Squadron was formed as a separate squadron and remained in Australia until 1913. During the period before [[Federation of Australia|Federation]], each of the six Australian colonies operated their own colonial naval force; these amalgamated in 1901 as the Commonwealth Naval Force. The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) was established in 1911, and in 1913 the fleet steamed through [[Sydney Heads]] for the first time. The Royal Australian Navy has seen action in every ocean of the world during its short life. The RAN first saw action in [[World War I]], and distinguished itself in three oceans. Between the wars the RANs fortunes shifted with the financial situation of Australia: experiencing great growth during the 1920s, but forced to shrink in the 1930s. Entering [[World War II]] the RAN was not in the situation it was in 1914. During the war the size of the RAN grew to over 300 vessels of virtually all classes. After World War II the RAN saw action in [[Korean War|Korea]], [[Vietnam War|Vietnam]], and other smaller conflicts. Today the RAN fields a small but modern force, widely regarded as one of the most powerful forces in the [[South East Asia|Asia Pacific Region]]. == Pre-Federation navies == [[Image:Paluma (AWM 300024).jpg|thumb|The gunboat [[HMQS Paluma|HMQS ''Paluma'']] in 1889]] ''For more about the navies maintained by the colonies of Australia, see the main article [[Colonial navies of Australia]].'' From the colonisation of [[Australia]] in 1788 until 1859 the [[blue water]] defence of Australia was provided by detached units of the [[Royal Navy|Royal Navy's]] East Asia Squadron based in [[Sydney, New South Wales|Sydney]]. In 1859 Australia was established as a separate Royal Navy squadron; this marked the first occasion the Royal Navy ships had been permanently stationed in Australia. The Royal Navy's Australia Squadron remained the primary naval force in Australian waters until 1913 when the Royal Navy's Australia Station ceased and responsibility handed over to the Royal Australian Navy and its Sydney based depots, dockyards and structures were gifted to the Australian commonwealth. Prior to [[Federation of Australia|Federation]] five of the six self-governing colony in Australia operated their own Colonial navies. Western Australia did not have a Colonial Naval force. The colonial navies were expanded greatly in the mid-1880s and usually consisted of gunboats and torpedo-boats for coastal defence of harbours and rivers, and naval brigades to man vessels and forts. In 1856 Victoria received its own Naval Vessel, the HMCSS Victoria, which in 1861 was deployed to assist the New Zealand colonial government during the first Taranaki Maori war. When ''Victoria'' returned to Australia the vessel had suffered one fatality and taken part in several minor actions. The deployment of ''Victoria'' to New Zealand marked the first occasion that an Australian warship had been deployed overseas. In the years leading up to Federation Colonial Victoria, became the most powerful of all the colonial navies. Victoria had HMVS ''Cerberus'' since 1870, as well as HMVS''Nelson'', 3 small gunboats and 5 TBs. NSW had 2 very small TBs, and the corvette ''Wolverine''. After Federation all colonial vessels became part of the Commonwealth Naval Force.<ref>[http://www.gunplot.net Colonial Navies of Australia] Accessed August 21, 2006</ref> Ref: Australian Naval Reserves by John M Wilkins RFD* == Formation == [[Image:RAN fleet review.jpg|thumb|The official welcome to the new units of the Royal Australian Navy]] After the [[Federation of Australia]] in 1901, the Commonwealth Naval Forces was formed on [[1 March]] [[1901]] by amalgamating the six separate colonial navies. The Commonwealth government, however, paid for the Royal Navy to continue providing blue water defence. A growing number of people, among them Captain [[William Rooke Creswell]], the director of the Commonwealth Naval Forces, demanded an autonomous Australian navy, financed and controlled by Australia. In 1909 [[Prime Minister of Australia|Prime Minister]] [[Alfred Deakin]] and Creswell, while attending the Imperial Conference in [[London]], sought the [[Her Majesty's Government|British Government's]] agreement to end the subsidy system and develop an Australian navy. The [[Admiralty]] rejected and resented the challenge, but suggested diplomatically that a small fleet of destroyers and submarines would be sufficient. Deakin was not impressed with the Admiralty and in 1908 invited the [[Great White Fleet]] to visit Australia, this fired the public enthusiasm for a modern navy and lead to the order of two 700 ton [[River class torpedo boat destroyer|''River'' class destroyers]], a purchase that angered the British. The surge in [[Germany|German]] naval construction in 1909 lead the Admiralty to change their position on an Australian Navy. For his work Creswell's name lives on as the name of the naval base, [[HMAS Creswell]], the site of the [[Royal Australian Naval College]] at [[Jervis Bay]].<ref>Macdougall Pg. 23</ref> [[Image:HMASAustraliaOnDeliveryInUK1913.jpg|thumb|left|Battlecruiser HMAS ''Australia'']] The first Australian warship, the [[destroyer]] [[HMAS Parramatta (D-55)|HMAS ''Parramatta'']], was launched at [[Govan]] in [[Scotland]] on Wednesday [[9 February]] [[1910]]. Sister ship [[HMAS Yarra (D-79)|HMAS ''Yarra'']], was launched at [[Dumbarton]] in Scotland on Saturday [[9 April]] [[1910]]. Both ships were commissioned into the Royal Navy on Monday [[19 September]] [[1910]] and sailed for Australia. They arrived at [[Port Phillip]] on Saturday [[December 10]] [[1910]], an event that was marred by the death of Engineer Lieutenant W. Robertson, RN. Robertson suffered a heart attack {{convert|8|mi|km|0}} outside Port Phillip Heads whilst onboard HMAS ''Yarra'', and drowned.<ref>[http://www.brightoncemetery.com/HistoricInterments/Crimes/robertsonw.htm "Death of a Bluejacket"] Accessed on 24 September, 2007</ref> On [[10 July]] [[1911]] [[George V of the United Kingdom|King George V]] fixed his signature to the approval for the Royal Australian Navy and the ships now officially received the prefix ''"His Majesty's Australian Ship"'' (HMAS). The manpower of the fleet stood at four hundred officers and men and, for the next two years, ships were built for the fledgling navy. On Saturday [[4 October]] [[1913]] the first [[Fleet Review, Royal Navy|Fleet Review]] of the Royal Australian Navy took place, the [[battle cruiser]] [[HMAS Australia (1911)|HMAS ''Australia'']], the cruisers [[HMAS Melbourne (1912)|HMAS ''Melbourne'']] and [[HMAS Sydney (1912)|HMAS ''Sydney'']], the protected cruiser [[HMAS Encounter|HMAS ''Encounter'']] and the torpedo-boat destroyers ''Parramatta'', ''Yarra'' and [[HMAS Warrego (D-70)|''Warrego'']], entered [[Sydney Harbour]]. During the [[Imperial Conference]] of 1911 it was decided that in the event of war the ships of the RAN would be transferred to British Admiralty control. Under the ''Naval Defence Act'' (1912) the power to make the transfer was conferred in the [[Governor General of Australia|Governor General]]. The RAN would become the Australia Squadron of the [[Royal Navy]] with all ships and personnel under the direct control of the Admiralty, while the RAN remained responsible for the upkeep of the ships and training. == World War I == {{seealso|Military history of Australia during World War I}} [[Image:Wrecked SMS Emden .jpg|thumb|The wrecked German raider ''Emden'']] On [[3 August]] [[1914]],as the prospect of war with the [[German Empire]] loomed, the Australian Government sent the following message to the Admiralty.<ref>[http://www.awm.gov.au/cms_images/histories/10/chapters/01.pdf Official History of Australia in the War of 1914 – 1918 Volume XI Chapter 1]</ref> {{cquote|In the event of war Government prepared place vessels of Australian Navy under control British Admiralty when desired.}} On the August 8, the [[British Government]] telegrammed the Australian Government saying that the Admiralty would be grateful if the transfer be made immediately if not already done. On August 10, the Governor General officially transferred control of the RAN to the Admiralty. The Admiralty returned control of the RAN to the Australian Government on [[19 August]] [[1919]]<ref>[http://www.awm.gov.au/cms_images/histories/10/chapters/41.pdf Official History of Australia in the War of 1914 – 1918 Volume XI Chapter 1 Appendix 27]</ref> the following day, the United Kingdom declared war, bringing the whole [[British Empire]], including Australia, into hostilities with Germany. The war was greeted with enthusiasm in Australia. At the outbreak of war the [[Royal Australian Navy]] (RAN) consisted of [[HMAS Australia (1911)|''Australia'']], the [[light cruiser]]s [[HMAS Sydney (1912)|''Sydney'']], [[HMAS Melbourne (1912)|''Melbourne'']] and [[HMAS Brisbane (1915)|''Brisbane'']] (Under Construction), the [[destroyer]]s [[HMAS Parramatta (D-55)|''Parramatta'']], [[HMAS Yarra (D-79)|''Yarra'']] and [[HMAS Warrego (D-70)|''Warrego'']] and the [[submarine]]s [[HMAS AE1|AE1]] and [[HMAS AE2|AE2]]. 3 more destroyers were under construction, and a small fleet of auxiliary ships was being maintained by the RAN. The Royal Australian Navy at the start of the war was a formidable force.<ref>Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-1918 Volume IX</ref> [[Image:Aust fleet Rabaul (AWM J03326).jpg|left|thumb|The Australian squadron entering Simpson Harbour, Rabaul, September 1914]] Australian Navy ships first saw action [[Asian and Pacific theatre of World War I|Asian and Pacific theatre]] assisting in the attack on [[German New Guinea]] by the [[Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force]] (AN&MEF). In 1884 Germany colonised the northeastern part of [[New Guinea]] and several nearby island groups. The Germans used the colony as a wireless radio base, Britain required the wireless installations to be destroyed because they were used by the [[German East Asia Squadron]] which threatened merchant shipping in the region. The objectives of the force were the German stations at [[Yap]] in the [[Caroline Islands]], [[Nauru]] and at [[Rabaul]], [[New Britain]]. On [[30 August]] [[1914]] the AN&MEF left [[Sydney, New South Wales|Sydney]] under the protection of [[HMAS Australia (1911)|HMAS ''Australia'']] and [[HMAS Melbourne (1912)|HMAS ''Melbourne'']] for [[Port Moresby]] where it met the [[Queensland]] contingent aboard the transport [[HMAS Kanowna|HMAHS ''Kanowna'']]. The force then sailed for German New Guinea on September 7 but the Kanowna was left behind when her stokers refused to work. [[HMAS Sydney (1912)|HMAS ''Sydney'']] and some destroyers met the AN&MEF off the eastern tip of New Guinea. ''Melbourne'' was detached to destroy the wireless station on [[Nauru]], while on September 14, [[HMAS Encounter|''Encounter'']] bombarded a ridge near the town, while half a battalion advanced towards the town. The only major loss of the campaign was the disappearance of the [[Australian submarine AE1]] during a patrol off Rabaul on [[14 September]] [[1914]].<ref>Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-1918 Vol. X: The Australians at Rabaul, S.S. Mackenzie, 1927</ref><ref>Burnell</ref> On [[9 November]] [[1914]] the [[Germany|German]] light cruiser [[SMS Emden (1906)|SMS ''Emden'']] attacked the critical radio and telegraph station at [[Direction Island]] in the [[Cocos (Keeling) Islands]]. The inhabitants of the island managed to transmit a distress signal and [[HMAS Sydney (1912)|''Sydney'']], only {{convert|50|mi|km|-1}} away, began to steam towards the island. The ''Sydney'' reached the area in around two hours and was engaged by ''Emden''. ''Sydney'' was the larger, faster and better armed of the two, and eventually overpowered the ''Emden'', with the captain [[Karl von Müller]] running the ship aground on [[North Keeling Island]] to avoid sinking, at 11.15am. At first ''Emden'' refused to strike its colours, ''Sydney'' fired on the stationary ''Emden'' until it eventually struck its colours. The [[Battle of Cocos]] was the first ship-against-ship engagement for the [[Royal Australian Navy]].<ref>[http://www.ezania.net/library/books/cocos/index_contents.htm www.ezania.net] Accessed August 20, 2006</ref> [[Image:HMAS Pioneer (AWM P01585009).jpg|200px|thumb|[[HMAS Pioneer|HMAS ''Pioneer'']] off East Aftica in 1916]] On [[6 February]] [[1915]] the obsolescent light cruiser [[HMAS Pioneer|HMAS ''Pioneer'']] joined the [[East African Campaign (World War I)|East African campaign]]. On July 6, it engaged the German cruiser [[SMS Königsberg (1905)|SMS ''Königsberg'']], and German shore batteries, during the [[Battle of Rufiji Delta]]. ''Pioneer'' remained off East Africa and took part in many bombardments of [[German East Africa]], including [[Dar-es-Salaam]] on [[13 June]], 1916. ''Pioneer'' then returned to Australia, to be decommissioned in October 1916. During the [[Naval operations in the Dardanelles Campaign]] the Australian submarine [[HMAS AE2|''AE 2'']] became the first [[Allies|Allied]] warship to breach the [[Turkey|Turkish]] defences of the [[Dardanelles]]. ''AE 2'' spent five days in the area and came under attack several time but was unable to find any large enemy troop transports. On [[29 April]] [[1915]] she was damaged in an attack by the Turkish torpedo-boat ''Sultan Hisar'' in Artaki Bay and was scuttled by her crew. The wreck of ''AE 2'' remained undiscovered until [[2 July]] [[1998]], 83 years after she was scuttled.<ref>[http://www.divernet.com/wrecks/ae21199.htm The sub that shaped Gallipoli] Accessed August 20, 2006</ref> [[Image:HMAS Australian GHR surrender.jpg|thumb|left|Artist's impression of HMAS ''Australia'' leading the 2nd Battle Cruiser Squadron during the surrender of the [[German High Seas Fleet]]]] Ships of the Royal Australian Navy also assisted the [[Royal Navy]] in the blockade of the [[German High Seas Fleet]]. [[HMAS Australia (1911)|HMAS ''Australia'']] was the flagship of the 2nd Battle Cruiser Squadron and was to take part in the [[Battle of Jutland]]. Australia was forced to miss the battle after she collided with her sister ship [[HMS New Zealand (1911)|HMS ''New Zealand'']] on [[22 April]] [[1916]], Australia did not return to service until [[9 June]] [[1916]]. Three vessels of the Royal Australian Navy were present during the surrender of the [[German High Seas Fleet]]; HMAS ''Australia'', [[HMAS Sydney (1912)|''Sydney'']] and [[HMAS Melbourne (1912)|''Melbourne'']], ''Australia'' led the 2nd Battle Cruiser Squadron during the surrender. The RAN's only two losses during the war were the submarines [[AE1]] and [[AE2]].<ref>Sea Power Centre Australia [http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/history/ships/australia1.html HMAS Australia (I) Ship's History] Accessed August 20, 2006</ref><ref>Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-1918 Vol. IX The Royal Australian Navy, 1914 – 1918</ref> ==The 1918-19 influenza pandemic== Between April 1918 and May 1919 the [[Spanish Flu]] killed an estimated 25 million people worldwide, far more than had been killed in four years of war. A rigorous quarantine policy was implemented in [[Australia]] this reduced the immediate impact of the flu, but by the end of 1919 the nations death toll stood at more than 11,500.<ref name="influenza">{{cite journal| author = | year = 2006| month = March| title = The RAN and the 1918-19 Influenza Pandemic| journal = Semaphore| volume = | issue = 6| page = | pages = | article = | doi = | id = | url = http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/semaphore/2006_6.pdf| format = PDF| accessdate =2006-10-16}}</ref> When the pandemic struck in 1918 the ships of the Royal Australian Navy were dispersed throughout the world, the speed at which the flu spread coupled with the cramped mess decks and poorly ventilated living spaces on early 20th century warships created a favorable environment for the disease. The pandemic swept through the [[British Grand Fleet]] in 1918 and the Australian cruisers suffered high casualties, with up to 157 casualties in one ship alone. Outbreaks in the [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]] fleets were more severe than those in the [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]]. [[HMAS Brisbane (1915)|HMAS ''Brisbane'']] recorded 183 casualties between November and December 1918, of those casualties 2 men died of [[pneumonia]]. The RAN lost a total of 26 men to the disease. The saving factor was largely the ready availability of professional medical treatment.<ref>{{cite book |last= Butler|first= A|authorlink= |coauthors= |title= Official History of the Medical Services 1914-1918, Vol III, Problems and Services |year= 1943|publisher= Australian War Memorial|location= Canberra|id= |url= http://www.awm.gov.au/histories/chapter.asp?volume=15}}</ref> ===South Pacific aid mission=== [[Image:HMAS Encounter.jpg|right|thumb|Portside view of the ''Challenger'' class light cruiser HMAS ''Encounter'']] The disease arrived in the [[Oceania|South Pacific]] on the cargo vessel [[SS Talune]] which sailed from [[Auckland]] on [[30 October]] [[1918]], knowingly carrying sick passengers. The Talune stopped in [[Fiji]], [[Samoa]], [[Tonga]] and [[Nauru]], the first outbreaks occurred within days of the ships visits. The local authorities were generally unprepared for the size of the outbreak and the infection spread uncontrollably. The German territory of [[Samoa]] was the worst affected of the small islands, the [[New Zealand]] administration carried out no efforts to lessen the outbreak and rejected offers of assistance from nearby [[American Samoa]]. The New Zealand government officially apologised to Samoa in 2002 for their reaction to the outbreak.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/stories/s573248.htm|title= New Zealand Prime Minister apologises to Samoa|accessdate= 2006-10-17|author= Gillian Bradford|authorlink= |coauthors= |date= 4|year= 2002|month= June|format= |work= |publisher= Australian Broadcasting Corporation|pages= |language= English|archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> On [[29 November]] [[1918]] the military governor of [[Apia]] requested assistance from [[Wellington]]; the request was turned down on the grounds that all doctors were needed in New Zealand. Australia offered the only alternate source of aid. The Commonwealth Naval Board were aware of the worsening situation in the region, the sloop [[HMAS Fantome|HMAS ''Fantome'']] while stationed in Fiji reported its first case on [[11 November]] [[1918]], and soon half her complement was affected. On [[20 November]] [[1918]] the naval board began forming a joint relief expedition from available military medical personnel. The commanding officer of [[HMAS Encounter|HMAS ''Encounter'']] was then ordered to embark the expedition in [[Sydney]] and sail as soon as possible. ''Encounter'' departed Sydney on [[24 November]] [[1918]] ten minutes after completing loading.<ref name="influenza"/> As a precaution all 450 members of the ''Encounter's'' crew were doubly inoculated, the ship had suffered 74 cases earlier in the year at [[Fremantle, Western Australia|Fremantle]] and the captain did not want a repeat. ''Encounter'' arrived in [[Suva]] on [[30 November]] and took half the available [[coal]] and 39 tonnes of water.<ref>Report of cruise to render assistance in the influenza outbreak, 14 Decamber 1918, HMAS Encounter file, SPC-A</ref> Spanish flu was rampant in Suva and Captain Thring implemented a strict quarantine and placed guards on the wharf. All coaling was carried out by the crew; coaling was usually carried out by native labor. ''Encounter'' departed Suva in the evening of the same day and arrived off [[Apia]] on [[3 December]]. Within six hours the medical landing party and their stores were ashore, ''Encounter'' departed for the [[Tonga]]n capital of [[Nukuʻalofa|Nuku{{Okina}}alofa]] immediately arriving their on [[5 December]]. The last of the medical staff and supplies were unloaded, ''Encounter'' short on coal sailed for Suva on [[7 December]]. On arriving in Suva ''Encounter'' received orders to return to Sydney. She reached Sydney on [[17 December]] and was immediately placed in quarantine. The South Pacific aid mission is regarded as Australia's first overseas relief expedition and set a precedent for future relief mission conducted by the RAN.<ref name="influenza"/> ==Between the wars== [[Image:HMAS Sydney sinking.jpg|thumb|''Australia'' on her side and sinking during her scuttling]] Following the end of [[World War I]] the [[Australian Government]] believed that an immediate evaluation of the RAN was necessary. Australia had based its naval policy on the Henderson ''Recommendations'' of 1911 developed by Sir [[Reginald Henderson]]. The government sent an invitation to Admiral [[John Jellicoe]], he arrived in Australia in May 1919. Jellicoe remained in Australia for 3 months and then returned to [[England]] via [[New Zealand]] and [[Canada]]. Jellicoe submitted his findings in August 1919, titled the ''Report on the Naval Mission to the Commonwealth''. The report outlined several policies designed to strengthen British naval strength in the [[Pacific Ocean|Pacific]]. The report heavily stressed a close relationship between the RAN and the [[Royal Navy]]. This would be achieved by strict adherence to the procedure and method of Administration of the Royal Navy. The report also suggested constant officer exchange between the two forces. Jellicoe also called for the creation of a large Far East Imperial Fleet which would include capital ships and aircraft carriers, this force would be mainly based in [[Singapore]]. The cost for the creation of such a fleet would be divided between [[Great Britain]], Australia and [[New Zealand]] each contributing 75, 20 and 5% respectively. The suggested make up of the RAN would include; 1 aircraft carrier, 2 battlecruisers, 8 light cruisers, 1 flotilla leader, 12 destroyers, a destroyer depot ship, 8 submarines, 1 submarine parent ship and a small number of additional auxiliary ships. The annual cost and depreciation of the fleet was estimated to be £4,024,600. None of Jellicoe's major recommendations were carried out except for the establishment of closer ties with Britain. Although some of the minor recommendations were implemented.<ref name="1939-1942">[http://www.awm.gov.au/cms_images/histories/24/chapters/01.pdf Australia in the War of 1939–1945, Volume I – Royal Australian Navy, 1939 – 1942 (1st edition, 1957) Chapter 1 Accessed 3 September 2006]</ref> With the end of [[World War I]] the [[Australian Government]] began to worry about the threat [[Japan]] posed to Australia. Japan had extended its empire 3,000 km to the south, bringing it right to Australia's doorstep. Japan had continued to build up its naval force and had reached a stage where it outgunned the Royal Navy in the Pacific. The RAN and the government believed that the possibility of a Japanese invasion was highly likely. In his report, Admiral Jellicoe believed that the threat of a Japanese invasion of Australia would remain as long as the [[White Australia Policy]] remained in place. Due to the perceived threat and bilateral support in Australia for the White Australia Policy the Australian Government became a vocal supporter of the continuance of the [[Anglo-Japanese Alliance|1902 Anglo-Japanese Alliance]]. Australia was joined in its support for the alliance by [[New Zealand]] but was heavily opposed by [[Canada]], Canada believed the alliance hindered the [[British Empire|Empires]] relationship with [[China]] and the [[United States]]. No decision on the alliance as agreed on. The discussion was shelved pending the outcome of the [[Washington Naval Treaty]]. The results of the treaty which allowed the British to retain naval supremacy in the [[Pacific Ocean|Pacific]] created a sense of security in Australia. Many Australian saw the Four Powers Pact as replacing the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. This sense of security became known as the ''Ten Year Rule''. This lead to defence retrenchments in Australia following the international trend and a £500,000 reduction in expenditure. The [[Governor-General of Australia|Governor General]] [[Henry Forster, 1st Baron Forster|Henry Forster]] when opening [[Parliament of Australia|parliament]] on [[22 June]] [[1922]] was quoted as saying.<ref name="1939-1942"/>{{Cquote|In view of the result of attained at the Washington Treaty which, my advisors believe, guarantee peace in the Pacific for some time to come, it is proposed to reduce the establishment of the navy and army, and postpone the expansion of the air force.}} [[Image:HMAS Canberra sailing into Sydney Harbour in 1930.jpg|thumb|left|200px|HMAS ''Canberra'' entering Sydney Harbour in 1930]] Between [[World War I]] and [[World War II]] the Royal Australian Navy suffered a severe reduction in men and ships. As a result of the [[Washington Naval Treaty]] the flagship [[HMAS Australia (1911)|HMAS ''Australia'']] was scrapped with her main armaments and sunk outside [[Sydney Heads]] in 1924. In the same year, the RAN began a five year program of obtaining new ships from Britain - the heavy cruisers [[HMAS Australia (1927)|HMAS ''Australia'']] and [[HMAS Canberra (1927)|HMAS ''Canberra'']] and the seaplane carrier [[HMAS Albatross (Seaplane Carrier)|HMAS ''Albatross'']]. This purchase was partly paid for by scrapping [[HMAS Brisbane (1915)|HMAS ''Brisbane'']], [[HMAS Melbourne (1912)|''Melbourne'']] and [[HMAS Sydney (1912)|''Sydney'']] along with most of the destroyers. The Great Depression of 1929 hit the RAN hard and led to another reduction of manpower, the RAN although reduced in size had no problem filling its ranks, many men were unemployed and the pay was quite high for the period. Strength of the RAN fell to 3117 personnel plus 131 members of the Naval Auxiliary Services. In 1932 the strength of the Reserves stood at 5446. In the early 1930s, lack of funds forced the transfer of the [[Royal Australian Naval College]] from [[Jervis Bay (Australia)|Jervis Bay]] to Flinders Naval Depot in [[Victoria, Australia|Victoria]]. In 1933 the Australian Government ordered 3 light cruisers; [[HMAS Perth (1934)|HMAS ''Perth'']], [[HMAS Hobart (1939)|''Hobart'']] and [[HMAS Sydney (1934)|''Sydney'']], and sold the seaplane carrier to fund ''Hobart''. During this time the RAN also purchased destroyers of the [[V and W class destroyer|V and W destroyer classes]], the ships that would come to be know as the [[Scrap Iron Flotilla]]. With the ever increasing threat of [[Germany]] and [[Japan]] in the late 1930s the RAN was not in the position it was at the outbreak of World War I.<ref>Macdougall Pg. 158</ref> ==World War II== {{seealso|Military history of Australia during World War II}} Australia declared war on [[Nazi Germany]] one hour after the [[United Kingdom]]'s declaration of war on [[3 September]] [[1939]]. At the onset of war, the Royal Australian Navy numbered two [[heavy cruiser]]s, [[HMAS Australia (1927)|HMAS ''Australian'']] and [[HMAS Canberra (1927)|''Canberra'']] both carried {{convert|8|in|mm|0|sing=on}} guns and had entered service in the 1920s - three modern [[light cruiser]]s [[HMAS Hobart (1939)|HMAS ''Hobart'']], [[HMAS Perth (D29)|''Perth'']] and [[HMAS Sydney (1934)|''Sydney'']], which mounted {{convert|6|in|mm|0|sing=on}} guns. The older cruiser ''[[HMAS Adelaide]]'' also remained in service. The RAN also possessed 4 sloops, [[HMAS Parramatta (D-55)|HMAS ''Parramatta'']], [[HMAS Swan (D-61)|''Swan'']], [[HMAS Warrego (D-70)|''Warrego'']] and [[HMAS Yarra (D-79)|''Yarra'']], though only ''Swan'' and ''Yarra'' were commissioned. The RAN's destroyer force consisted of five obsolete [[V and W class destroyer|V class destroyers]]. The RAN also featured a variety of support and ancillary craft. Men and vessels of the RAN served in every theatre of operations, from the tropical Pacific to the frigid Russian convoys. By the end of the war the RAN's combat strength numbered 150 ships with an additional 200 auxiliary craft. The RAN reached its peak in June 1945 when it ranks swelled to 39,650. During the war the RAN lost 19 ships and 2,176 men and women died while serving in the RAN, 1,740 of them on ships of the RAN.<ref>[http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/history/general/ww2.html RAN in the Second World War] Accessed August 21, 2006</ref> The following table illustrates the growth of the RAN between the outbreak of war and 30 June 1945:<ref>Sourced from Gavin Long (1973), ''The Six Years War. A Concise History of Australia in the 1939-45 War''. Australian War Memorial and Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra. Page 16. and G. Herman Gill (1968). [http://www.awm.gov.au/histories/chapter.asp?volume=25 ''Australia in the War of 1939 – 1945. Series 2 – Navy. Volume II – Royal Australian Navy, 1942 – 1945'']. [[Australian War Memorial]], Canberra. Page 710.</ref> {| border="4" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" align="right" |- bgcolor="#efefef" |'''Ship type''' |'''Sept. 1939''' |'''June 1945''' |---- |[[Heavy cruiser]]s |2 |2 |---- |[[Light cruiser]]s |4 |2 |---- |[[Destroyer]]s |5 |11 |---- |[[Frigate]]s |0 |6 |---- |[[Sloop-of-war#History|Sloops]] |2 |2 |---- |[[Corvette]]s |0 |53 |---- |[[Amphibious assault ship|Landing ship infantry]] |0 |3 |---- |Anti-submarine auxiliaries |0 |3 |---- |[[Minesweeper (ship)|Auxiliary Minesweepers]] |0 |6 |---- |[[Minelayer]]s |0 |1 |---- |[[Replenishment oiler|Fleet Oilers]] |0 |1 |---- |[[Auxiliary ship|Store ships]] |0 |12 |---- |[[Auxiliary ship|Repair ships]] |0 |3 |---- |[[HMAS Kangaroo|Boom defence vessels]] |0 |4 |---- |Boom gate vessels |0 |6 |---- |[[Tugboat|Tugs]] |0(?) |6 |---- |Cable repair ships |0 |2 |---- |[[Survey ship]]s |0(?) |9 |---- |[[Motor Launch]]es |0 |33 |---- |[[Harbour Defence Motor Launch|Harbour defence launches]] |0 |28 |---- |[[British Power Boat Company Type Two 63 ft HSL|Air sea rescue vessels]] |0 |20 |---- |[[Patrol boat|Naval auxiliary patrol vessels]] |0 |75 |---- |Services reconnaissance |0 |8 |---- |Miscellaneous vessels |0(?) |41 |---- |'''Total''' |'''13(?)''' |'''337''' |---- |} ===Operations against Italy, Vichy France and Germany=== From Mid-1940, ships of the RAN, at the request of the [[Admiralty]], began to deploy to the [[Mediterranean Sea]] to take part in the [[Battle of the Mediterranean]] against [[Nazi Germany]] and [[Kingdom of Italy (1861–1946)|Fascist Italy]]. In September 1939 the Admiralty and the Australian Commonwealth Naval Board agreed to deploy RAN destroyer force outside the [[Australia Station]], the 5 ships later to be immortalised as the [[Scrap Iron Flotilla]] arrived at Malta mid December and became known as the 10th Destroyer Flotilla.<ref>Stevens (1996) Pg.38 - 39</ref> HMAS ''Sydney'' deployed in May 1940 and was later joined by ''Hobart''. When Italy declared war on [[10 June]] [[1940]] the Australian warships made up 5 of the 22 destroyers and 1 of the 5 modern light cruisers on station in the Mediterranean. The RAN then offered the services of ''Australia'' to the Admiralty, the offer was gratefully accepted. When ''Australia'' arrived in the Mediterranean, the RAN has sent nearly the entire combat fleet to the [[Northern Hemisphere]], leaving Australian open to possible attack.<ref>Macdougall pg. 170</ref> On [[27 June]] [[1940]] Admiral [[Andrew Cunningham, 1st Viscount Cunningham of Hyndhope|Cunningham]] commander of the [[Mediterranean Fleet (Royal Navy)|Mediterranean Fleet]] ordered the 7th Cruiser Squadron, which included HMAS ''Sydney'', to rendezvous with an [[Egypt]]-bound convoy near [[Cape Matapan]]. The cruiser squadron sighted three [[Italy|Italian]] cruisers at 6 pm on [[28 June]] [[1940]] and immediately engaged them. Within an hour the Italian cruiser ''Espero'' was incapacitated and ''Sydney'' was signaled to sink her. As ''Sydney'' approached the ''Espero'' launched torpedoes, but failed to hit any targets. ''Sydney'' fired four salvos, scoring 10 direct hits on the ''Espero''. ''Sydney'' remained at the scene for two hours picking up survivors.<ref>Macdougall pg. 179</ref> On [[7 July]] [[1940]], a 25 ship fleet departed [[Alexandria]] intending to meet a convoy east of [[Malta]]. The next day a submarine reported sighting a Italian fleet {{convert|500|mi|km|-2}} away; the fleet altered course to intercept. The two fleets sighted each other at 3 pm on [[9 July]] [[1940]] and a battle that became known as the [[Battle of Calabria]] began. Four vessels of the RAN took part in the battle; [[HMAS Sydney (1934)|HMAS ''Sydney'']], [[HMAS Stuart (D-00/100)|''Stuart'']], [[HMAS Vampire (D68)|''Vampire'']] and [[HMAS Voyager (D31)|''Voyager'']]. ''Sydney'' was the first RAN vessels to engage the enemy, and at 3.23 pm opened fire. The Italian fleet began to withdraw, the Allied destroyer squadron was ordered forward. HMAS ''Stuart'', leading the destroyer force, was the first to open fire; her opening salvo was fired at a range of {{convert|12600|yd|m|-2}} and was recorded as a direct hit. The Italian fleet retired under smoke and the Allied fleet retired. The fleet remained under constant air attack and ''Sydney'', which came under heavy air attack, was believed to have sunk.<ref>Macdougall pg. 180</ref> The fleet arrived back in Alexandria on [[13 July]].<ref>[http://www.hmassydney.com.au/ HMAS Sydney Memorial] Accessed August 21, 2006</ref><ref>[http://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/hmas_sydney/document.htm AWM HMAS Sydney] Accessed August 21, 2006</ref> On [[17 July]] [[1940]], [[HMAS Sydney (1934)|HMAS ''Sydney'']] was ordered to support a [[Royal Navy]] destroyer squadron on a sweep north of the island of [[Crete]]. At 7.20 am on [[19 July]] the Italian cruiser were sighted off [[Cape Spada]] by the destroyers, ''Sydney'', {{convert|40|mi|km|-1}} away, began to steam towards the enemy destroyers at over {{convert|30|kn|km/h|-1}}.<ref>Macdougall pg. 180</ref> ''Sydney'' sighted the cruisers at 8.29 am. By that time ''Sydney'' had achieved a speed of {{convert|37|kn|km/h|0}}, she fired the first shots of the [[Battle of Cape Spada]], at a range of 17,360 metres.<ref>Macdougall, p. 181</ref> The Italian cruisers began to retire from the area under a smokescreen, with ''Sydney'' and the destroyers in pursuit. Sydney scored her first direct hit on the [[Italian cruiser Giovanni dalle Bande Nere|''Giovanni dalle Bande Nere'']] at 8.35 am and at the same time began to score repeated hits on the [[Italian cruiser Bartolomeo Colleoni|''Bartolomeo Colleoni'']] which by 9.25 am was incapacitated. Captain [[John Collins (admiral)|John Collins]] ordered the destroyers to sink the ''Colleoni''. After he had maintained radio silence for two hours, Collins sent the following message.{{cquote|One cruiser sunk. Ammunition practically gone}} By 10.27 am, Collins decided to end the chase, largely due to the fact that the ''Sydney'' was almost out of ammunition.<ref>Macdougall pg. 181</ref> ''Sydney'' though hit several times during the battle she suffered no casualties, but casualties were suffered in subsequent air attacks.<ref>[http://www.hmassydney.com.au/ HMAS Sydney Memorial] Accessed August 21, 2006</ref><ref>[http://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/hmas_sydney/document.htm AWM HMAS Sydney] Accessed August 21, 2006</ref> [[Image:RNBartolomeo Colleoni-Capo Spada.jpg|thumb|''Bartolomeo Colleoni'' sinking, 19 July 1940]] On [[27 March]] [[1941]] an [[Allies (World War II)|Allied]] fleet under Admiral [[Andrew Cunningham, 1st Viscount Cunningham of Hyndhope|Andrew Cunningham]] was ambushed by an Italian naval force off [[Cape Matapan]], [[Greece]].<ref>Macdougall pg. 193</ref> Three vessels of the RAN took part in the battle; [[HMAS Perth (D29)|HMAS ''Perth'']], [[HMAS Stuart (D-00/100)|''Stuart'']] and [[HMAS Vampire (D68)|''Vampire'']]. The victory at [[Cape Matapan]] allowed the evacuation of thousands of [[Allies|Allied]] troops from [[Crete]].<ref>[http://users.swing.be/navbat/bataille/68.html Dakar: Operation Menace] Accessed August 21, 2006</ref> ====West Africa==== On [[6 September]] [[1940]] HMAS ''Australia'' was ordered to sail to [[Freetown]], [[Sierra Leone]] to join [[Battle of Dakar|Operation Menace]], the invasion of [[Vichy France|Vichy French]]-controlled [[Dakar]], [[French West Africa]]. On [[19 September]], ''Australia'' and the [[Royal Navy|RN]] cruiser [[HMS Cumberland (57)|HMS ''Cumberland'']] sighted three Vichy cruisers heading south and shadowed them. When one of them, the [[Gloire]], developed engine trouble, ''Australia'' escorted her towards [[Casablanca]] and returned to the fleet two days later. On [[23 September]] ''Australia'' came under heavy fire from shore batteries and then drove two [[Vichy France|Vichy]] destroyers back into port. ''Australia'' then engaged and sunk the destroyer ''[[L'Audacieux]]'' with eight salvos in sixteen minutes. Over the next two days French and [[Allies (World War II)|Allied]] forces exchanged fire; the ''Australia'' was struck twice and lost her [[Supermarine Walrus|Walrus]] [[Amphibious aircraft|amphibian]]. ''Australia'' and the rest of the fleet retired on [[25 September]] the battle became known as the [[Battle of Dakar]].<ref>Macdougall pg. 176</ref><ref>[http://stonebooks.com/archives/960425.shtml Book review: ''The Guns of Dakar'' and ''Operation Menace'']</ref> ====The "Scrap-Iron Flotilla"==== The [[Scrap-Iron Flotilla]] was an Australian destroyer group that operated in the [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]] and [[Pacific Ocean|Pacific]] during World War II. The name Scrap-Iron Flotilla was bestowed upon the group by [[Nazi]] [[Propaganda]] Minister [[Joseph Goebbels]] who described the fleet as a ''"consignment of junk"'' and ''"Australia’s Scrap-Iron Flotilla"''. The flotilla consisted of five vessels; [[Scott class destroyer]] [[HMAS Stuart (D-00/100)|HMAS ''Stuart'']] which acted as flotilla leader, and four [[V and W class destroyer|V class destroyers]]; [[HMAS Vampire (D68)|''Vampire'']], [[HMAS Vendetta (D69)|''Vendetta'']], [[HMAS Voyager (D31)|''Voyager'']] and [[HMAS Waterhen (D22)|''Waterhen'']]. The ships were all built to fight in [[World War I]] and were slow and poorly armed compared to newer ships.<ref>Macdougall pg. 216</ref> The five destroyers which made up Australia's total destroyer force departed Australia in November 1939 destined for [[Singapore]] where they carried out anti-submarine exercises with the [[Royal Navy]] submarine HMS Rover.<ref>Stevens (1996) Pg. 54</ref> On [[13 November]] [[1939]] the flotilla sailed left Singapore for the [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]] following a request from the [[Admiralty]] for assistance. For a time the five Australian destroyers made up the entire [[Mediterranean Fleet (United Kingdom)|Mediterranean Fleet]] destroyer force. [[Image:HMAS Waterhen (AWM 044789).jpg|thumb|left|HMAS ''Waterhen'']] The Australian destroyer flotilla took part in multiple actions while in the Mediterranean, including the evacuation of [[Greece]] in April 1941, though the flotilla came to fame in the mission to resupply the [[Siege of Tobruk|besieged city of Tobruk]]. The resupply routes from [[Alexandria]] and [[Marsa Matruh|Mersa Matruh]] to [[Tobruk]] became known as ''"Bomb Alley"'' and was subject to constant [[Axis powers of World War II|Axis]] air attacks.<ref>Macdougall pg. 216</ref> The flotilla, which by this time was in poor condition, managed to make 138 runs to [[Tobruk]], carrying in ammunition and stores and taking out wounded soldiers. On [[28 May]] [[1941]] ''Vampire'' became the first of the flotilla to leave the Mediterranean, ''Vendetta'' the last to leave sailed in October 1941. Of the five destroyers, three were lost during the war; ''Waterhen'' was sunk in the Mediterranean on [[30 June]] [[1941]], ''Vampire'' was sunk by [[Japan]]ese aircraft during the [[Indian Ocean Raid]] and ''Voyager'' ran aground at [[Betano]], during the [[Battle of Timor (1942-43)|Timor campaign]] and was abandoned.<ref>[http://www.gunplot.net The Gun Plot] Accessed August 21, 2006</ref> ====Red Sea==== As well as serving in the [[Mediterranean Sea]], ships of the RAN also served in the [[Red Sea]]. In August 1940, [[Kingdom of Italy|Italian]] forces [[Italian conquest of British Somaliland|invaded British Somaliland]]. After a fighting withdrawal, the small [[United Kingdom|British]] garrison was evacuated from [[Berbera]], with [[HMAS Hobart (1939)|HMAS ''Hobart'']] assisting in the destruction of the port and its facilities. To aid in the delaying action, ''Hobart'' sent a 3-pounder gun ashore, manned by volunteers from the crew. The seamen were captured by the Italians (but were liberated months later). Two RAN sloops joined the Red Sea force in 1940: ''Parramatta'' on [[30 July]] and ''Yarra'' in September. In October, ''Yarra'' engaged two Italian destroyers attempting to raid a convoy; ''Yarra'' drove the destroyers off, saving the convoy. Though vessels of the RAN served in the Red Sea throughout the war, after 1941 larger vessels were deployed to Australian waters in response to the threat from [[Empire of Japan|Japan]].<ref>Macdougall pg. 182</ref> ====Loss of HMAS ''Sydney''==== [[Image:HMAS Sydney memorial 01 gnangarra.jpg|thumb|Memorial to HMAS Sydney at the state war memorial in Western Australia]] On [[November 19]], [[1941]], the [[Australia]]n [[light cruiser]] [[HMAS Sydney (1934)|HMAS ''Sydney'']] and the [[Nazi Germany|German]] [[auxiliary cruiser]] [[German auxiliary cruiser Kormoran|HSK ''Kormoran'']] [[Battle between HMAS Sydney and HSK Kormoran|engaged each other]] in the [[Indian Ocean]], off [[Western Australia]]. The two ships sank each other and the ''Sydney'' was lost with all 645 hands. The majority of the ''Kormoran'''s crew were rescued and became [[prisoners of war]]. The location of both wreaks reamined a mystery to many and subject to much controversy until March 16&ndash;17 2008 when [[Search for HMAS Sydney and German auxiliary cruiser Kormoran|both ships were found]]. ====Sicily 1943==== During early 1943, eight Australian-designed and built [[Bathurst class corvette]]s were transferred to Egypt from the Indian Ocean, in preparation for Operation Husky, the [[Allied invasion of Sicily]].<ref>http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/history/general/sicily.html J. H. Straczek, (no date) "The Invasion of Sicily &mdash; Operation Husky" (RAN website) </ref> They were part of a 3,000 ship Allied force. The corvettes arrived in the Mediterranean in May and were formed into the 21st Minesweeping Flotilla and the 22nd Minesweeping Flotilla. All survived the campaign without damage or casualties sustained in action, although [[HMAS Maryborough|HMAS ''Maryborough'']] experienced a near miss from a German bomber. When the captain of [[HMAS Gawler|HMAS ''Gawler'']] enquired what damage had been sustained, the response from ''Maryborough'' read: "no damage except to my underpants". [[Image:RAN Sailors (AWM P00001-418).jpg|thumb|Australian sailors with a [[Bathurst class corvette|''Bathurst'' class]] [[corvette]] in the background. The RAN commissioned 56 of this class of corvettes during World War II]] ===War with Japan=== After the [[Imperial Japanese Navy]]'s attacks on the [[Allies of World War II|Allies]] in December 1941, the RAN redeployed its larger ships to home waters to protect the Australian mainland from Japanese attack, while several small ships remained in the Mediterranean. From 1940 onwards there was considerable [[Axis naval activity in Australian waters]] first from [[Germany|German]] commerce raiders and submarines and later by the [[Imperial Japanese Navy]]. Initially RAN ships served as part of the British-Australian component of the [[American-British-Dutch-Australian Command]] (ADBACOM) naval forces. ABDACOM was wound up following the [[Netherlands East Indies campaign|fall of the Netherlands East Indies]]. It was succeeded by the [[South West Pacific Area (command)]] (SWPA). The [[United States Seventh Fleet]] was formed at [[Brisbane]] on March 15, 1943, for service in the SWPA. RAN ships in the Pacific generally served at part of Seventh Fleet task forces. ====Timor==== From February 1942, the RAN played a critical role in resupplying [[Battle of Timor (1942-43)|Australian and Dutch commandos on Timor]]. ''Voyager'' was not the only loss during the campaign. On [[1 December]] [[1942]], [[HMAS Armidale (J240)|HMAS ''Armidale'']] was attacked by thirteen Japanese aircraft while attempting to land [[Royal Netherlands East Indies Army|Dutch soldiers]] off [[Betano]], [[Portuguese Timor]]. ''Armidale'' sank with the loss of 40 of her crew and 60 Dutch personnel. During the engagement, Ordinary Seaman [[Teddy Sheean]] manned an [[Oerlikon Contraves|Oerlikon]] anti-aircraft gun and was wounded by strafing Japanese planes, he went down with the ship, still strapped into the gun and still shooting at the attacking aircraft.<ref>[http://www.navy.gov.au/ships/sheean/default.html Royal Australian Navy Website Page on HMAS ''Sheean''] Accessed August 21, 2006</ref> ====Java Sea==== [[Image:AWM ART24483 HMAS Perth.jpg|thumb|200px|''[[HMAS Perth (1934)|HMAS ''Perth'']] fights to the last, 28th February, 1942'', by official war artist [[Murray Griffin]]. Painted circa 1942-43 at [[Changi Prison]], [[Singapore]], where ''Perth'' survivors and Griffin were held as [[prisoners of war|POWs]]]] On February 28, 1942, a joint ABDA naval force met a Japanese invasion force in the [[Java Sea]]. The [[Leander class cruiser (1931)|''Leander'' class cruiser]], [[HMAS Perth (1934)|HMAS ''Perth'']] and the American [[heavy cruiser]] [[USS Houston (CA-30)|USS ''Houston'']] survived the [[Battle of the Java Sea]]. On [[1 March]] [[1942]] the two ships attempted to move through the Sunda Strait to [[Tjilatjap]]. ''Perth'' and ''Houston'' found their path blocked by the main Japanese invasion fleet for western Java. After a [[Battle of Sunda Strait|prolonged battle]], both ships were torpedoed and sank. In all, 350 crew from ''Perth'' and three civilians were killed; 324 crew members survived the sinking and were taken prisoner by the Japanese, although 106 died in captivity before the end of the war. The loss of ''Perth'', soon after the sinking of its sister ''Sydney'', had a major psychological effect on the Australian people.<ref>van Oosten, F. C. (1976). The Battle of the Java Sea (Sea battles in close-up; 15). Naval Institute Press. ISBN 0-87021-911-1.</ref> ====Coral Sea==== On [[2 May]] [[1942]], two ships of the RAN were part of the Allied force in the [[Battle of the Coral Sea]]; [[HMAS Australia (1927)|HMAS ''Australia'']] and [[HMAS Hobart (1939)|HMAS ''Hobart'']]. Both ships came under intense air attack, while part of a force guarding the approaches to [[Port Moresby]].<ref>[http://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/coral_sea/doc.htm AWM Battle of the Coral Sea]</ref> ====The defence of Australian shipping==== [[Image:Ko-hyoteki Sydney.jpg|thumb|left|June 1, 1942. A Japanese Ko-hyoteki class midget submarine, believed to be ''Midget No. 14'', is raised from Sydney Harbour]] In late May and early June, 1942, a group of five [[Imperial Japanese Navy]] submarines made a series of [[attack on Sydney Harbour|attacks on Sydney and the nearby port of Newcastle]]. On the night of [[May 31]]-[[June 1]], the submarines launched three [[Ko-hyoteki class submarine|''Ko-hyoteki'' class midget submarine]]s against [[Allies of World War II|Allied]] shipping in [[Sydney Harbour]]. A [[torpedo]] exploded under the [[depot ship]] [[HMAS Kuttabul (ship)|HMAS ''Kuttabul'']], killing 21. On [[June 8]], two of the submarines [[naval artillery|shelled]] Sydney and Newcastle, with little effect.<ref>[http://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/midgetsub/doc.htm AWM Japanese Midget Submarine Attack on Sydney Harbour 30-31st May 1942] Accessed August 21, 2006</ref> In response to these attacks the RAN instituted convoys between Brisbane and Adelaide. All ships of over 1200 tons and with speeds of less than {{convert|12|kn|km/h|0}} were required to sail in convoy when travelling between cities on the east coast.<ref>David Stevens (2005), [http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/maritimepapers/piama15/default.html RAN Papers in Australian Maritime Affairs No. 15 ''A Critical Vulnerability: The impact of the submarine threat on Australia's maritime defence 1915 - 1954'']. Seapower Centre - Australia, Canberra. Page 195.</ref> The attack on Sydney and Newcastle marked the start of a [[Axis naval activity in Australian waters|sustained Japanese submarine campaign against Australia]]. During 1942 Japanese submarines sank 17 ships in Australian waters, though none of these ships were sailing as part of a convoy.<ref>Stevens (2005). Pages 205-207.</ref> 16 ships were sunk in Australian waters during 1943 before the Japanese broke the campaign off in July. Five of these ships were sunk while sailing in escorted convoys.<ref>Gill (1968). Pages 253-262.</ref> The Australian Naval authorities gradually dismantled the coastal convoy system between December 1943 and March 1944.<ref>Stevens (2005). Pages 247-248.</ref> By the end of the war the RAAF and RAN had escorted over 1,100 convoys along the Australian coastline.<ref>[http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/history/general/ww2.html J.H. Straczek, RAN in the Second World War]. Seapower Centre - Australia. Accessed [[18 June]] 2006.</ref> While the scale of the Japanese naval offensive directed against Australia was small compared to other naval campaigns of the war such as the [[Second Battle of the Atlantic]] these attacks were "the most comprehensive and widespread series of offensive operations ever conducted by an enemy against Australia".<ref>David Stevens. ''[http://ajrp.awm.gov.au/AJRP/AJRP2.nsf/437f72f8ac2c07238525661a00063aa6/225b90b97196e29bca256a1d00130203?OpenDocument Japanese submarine operations against Australia 1942-1944]''. Accessed [[1 September]] 2006.</ref> Although the RAN only sank a single full-sized Japanese submarine in Australian waters ([[Japanese submarine I-124|''I-124'']] in January 1942) convoy escorts may have successfully reduced the threat to shipping in Australian waters by making it harder for Japanese submarines to carry out attacks.<ref>Stevens (2005). Page 281.</ref> ====Loss of HMAS ''Canberra''==== [[Image:Savo Island.jpg|200px|thumb|American destroyers evacuating the crew of HMAS ''Canberra'' after the Battle of Savo Island]] The RAN's biggest single ship loss of the war was that of the sister ship to ''Australia'', [[HMAS Canberra (1927)|HMAS ''Canberra'']] at the [[Battle of Savo Island]], in August 1942. In the early hours of the morning of [[9 August]] [[1942]], ''Canberra'' was severely damaged off [[Guadalcanal]] in a surprise attack by a powerful Japanese naval force. ''Canberra'' was hit by 24 shells in less than two minutes and 84 of her crew were killed, including Captain [[Frank Getting]]. Following an order to abandon ship, ''Canberra'' was sunk the next day by a torpedo from a US destroyer, to prevent it being captured. The loss of ''Canberra'', following losses such as ''Sydney'' and ''Perth'', attracted unprecedented international attention and sympathy for the RAN. [[President of the United States|US President]] [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] wished to commemorate the loss of ''Canberra'' and requested that a U.S. [[heavy cruiser]] under construction be named ''Canberra''. [[USS Canberra (CA-70)|USS ''Canberra'']] was launched on [[19 April]] [[1943]].<ref>[http://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/ww2_navy/savo.htm AWM HMAS Canberra - Sinking of HMAS Canberra in Battle of Savo Island] Accessed August 21, 2006</ref> The [[Government of the United Kingdom|British Government]] approved the transfer of [[HMS Shropshire (73)|HMS ''Shropshire'']] to the RAN as a replacement, and the ship was commissioned as HMAS ''Shropshire'' on [[20 April]] [[1943]]. [[Image:U.S. Naval Historical Center Photo NH 80533 (HMAS Hobart).jpg|thumb|190px|left|The light cruiser [[HMAS Hobart (1939)|HMAS ''Hobart'']] showing torpedo damage inflicted by a Japanese submarine on July 20, 1943. Hobart did not return to service until December 1944.]] ====Leyte Gulf & Lingayen Gulf==== Four RAN warships, ''Australia'', ''Shropshire'', [[HMAS Arunta|HMAS ''Arunta'']] and [[HMAS Warramunga|HMAS ''Warramunga'']] took part in the [[Battle of Leyte Gulf]] (October 23-25, 1944), arguably the [[largest naval battle in history]]. In the lead-up, on October 21, ''Australia'' became the first Allied ship to be hit by a [[kamikaze]] aircraft.<ref>H. P. Willmott, The Battle Of Leyte Gulf: The Last Fleet Action</ref> near [[Leyte (island)|Leyte]] Island; gunners from HMAS ''Australia'' and HMAS ''Shropshire'' fired at, and reportedly hit, an unidentified Japanese aircraft. The plane then flew away from the ships, before turning and flying into ''Australia'', striking the ship's superstructure above the [[bridge (ship)|bridge]], and spewing burning fuel and debris over a large area, before falling into the sea. A 200 kg (440 pound) bomb carried by the plane failed to explode; if it had, the ship might have been effectively destroyed. At least 30 crew members died as a result of the attack, including the commanding officer, Captain [[Emile Dechaineux]]; among the wounded was [[Commodore (rank)|Commodore]] [[John Augustine Collins|John Collins]], the Australian force commander. ''Australia'' remained on duty but on [[October 25]], was hit again and was forced to retire to the [[Vanuatu|New Hebrides]] for repairs. ''Shropshire'' and ''Arunta'' remained at Leyte and were part of the [[United States Seventh Fleet|U.S. 7th Fleet]] Support Force in the [[Battle of Surigao Strait|action at Surigao Strait]] on October 25. Both ships contributed to the sinking of the [[Japanese battleship Yamashiro|battleship ''Yamashiro'']]. ''HMAS Australia'' returned to combat at the [[Invasion of Lingayen Gulf|Battle of Lingayen Gulf]] in January 1945. However, on January 5, 6, 8 and 9, the ship was again attacked by kamikazes and suffered damage which forced it to retire once more.[http://www.ww2australia.gov.au/waratsea/kamikaze.html] ''Australia'' is believed not only to have experienced the first kamikaze attack but the greatest number. ====Ships with British fleets 1942-45==== {{main|British Eastern Fleet|British Pacific Fleet}} In 1940-42, seven [[N class destroyer|N-]] and [[Q class destroyer|Q-class destroyer]]s were built in the UK and commissioned into the RAN for service with the [[British Eastern Fleet]]: *[[HMAS Napier (G97)|HMAS ''Napier'']] *[[HMAS Nepal (G25)|HMAS ''Nepal'']] *[[HMAS Nestor (G02)|HMAS ''Nestor'']] *[[HMAS Nizam (G38)|HMAS ''Nizam'']] *[[HMAS Norman (G49)|HMAS ''Norman'']] *[[HMS Quiberon (G81)|HMAS ''Quiberon'']] *[[HMS Quickmatch|HMAS ''Quickmatch'']] These ships were predominantly crewed by RAN personnel, although they were often commanded by British officers. Following the [[Indian Ocean Raid|Japanese raid on Ceylon]] of March-April 1942, the Eastern Fleet was transferred from its base at [[Trincomalee]], to the other side of the Indian Ocean: [[Kilindi]] in [[Kenya]]. From there the fleet undertook local patrols, escorted convoys and occasionally despatched ships to operations in the Mediterranean. During [[Operation Vigorous]], a convoy to [[Malta]] in June 1942, ''Nestor'' was serious damaged in an air raid and slowly sank. From late 1944, ''Nepal'', ''Norman'' and ''Quiberon'' were transferred, along with many other Eastern Fleet ships, to the new British Pacific Fleet (BPF). Among other operations with the BPF, they took part in the [[Battle of Okinawa]]. In late 1945, following the end of hostilities, the RAN acquired three more Q-class destroyers: *[[HMS Queenborough (G30)|HMAS ''Queenborough'']] *[[HMS Quality (G62)|HMAS ''Quality'']] *[[HMS Quadrant (G11)|HMAS ''Quadrant'']] ====Surrender and occupation of Japan==== {{main|British Commonwealth Occupation Force}} [[Image:AWM019422 Yokosuka.jpg|thumb|left|[[30 August]] [[1945]]. [[Yokosuka, Kanagawa|Yokosuka]] Naval Base, [[Tokyo Bay]]. Commander Yuzo Tanno hands over the keys of Yokosuka Naval Base to Captain H. J. Buchanan, [[Royal Australian Navy]]. Buchanan led the first Commonwealth party to go ashore in Japan.]] Ten RAN vessels were present at the [[Japanese Instrument of Surrender|signing of the Japanese surrender]] in [[Tokyo Bay]] on [[2 September]] [[1945]]; [[HMAS Ballarat (J184)|''Ballarat'']], [[HMAS Cessnock|''Cessnock'']], [[HMAS Gascoyne (K354)|''Gascoyne'']], [[HMAS Hobart (1939)|''Hobart'']], [[HMAS Ipswich (J-186)|''Ipswich'']], [[HMAS Napier (G97)|''Napier'']], [[HMAS Nizam (G38)|''Nizam'']], [[HMAS Pirie (J-189)|''Pirie'']], [[HMS Shropshire (83)|''Shropshire'']] and [[HMAS Warramunga (I44)|''Warramunga'']].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq69-2.htm |title=Allied Ships Present in Tokyo Bay During the Surrender Ceremony, 2 September 1945 |accessdate=2007-01-13 |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=27 May 2005|publisher=Naval Historical Center - U.S. Navy|quote=Taken from ''Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas (CINCPAC/CINCPOA) A16-3/FF12 Serial 0395, 11 February 1946: Report of Surrender and Occupation of Japan''}}</ref> Following the surrender ceremony the majority of the RAN vessels left Japanese waters for other duties. As part of the surrender agreement the Japan agreed to an Allied occupation and disarmament. On [[17 August]] [[1945]] the Australian Government agreed to provide two cruisers and two destroyers for service with the [[British Commonwealth Occupation Force]] (BCOF). A total of 15 RAN ships served with the BCOF, the ships performed a variety of tasks but were mainly employed on the [[Kyushu Patrol]], the aim of the patrol was to prevent [[Korea]]n nationals illegally entering Japan. [[Image:New management (AWM 019164).jpg|thumb|right|Australian sailors take possession of a midget submarine at a Japanese naval base near Toyko in September 1945.]]The RAN also played a role in the disarmament of Japan, assisting in the scuttling of former [[Imperial Japanese Navy]] ships, in one instance [[HMAS Quiberon (G81)|HMAS Quiberon]] took part in the sinking of seven submarines of Kyushu as part of [[Operation Bottom]]. When [[British India|India]]n and [[New Zealand]] contingents began to withdraw from the BCOF the operation became a predominantly Australian operation. In 1948, [[Kure, Hiroshima|Kure]] naval base was turned over to Australia, and became known as [[HMAS Commonwealth|HMAS ''Commonwealth'']]. When [[North Korea]] invaded [[South Korea]] on [[25 June]] [[1950]] one RAN ship was on station as part of BCOF, the Australian Government immediately offered [[HMAS Shoalhaven (K535)|HMAS ''Shoalhaven'']] for [[United nations|UN]] service, eventually all RAN ships in the area were transferred to the command of [[British Commonwealth Forces Korea]] (BCFK).<ref> Frame Pg. 198-199</ref><ref>Stevens (2001) Pg. 156-157</ref> ==Cold War== [[Image:Sydney Korea (AWM 044274).jpg|thumb|left|[[Fairey Firefly]] aircraft on board HMAS ''Sydney'' off Korea, during the Korean War.]] Following World War II, the RAN reduced its surface fleet but continued to expand in other ways, acquiring two Royal Navy [[Majestic class aircraft carrier|''Majestic'' class aircraft carrier]]s then under construction ([[HMAS Melbourne (1945)|HMS ''Majestic'']] and [[HMAS Sydney (1944)|HMS ''Terrible'']]) to build up a [[Fleet Air Arm (RAN)|Fleet Air Arm]]. In the 1960s the RAN began to move away from commissioning British designs; the last major British design used was the [[Type 12 frigate]], which formed the basis of the [[River class destroyer escort|''River'' class frigates]]. When it was decided that the RAN should commission a destroyer armed with [[guided missiles]], the obvious British design was the [[County class destroyer|''County'' class]]; however, the RAN had reservations regarding the [[gas turbine]] propulsion, the [[Sea Slug missile|Seaslug]] missile system, and being able to adapt the design to Australian needs. Instead, the Australian government chose the [[steam turbine]] powered [[Charles F. Adams class destroyer|''Charles F. Adams'' class destroyer]], armed with the [[Tartar missile]] as the basis for its ''Perth'' class, the first major U.S. warship design chosen for the RAN.<ref>Macdougall Pg. 327</ref>[[Image:RAN Carriers (AWM 301021).jpg|thumb|HMAS ''Sydney'' leading HMAS ''Melbourne'']] By the mid-late 1960s, the RAN was at the zenith of its operational capabilities; it was capable of dispatching a full [[carrier battle group]] in support of major operations by having in service an aircraft carrier (HMAS ''Melbourne''), three large area defence destroyers of the [[Perth class destroyer|''Perth'' class]], six modern [[River class destroyer escort|''River'' class frigates]] and four [[Oberon class submarine|''Oberon'' class submarines]]. With the retreat of British forces west of the [[Suez Canal]] in the 1960s, the RAN began to take a more defensive role, and in co-operation with the United States, allied though the [[ANZUS]] treaty. The RAN saw service in many of the world's post war conflicts including [[Korean War|Korea]], [[Vietnam War|Vietnam]], and the [[Indonesian Confrontation]]. ===Korea=== On [[27 June]][[1950]] the [[United Nations Security Council]] called on member nations to aid [[South Korea]]. On 29 June [[Prime Minister of Australia|Prime Minister]] [[Robert Menzies]] announced that the frigate [[HMAS Shoalhaven (K535)|HMAS ''Shoalhaven'']], stationed in [[Japan]], and the destroyer [[HMAS Bataan (I91)|HMAS ''Bataan'']], in [[Hong Kong]] would be placed under UN command in Korea. On 1 July, one day after [[President of the United States|President]] [[Harry S. Truman|Truman]] committed American ground forces to Korea, the first Australian operation in Korea took place; HMAS ''Shoalhaven'' moved from Japan to [[Pusan]] escorting an American ammunition ship. On [[27 July]] [[1950]], the destroyer [[HMAS Warramunga (I44)|HMAS ''Warramunga'']] was also deployed. During the Landing at [[Wonsan]] in October 1950, HMAS ''Warramunga'' provided gunfire support during the landing of [[U.S. X Corps]]. During the mass evacuation of troops and refugees in the city of [[Hungnam]] in December 1950, HMA Ships ''Bataan'' and ''Warramunga'' assisted in the evacuation. In October 1951, [[HMAS Sydney (1944)|''Sydney'']] arrived in Korean waters to replace [[HMS Glory (R62)|HMS ''Glory'']] for a three month tour. Sydney carried two squadron of [[Hawker Sea Fury|Sea Furies]] - [[805 Squadron RAN]] and [[808 Squadron RAN]], and [[817 Squadron RAN]] equipped with [[Fairey Firefly|Fireflies]]. ''Sydney'' returned to [[Japan]] having lost only 9 aircraft, with 3 pilots killed, and having launched over 2,700 missions from her flight deck. Later in the war, 9 ships of the RAN participated in the naval blockade of [[North Korea]].<ref>Macdougall Pg. 321 - 323</ref> ===Malaya=== The Malayan Emergency was declared on [[18 June]] [[1948]] brought about by a rise in [[Malayan Races Liberation Army|Communist]] guerrillas in [[Malaysia]]. Australia, as a member of the [[Southeast Asia Treaty Organization]], first deployed troops in 1950. The first ships of the RAN to arrive in the area were the [[Tribal class destroyer (1936)|''Tribal'' class destroyers]] [[HMAS Warramunga (I44)|HMAS ''Warramunga'']] and [[HMAS Arunta (I30)|''Arunta'']] in June 1955. Other ships that served in Malayan waters during the Emergency included the ships [[HMAS Anzac (D59)|''Anzac'']], [[HMAS Melbourne (R21)|''Melbourne'']], [[HMAS Quadrant (G11)|''Quadrant'']], [[HMAS Queenborough (G30)|''Queenborough'']], [[HMAS Quiberon (G81)|''Quiberon'']], [[HMAS Quickmatch (G92)|''Quickmatch'']], [[HMAS Sydney (1944)|''Sydney'']], [[HMAS Tobruk (D37)|''Tobruk'']], [[HMAS Vampire (D68)|''Vampire'']], [[HMAS Vendetta (D69)|''Vendetta'']] and [[HMAS Voyager (D04)|''Voyager'']].<ref name="malaya">[http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/history/general/malayan.html The RAN, the Strategic Reserve and the Malayan Emergency. Accessed 28 August 2006]</ref> During the period, ships of the RAN also served with the [[Far East Strategic Reserve]]; between 1955 and 1960 a total of 13 RAN ships served with the Strategic Reserve. Serving as part of a larger naval organisation provided valuable experience for the ships of the RAN. Seven members of the RAN died while serving during the Emergency and with the Strategic Reserve. The decision to deploy the RAN to the area was due to the strong anti-communist feeling in [[Australia]] and the [[western world]] in the 1950s and 60s. The primary role of the RAN was to provide ''a deterrent to further Communist aggression in South East Asia''. The secondary role was ''to assist in the maintenance of the security of the Federation of Malaya by participating in operations against the Communist Terrorists''.<ref name="malaya"/> ===Indonesia=== In response to the [[Indonesia]]n invasion of [[Borneo]] and Malaya in 1963 [[Australia]] increased its presence in the region. At the outbreak of hostilities the RAN had two frigates, [[HMAS Yarra (F-07/DE-45)|HMAS ''Yarra'']] and [[HMAS Parramatta (DE 46)|HMAS ''Parramatta'']] on duty in the area. As tension mounted, Australia increased its presence by sending [[HMAS Sydney (1944)|''Sydney'']], [[HMAS Vampire (D11)|''Vampire'']], [[HMAS Vendetta (D08)|''Vendetta'']], [[HMAS Duchess (D154)|''Duchess'']] and [[HMAS Derwent (DE 49)|''Derwent'']] to the area. On [[May 19]] [[1964]] the 16th Minesweeping Squadron, comprising six [[Ton class minesweeper|''Ton'' class minesweepers]], was also deployed.<ref>[http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/history/general/indonesia.html Indonesian Confrontation RAN Sea Power Centre Accessed 25 August 2006]</ref> On [[13 December]] [[1964]], [[HMAS Teal|HMAS ''Teal'']] was fired upon with automatic weapons by an unlit vessel whilst operating as part of the [[Singapore Strait]] patrol. The vessel was overpowered and arrested by ''Teal'' following a further small arms engagement that resulted in the deaths of three Indonesian crew members. On [[23 February]] [[1965]], ''Teal'' was again involved in another engagement, she detected an unlit vessel off [[Cape Rachado]]. The suspicious vessel was closed on and illuminated, and revealed nine armed men in uniform who surrendered immediately upon challenge. [[HMAS Hawk|HMAS ''Hawk'']] became the second vessel of the 16th Minesweeping Squadron to see action when on [[13 March]] [[1966]], while patrolling off [[Raffles Light]], came under fire from an Indonesian shore battery. Eleven high explosive rounds were fired at the ship, some landing within {{convert|200|yd|m|-2}} of the vessel, ''Hawk'' withdrew from the area at speed. The following morning, ''Hawk'' intercepted a sampan with five Indonesians on board who were promptly arrested. When Indonesian forces crossed the border into [[Sebatik Island]], [[Sabah]] on [[28 June]] [[1965]], [[HMAS Yarra (DE 45)|HMAS ''Yarra'']] was called on to carry out bombardments disrupting the withdrawal of the Indonesians. ''Yarra'' carried out two more bombardments of the border area on 5 and [[10 July]]. During three runs, ''Yarra'' fired a total of 70 rounds on the enemy. On [[13 August]] [[1966]] an agreement concluded between Indonesia and Malaysia brought an end to the conflict. ===HMAS Voyager=== {{main|Melbourne-Voyager collision}} [[Image:HMAS Melbourne damage.jpg|thumb|HMAS ''Melbourne'' following the collision with HMAS ''Voyager'' on the 10 February 1964]] During the night of [[10 February]] [[1964]] the worst peacetime disaster in the RAN's history occurred when the destroyer [[HMAS Voyager (D04)|HMAS ''Voyager'']] was cut in two by the bow of the aircraft carrier [[HMAS Melbourne (R21)|HMAS ''Melbourne'']], killing 82 of the 293 men on board ''Voyager''.<ref>Stevens (2001) Pg. 201</ref><ref>Macdougall Pg. 332</ref>''Melbourne'' was conducting air group exercises off [[Jervis Bay (Australia)|Jervis Bay]] with ''Voyager'' acting as the rescue destroyer. ''Voyager's'' duty was to remain {{convert|1000|yd|m|-3}} astern of ''Melbourne''. At 9:00pm, ''Melbourne's'' commanding officer Captain John Robertson ordered a flying course and then observed ''Voyager'' move from a position fine on the starboard bow to take up her station. Unexpectedly ''Voyager'' turned into the carrier and continued on this course until a collision was unavoidable.<ref>Stevens (2001) Pg. 201</ref> The collision killed 81 members of ''Voyager's'' crew, including Captain D.S Stevens and one dockworker. The search for survivors went on through the night.<ref>Stevens (2001) Pg. 201</ref> Following the collision [[Prime Minister of Australia|Prime Minister]] [[Robert Menzies|Menzies]] ordered a [[Royal Commission]] under Sir [[John Spicer (Australian politician)|John Spicer]] to investigate the event. Following 50 days of hearings it was found that ''Voyager's'' inability to mount a proper lookout as the primary cause for the collision, but also placed some blame on the actions of Robertson and several other bridge officers.<ref>Stevens (2001) Pg.202</ref> Robertson was cleared during his court martial but left the service after being transferred to a shore posting.<ref>Macdougall Pg. 332</ref> The decision to award some of the blame on the bridge crew of ''Melbourne'' was seen as unfair by many and public pressure began to mount on the Naval Board. The increase in public pressure and allegations that ''Voyager'''s captain had a severe drinking problem led to a second Royal Commission in 1967.<ref>Stevens (2001) Pg.202</ref> The second Royal Commission sat for 85 days and completely cleared Robertson of any fault. The two commissions caused great anguish in the hierarchy of the RAN, which was not accustomed to such tight scrutiny. The Commission led to the eventual dismantling of the Naval Board's isolation from the civilian world.<ref>Stevens (2001) Pg. 202</ref> After the loss of ''Voyager'' the RAN, which was becoming increasingly busy in the [[South East Asia]] region, identified the need for a speedy replacement. [[HMAS Duchess (D154)|HMAS ''Duchess'']] was loaned to the RAN from the [[Royal Navy]] on [[8 May]] [[1964]].<ref>[http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/history/ships/voyager2-1.html Sea Power Centre Australia HMAS Voyager (II) ship history] Accessed August 21, 2006</ref> ===Vietnam War=== {{seealso|Military history of Australia during the Vietnam War}} Ships of the Royal Australian Navy were stationed on continuous operational service in Vietnam between 1965 and 1972, in total 18 ships served in Vietnam waters during the war. During this period the Navy performed a wide variety of operational tasks at sea, ashore and in the air. The RAN's primary contribution consisted of destroyers, [[Fleet Air Arm (RAN)|Fleet Air Arm]] personnel attached to a [[United States Army]] helicopter company and [[No. 9 Squadron RAAF]], a Clearance Diving Team, and a logistic support force consisting of transport and escort ships. Other RAN personnel served ashore in medical teams or performed staff duties at the Australian Embassy in [[Saigon]] or the [[1st Australian Task Force]] Headquarters in [[Nui Dat]]. [[Image:Perth sydbridge.jpg|thumb|left|HMAS ''Perth'']] The RAN did not deploy operationally until 1965, but in 1962 [[HMAS Vampire (D11)|HMAS ''Vampire'']] and [[HMAS Quickmatch (G92)|HMAS ''Quickmatch'']] made goodwill visits to Saigon. They were followed a year later by similar visits by [[HMAS Quiberon|HMAS ''Quiberon'']] and [[HMAS Queensborough|HMAS ''Queensborough'']]. In 1967 [[HMAS Hobart (D 39)|HMAS ''Hobart'']] became the first RAN destroyer to be operationally deployed to [[Vietnam]]. ''Hobart'' served three tours in Vietnam from March to September in 1967, 1968 and 1970. During her operation she fired 10,000 rounds at 1000 shore targets and came under fire around 10 times. ''Hobart'' was awarded a US Navy Unit Commendation in recognition of her service in Vietnam while her sister ship, [[HMAS Perth (D 38)|''Perth'']] received both the US Navy Unit Commendation and the US Meritorious Unit Commendation. In their five years service in Vietnam, the four gunline destroyers; ''Perth'', [[HMAS Brisbane (D 41)|''Brisbane'']], ''Hobart'' and [[HMAS Vendetta (D08)|''Vendetta'']] steamed over 397,000 miles and fired 102,546 rounds.<ref>[http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/history/general/vietnam.html RAN Sea Power Centre] Accessed August 20, 2006</ref> The aircraft carrier [[HMAS Sydney (1944)|HMAS ''Sydney'']] was converted for troopship duties in the early 1960s and began her first voyage to [[Vietnam]] in May 1965, transporting the [[1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment]], from [[Sydney]] to [[Vung Tau]] in southern Vietnam. Sydney became known as the ''Vung Tau Ferry'' and made 25 voyages to Vietnam carrying 16,094 troops, 5,753 deadweight tons (5,845 t) of cargo and 2,375 vehicles.<ref>Macdougall Pg. 332</ref> In 1969 [[HMAS Melbourne (R21)|HMAS ''Melbourne'']], while performing exercises with the [[United States Navy]] in the [[South China Sea]], rammed and sunk another destroyer. The [[USS Frank E. Evans|USS ''Frank E. Evans'']] was cut in half by ''Melbourne''. Her bow sank instantly, taking 74 of her crew down with it. Evans was stricken from the [[Naval Vessel Register]] on [[1 July]] [[1969]]. Again, the ''Melbourne's'' captain was cleared of any responsibility for the disaster, but he met the same fate as ''Melbourne's'' previous captain and was transferred to a shore posting. HMAS ''Melbourne'' is credited as being the only warship to ram and sink two friendly destroyers in peace time.<ref>[http://history.navy.mil/danfs/f4/frank_e_evans.htm www.history.navy.mil] Accessed August 20, 2006</ref> In April 1971 [[Prime Minister of Australia|Prime Minister]] [[John Gorton]] announced that Australian forces in Vietnam would be reduced. This led to the withdrawal of the clearance divers in May and the [[Fleet Air Arm (RAN)|Fleet Air Arm]] in June. The final RAN destroyer on the gunline, ''Brisbane'', returned to Sydney on [[15 October]] [[1971]]. The [[Gough Whitlam|Whitlam]] government withdrew all Australian forces from and stopped military aid to [[South Vietnam]]. [[HMAS Jeparit|HMAS ''Jeparit'']] returned to Sydney on [[11 March]] [[1972]] and was followed the next day by HMAS ''Sydney''. During the 10 years that the RAN was involved in the war, eight officers and sailors were killed and another 46 were either wounded or suffered other injuries.<ref>[http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/history/general/vietnam.html RAN Sea Power Centre] Accessed August 20, 2006</ref><ref>Macdougall Pg. 338</ref> ===Cyclone Tracy=== <!-- Image with inadequate rationale removed: [[Image:Cyclone tracy aerial view darwin.jpg|thumb|Darwin after being struck by Cyclone Tracy]] --> During the morning of [[25 December]] [[1974]] [[Tropical Cyclone Tracy]] struck the city of [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]] killing 71 people and causing $4 billion of damage (1998 [[Australian dollar|AUD]]).<ref name="bom-faq">{{cite web | url=http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/wa/cyclone/about/faq/faq_ext_7.shtml | title=Bureau of Meteorology - Frequently Asked Questions | publisher=[[Bureau of Meteorology]] | date=2006 | accessdate=2006-03-24}}</ref> In response to the cyclone the RAN embarked upon the largest peacetime disaster relief operation in its history, involving 13 ships, 11 aircraft and some 3000 personnel.<ref name="Semaphore 14">[http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/semaphore/2004_14.pdf Semaphore Newsletter of the Seapower Centre - Australia Issue 14, December 2004] Accessed 29 October 2006</ref> When Tracy struck Darwin the RAN had a total of 351 personnel based in the city, along with four [[Attack class patrol boat|''Attack'' class patrol boats]]; the small number of men limited the capability of the RAN to render immediate assistance to the citizens of Darwin.<ref>Johnson. E, Operation Navy help: Disaster operations by the RAN post Cyclone-Tracy, Northern Territory Library Service, Darwin, 1987, pg. 2</ref> Of the four Attack class patrol boats based in Darwin, all four were damaged in some way by the storm. [[HMAS Arrow (P 88)|HMAS ''Arrow'']] sunk under Stokes Hill Wharf with the loss of two sailors, [[HMAS Attack (P 90)|HMAS ''Attack'']] was beached by the force of the winds at Doctor's Gully and [[HMAS Advance (P 83)|HMAS ''Advance'']] and [[HMAS Assail (P 89)|HMAS ''Assail'']] were slightly damaged. Land based naval installations were also heavily damaged by the cyclone, Darwin Naval Headquarters was destroyed, as was large sections of the patrol boat base and the married quarters. The oil fuel supply installation and naval communications station at [[HMAS Coonawarra]] were also damaged. The initial RAN relief which was limited to search and rescue in the area of Darwin Harbour and [[Melville Island (Northern Territory)|Melville Island]] was hindered by the lack of reliable communications.<ref name="Semaphore 14"/> As the severity of the disaster was realised, a naval task force under Rear Admiral R.E. Wells was established to render aid to the people of Darwin, the operation became known as Operation Help Darwin. A general recall was issued to all personnel; of the 2,700 [[Sydney, New South Wales|Sydney]] based sailors on leave at the time, approximately 2,200 were able to return to their ships, with other volunteers filling any vacant positions onboard.<ref name="Semaphore 14"/> The first RAN assets began to arrived in Darwin on [[26 December]], a [[Avro 748|Hawker-Siddeley 748]] from [[851 Squadron RAN|851 Squadron]] landed at [[Darwin International Airport|Darwin Airport]] carrying blood transfusion equipment and [[Australian Red Cross|Red Cross]] workers, followed shortly by another HS748 carrying [[Clearance Diving Team (RAN)|Clearance Diving Team One]] (CDT 1). Ships also began departing for Darwin on [[26 December]]. [[HMAS Balikpapan (L 126)|HMAS ''Balikpapan'']] and [[HMAS Betano (L 133)|HMAS ''Betano'']] sailed from [[Brisbane, Queensland|Brisbane]], [[HMAS Flinders|HMAS ''Flinders'']] sailed from [[Cairns, Queensland|Cairns]] and [[HMAS Melbourne (R21)|HMAS ''Melbourne'']], [[HMAS Brisbane (D 41)|''Brisbane'']] and [[HMAS Stuart (DE 48)|''Stuart'']] sailed from [[Sydney, New South Wales|Sydney]]. The following day HMA Ships [[HMAS Hobart (D 39)|''Hobart'']], [[HMAS Stalwart (AD 215)|''Stalwart'']], [[HMAS Supply|''Supply'']] and [[HMAS Vendetta (D08)|''Vendetta'']] sailed from Sydney and [[HMAS Brunei (L 127)|HMAS ''Brunei'']] and [[HMAS Tarakan (L 129)|''Tarakan'']] departed Brisbane. Nine Wessex helicopters from [[725 Squadron RAN|725]] and [[817 Squadron RAN|817 Squadron]] were embarked on ''Melbourne'' and ''Stalwart''.<ref name="Semaphore 14"/> [[Image:HMAS Arrow wrecked.jpg|thumb|left|HMAS ''Arrow'' after being re floated from under Stokes Hill Wharf, she was later scraped]] The RAN taskforce was tasked with the responsibility of clearing and restoring 4740 houses in the northern suburbs of [[Nightcliff, Northern Territory|Nightcliff]], [[Rapid Creek]] and [[Casuarina, Northern Territory|Casuarina]]. RAN aircraft continued to ferry supplies and personnel into Darwin and evacuate displaced Darwin citizens. Some displaced residents were housed in the many naval bases located on [[Port Jackson|Sydney Harbour]] and [[HMAS Moreton|HMAS ''Moreton'']] in Brisbane.<ref name="Semaphore 14"/> The first vessels, HMA Ships ''Brisbane'' and ''Flinders'', arrived in Darwin on [[31 December]]. ''Flinders'' surveyed the approaches to Darwin, ensuring the safety of the taskforce, while ''Brisbane'' landed working parties and established communications. The entire task force had arrived in Darwin by [[13 January]] [[1975]], the force brought more than 3,000 personnel to the city. Men of the task force usually worked in small working parties of 10 to 15 men.<ref name="Semaphore 14"/> The men and women of the RAN made a significant contribution to the relief effort; from [[January 1]] to [[January 30]] naval personnel spent 17,979 man days ashore, with up to 1,200 personnel ashore at one time. Some 1,593 housing blocks were cleared and government and private facilities cleaned up. [[Westland Wessex]] helicopters transported 7,832 passengers, 110,912 kg of supplies and freight and made 2,505 landings. The [[Avro 748|Hawker-Siddeley 748]] aircraft made a total of 14 return flights to Darwin and carried out 485 passengers and brought in 22,680 kg of freight.<ref name="Semaphore 14"/> Vessels of the task force began to depart Darwin as early as 7 January, with HMA Ships ''Brisbane'' and ''Stalwart'' the last to depart on 31 January. With the departure of the majority of the RAN personnel, the command of the relief operation was turned over to the Commandant of the [[Australian Army|Army's]] 7th Military District.<ref name="Semaphore 14"/> === Pacific patrol boat program === {{main|Pacific Patrol Boat Program}} Following the introduction of the 1982 [[United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea]] (UNCLOS) the [[exclusive economic zone]] (EEZ) of many coastal nations was increased from 12 nautical miles (NM) to 200 NM. The sudden expansion of responsibility dramatically increased the area of ocean requiring surveillance, monitoring and policing by these nations, increasing the strain on existing maritime patrol resources, and highlighting the need for countries without a maritime patrol force to obtain one, especially in the [[Oceania|South West Pacific]] area.<ref name="Semaphore 2">[http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/semaphore/2005_2.pdf Semaphore Issue 2, February 2005]. Accessed 11 November, 2006</ref> In 1979 the Australian and [[New Zealand government]]s, at the request of Pacific Island nations, sent defence representatives into the South-West Pacific region to assess surveillance and maritime patrol requirements. The governments of a number of the Pacific nations expressed their concern about the need for a suitable naval patrol force to meet their new surveillance requirements. The Australian government responded by creating the Defence Cooperation Project (DCP), to provide suitable patrol vessels, training and infrastructure to island nations in the region. The Pacific Patrol Boat Systems Program Office was created within the Minor War Vessels Branch of the RAN procurement organisation.<ref name="Semaphore 2"/> The tender for the vessels was released in August 1984, and was awarded to Australian Shipbuilding Industries Pty Ltd (now [[Tenix]] Western Australia) in September 1985. The first of ten vessels was to be delivered in early 1987. The first vessel, HMPNGS ''Tarangau'', was officially handed over to the [[Papua New Guinea Defence Force]] on [[16 May]] [[1987]]. Over the course of the project the number of participating countries increased. By the end of the construction phase of the project, a total of 22 boats had been delivered to 12 countries, compared to the original order of 10 boats for 8 countries. In total, the project cost for 22 vessels and associated support was $A155.25 million.<ref name="Semaphore 2"/> The RAN never operated the [[Pacific class patrol boat|''Pacific'' class patrol boat]] (PPB), although the project has given the RAN a number of advantages in the Pacific region. The introduction of self-reliant patrol forces throughout the region has eased the strain on Australia’s own maritime patrol force. Cooperation between Australia and its Pacific neighbours has allowed for a greater allocation of RAN patrol boats to protecting Australia’s maritime resources, patrolling the [[Sea Lines of Communication]] (SLOC), and conducting border protection operations. The PPB's have recently undergone a mid life refit which could potentially see them operating in the region until at least 2027.<ref name="Semaphore 2"/> === Two ocean navy policy === The main role of the Royal Australian Navy in the two decades following the end of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War was supporting Australian diplomatic initiatives. In line with this goal the RAN exercised with the navies of Australia's allies and provided support to civil authorities in Australia and the South Pacific.<ref>Tom Frame (2004), ''No Pleasure Cruise. The Story of the Royal Australian Navy''. Allen & Unwin, Sydney. Pg. 251.</ref> The RAN's main military concern from the 1970s was the activities of the [[Soviet Navy]] in the Indian Ocean. These concerns lead to increased cooperation with the United States Navy and the development of the RAN's main base in Western Australia, [[HMAS Stirling|HMAS ''Stirling'']].<ref>Frame. Pg. 257.</ref> [[Image:Canberra Success.jpg|thumb|left|HMAS ''Success'' refueling HMAS ''Canberra'' in 1988]] During the late 1970s, the RAN replaced many of its aging ships with modern equivalents. While it was planned to purchase the British aircraft carrier [[HMS Invincible (R05)|HMS ''Invincible'']] to replace ''Melbourne'', Britain's offer of the carrier was withdrawn after the [[Falklands War]]. As a result, ''Melbourne'' was decommissioned without replacement in 1982 and the Fleet Air Arm retired almost all of its fixed wing aircraft on 30 June 1983.<ref>Frame. Pg. 262.</ref> In 1987, the [[Bob Hawke|Hawke]] Government's Defence White Paper called for the RAN to become a more self reliant ''two-ocean'' navy with major fleet bases in [[New South Wales]] and [[Western Australia]]. The plan called for the expansion of [[HMAS Stirling|''Stirling'']] on [[Garden Island (Western Australia)|Garden Island]] and [[Jervis Bay Territory|Jervis Bay]] to accommodate an expanded RAN combat surface and submarine fleets. The plan originally called for the major combat units and submarines to be split between the two fleet bases, providing similar capabilities on both sided of the continent. The proposed Jervis Bay naval base never became a reality; Fleet Base East was built up around [[HMAS Kuttabul (naval base)|HMAS ''Kuttabul'']] in [[Sydney, New South Wales|Sydney]] while HMAS ''Stirling'' is home to half the surface fleet and the entire submarine fleet. The rationale behind the policy included the possibility of savings in fuel and maintenance that would result from [[Indian Ocean]] deployments beginning their journey from [[Western Australia]] rather than [[New South Wales]]. The report also classed the Indian Ocean as an area where contingencies might arise. The new facilities would increase Australia's worth to the [[United States]], particularly to do with maintenance of submarines. Expansion at Jervis Bay would allow intensified east coast visits by the [[United States Pacific Fleet|US Pacific Fleet]], and its nuclear warship visits would not run into as much opposition as they do in Sydney and [[Melbourne, Victoria|Melbourne]].<ref>[http://www.agitprop.org.au/lefthistory/1987_booker_new_pacific_policeman.php Analysis of the 1987 Defence White Paper Accessed on 27 August 2006]</ref> The 1987 White Paper was seen by many as an attempt to strengthen Australia's relationship with the United States, which had been damaged by [[New Zealand]]s stance against nuclear weapons in its ports. In line with this policy the RAN was structured to become more self-reliant and its activities during the late 1980s were focused on operating within Australia's local region.<ref>Frame. Pgs 267-272.</ref> The Two Ocean Policy remains in place today and is supported by the current [[Australian Government|government]] and the opposition. The success of the policy is especially evident at HMAS ''Stirling''. The base is thriving and its location both in a global and local context gives it an advantage over Fleet Base East. It has been suggested that all 8 units of the [[Anzac class frigate|''Anzac'' class]] be relocated to ''Stirling'', this would create an easier training environment for sailors and would lead to significant cost savings.<ref>[http://www.navy.gov.au/speeches/2004/040624_aidn_wa.html Speech by Vice Admiral Chris Ritchie on Thursday 24 June 2004. Accessed 27 and 28 August 2006]</ref> ==Post Cold War== ===The Gulf Wars=== [[Image:US Aust UK warships Dec 02.jpg|thumb|right|HMAS ''Anzac'' and HMAS ''Darwin'' with United States and British warships in late 2002]] [[Australian contribution to the 1991 Gulf War|Australia's contribution]] to the [[Gulf War|1991 Gulf War]] centered around a Naval Task Group which formed part of the multi-national fleet in the [[Persian Gulf]] and [[Gulf of Oman]]. In addition, medical teams were deployed aboard a U.S. [[hospital ship]] and a [[Clearance Diving Team (RAN)|naval clearance diving team]] took part in de-mining Kuwait's port facilities at the end of the war. Over the period from [[6 September]] [[1990]] to [[4 September]] [[1991]] the RAN deployed a total of 6 ships to the area; [[HMAS Adelaide (FFG 01)|''Adelaide'']], [[HMAS Brisbane (D 41)|''Brisbane'']], [[HMAS Darwin (FFG 04)|''Darwin'']], [[HMAS Success (AOR 304)|''Success'']], [[HMAS Sydney (FFG 03)|''Sydney'']] and [[HMAS Westralia (O 195)|''Westralia'']]. Clearance Diving Team 3 operated in the theatre from [[27 January]] [[1991]] to [[10 May]] [[1991]]. It was involved in mine clearing operations in [[Kuwait]] from [[5 March]] to [[19 April]] [[1991]].<ref>Australian War Memorial. Gulf War 1990-1991</ref><ref>Commander J.P. Hodgman (editor) (1991). Australia’s Navy 1991 – 92. Australian Department of Defence. Canberra.</ref> After the end of the first Gulf War the Royal Australian Navy [[List of recent Australian warship deployments to the Middle East|periodically deployed a ship]] to the [[Persian Gulf|Gulf]] or [[Red Sea]] to assist in maintaining sanctions against [[Iraq]]. Until the outbreak of the Second Gulf War the Australian naval force in the [[Persian Gulf]] continued to enforce the sanctions against Iraq. These operations were conducted by boarding parties from the [[RAN]] warships.<ref>Greg Nash and David Stevens (2006) ''Australia's Navy in the Gulf. From Countenance to Catalyst, 1941-2006''. Topmill, Sydney. Pages 61-63.</ref> [[Image:RAN ship inspection.jpg|thumb|left|A sailor from HMAS ''Adelaide'' inspecting a ship in the Persian Gulf during 2004]] Upon the outbreak of war the [[Australian contribution to the 2003 invasion of Iraq|RAN's focus]] shifted to supporting the coalition land forces and clearing the approaches to Iraqi ports. [[HMAS Anzac (FFH 150)|HMAS ''Anzac'']] provided gunfire support to [[Royal Marines]] during fighting on the [[Al-Faw Peninsula]] and the Clearance Diving Team took part in clearing the approaches to [[Umm Qasr]]. Boarding operations continued during the war, and on 20 March boarding parties from the [[HMAS Kanimbla (L 51)|HMAS ''Kanimbla'']] seized an Iraqi ship carrying 86 [[naval mine]]s.<ref>Nash and Stevens (2006). Pages 66-72.</ref> Since the end of the war the RAN has continuously maintained a frigate in the Persian Gulf to protect Iraq's oil infrastructure and participate in counter-smuggling operations. Twelve Australian sailors were deployed to [[Umm Qasr|Umm Qasr, Iraq]] between January and October 2004 to join the multi-national training team working with the [[Iraqi Coastal Defense Force]].<ref>Nash and Stevens (2006). Pages 80-81.</ref> The RAN has also assumed command of coalition forces in the Persian Gulf on two occasions; Combined Task Force 58 in 2005<ref>Journalist Seaman Joseph Ebalo, [http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=18240 ''Australian-Led Command Patrols Persian Gulf'']. Navy newsstand. 10 May 2005.</ref> and Combined Task Force 158 in 2006.<ref>Lt. Karen E. Eifert [http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=26621 ''U.S. Navy Takes the Reins of CTF 158 from Royal Australian Navy'']. Navy newsstand. 15 November 2006.</ref> ===HMAS Westralia=== On [[5 May]] [[1998]] a fire broke out onboard [[HMAS Westralia (O 195)|HMAS ''Westralia'']] while off the [[Western Australia]] coast. The fire was caused by the rupture of a flexible fuel line (one of a number used to replace rigid hoses) on cylinder number nine starboard engine. This sprayed diesel fuel onto a hot indicator cock, which ignited a spray fire. The resulting fire caused the deaths of four people onboard. Following the fire the [[Australian Government]] and the RAN began a major investigation known as the ''Westralia Board of Inquiry''. The enquiry found that the RAN and the contractor [[Australian Defence Industries]] (ADI) did not critically examine their course of action and that key personnel in the RAN and the contractor were insufficiently trained and qualified. The inquiry also found that the hoses were not properly designed and were unfit for the intended purpose.<ref>[http://www.navy.gov.au/publications/westraliaboi/default.html Westralia Board of Inquiry] accessed on 12 September 2006, PDF files of the official inquiry documents</ref> In 2005 ADI was fined $75,000 for failing to provide a safe workplace. Seven sailors who were apparently severely traumatised by the fire have also sued ADI and sub contractor Jetrock. In August 2006, the Australian Government decided to accept liability after it reached settlement with the ADI and Jetrock. The seven sailors stand to receive compensation totalling up to $10 million.<ref>[http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Govt-opens-way-for-Westralia-payouts/2006/08/29/1156617313071.html Westralia sailors set for $10m compo] The Age Newspaper Accessed 13 September 2006</ref> ===East Timor=== [[Image:Manoora Dili (20060528ran8098578 008).jpg|thumb|[[HMAS Manoora (L-52)|HMAS ''Manoora'']] off [[Dili]] on 28 May 2006]] During the Australian lead [[United Nations]] peacekeeping mission to [[East Timor]] in 1999 known as [[INTERFET]], the RAN deployed a total of 16 ships to the mission: [[HMAS Adelaide (FFG 01)|''Adelaide'']], [[HMAS Anzac (FFH 150)|''Anzac'']], [[HMAS Balikpapan (L 126)|''Balikpapan'']], [[HMAS Brunei (L 127)|''Brunei'']], [[HMAS Darwin (FFG 04)|''Darwin'']], [[HMAS Farncomb (SSG 74)|''Farncomb'']], [[HMAS Jervis Bay (AKR 45)|''Jervis Bay'']], [[HMAS Labuan (L 128)|''Labuan'']], [[HMAS Success (AOR 304)|''Success'']], [[HMAS Sydney (FFG 03)|''Sydney'']], [[HMAS Tarakan (L 129)|''Tarakan'']], [[HMAS Tobruk (L 50)|''Tobruk'']], [[HMAS Waller (SSG 75)|''Waller'']],[[HMAS Westralia (O 195)|''Westralia'']], HMAS Newcastle (F 06) and HMAS Melbourne (F0 05).<ref>[http://www.britains-smallwars.com/RRGP/EastTimor.html INTERFET Military Personnel Chart accessed 27 August 2006]</ref> The RAN played a vital role in transporting troops and providing protection to transports and were vital to the success of INTERFET. The RAN returned to East Timor in 2006 under [[Operation Astute]] the [[United Nations]]-authorised, Australian-led military deployment to [[East Timor]] to quell unrest and return stability during the [[2006 East Timor crisis]]. The Royal Australian Navy deployed the Amphibious Ready Group including the ships; [[HMAS Kanimbla (L 51)|''Kanimbla'']], [[HMAS Manoora (L 52)|''Manoora'']], [[HMAS Tobruk (L 50)|''Tobruk'']] (until approximately 8 June), [[HMAS Balikpapan (L 126)|''Balikpapan'']], [[HMAS Tarakan (L 129)|''Tarakan'']], [[HMAS Success (AOR 304)|''Success'']] (until 28 May). The navy also deployed the [[Adelaide class frigate|''Adelaide'' class frigate]] [[HMAS Adelaide (FFG 01)|HMAS ''Adelaide'']] (until 28 May). The [[Fleet Air Arm (RAN)|Fleet Air Arm]] contributed one [[S-70|S-70B-2 Seahawk]] helicopter from [[816 Squadron RAN]] (until 28 May) and two [[Westland Sea King|Sea King]] helicopters from [[817 Squadron RAN]]. The [[Royal Australian Navy]] force committed to Operation Astute is apparently the largest amphibious task force in the Navy's history.<ref>[http://www.defence.gov.au/news/navynews/editions/4909/topstories/story01.htm Navy News]</ref> ===Solomon Islands=== On [[24 July]] [[2003]], [[HMAS Manoora (L 52)|HMAS ''Manoora'']] arrived off [[Honiara]] marking the beginning of Operation Anode, [[Australia|Australia's]] contribution to the [[Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands]] (RAMSI). The deployment of a 2,200 strong multinational force followed several years of unrest in the [[Solomon Islands]]. Manoora was soon joined by HMA Ships [[HMAS Hawkesbury (M 83)|''Hawkesbury'']], [[HMAS Labuan (L 128)|''Labuan'']], [[HMAS Wewak (L 130)|''Wewak'']] and [[HMAS Whyalla (FCPB 205)|''Whyalla'']]. Following the initial deployment two vessels were generally kept on station in the area. By the time the RAN deployment ended, some 19 Australian warships had taken part. The last ship to leave was [[HMAS Fremantle (FCPB 203)|HMAS ''Fremantle'']] which sailed home in October 2004.<ref>Semaphore: Newsletter of the Sea Power Centre - Australia, Issue 13 August 2005, ''The Royal Australian Navy and the restoration of stability in the Solomon Islands</ref> Operation Anode was not the first time units of the RAN had been deployed to the Solomon Islands; Anode was unique in that the navy's primary role was to support and facilitate the work of the Participating Police Force (PPF). Moreover, in addition to being the first time the RAN had supported a police-led mission.<ref>C. Woods, 'Bikfala Sip: Aussies come to Help our Pacific Friends', Navy News, [[14 August]] [[2003]] Accessed on 14 September 2006</ref> Operation Anode and RAMSI is one of the latest examples of the role Australia and specifically the RAN is playing in stabilising the [[WOSM-Asia-Pacific Region|Pacific region]]. ===Fiji=== On [[2 November]] [[2006]], in response to the [[Military of Fiji|Fijian Military]] threats to overthrow the [[Politics of Fiji|Fijian Government]], the Australian government [[Australian Defence Force support to Australian citizens in Fiji in 2006|deployed military resources]] in support of Australian citizens in Fiji. The contribution from the RAN was the deployment of three vessels; HMA Ships [[HMAS Kanimbla (L 51)|''Kanimbla'']], [[HMAS Newcastle (FFG 06)|''Newcastle'']] and [[HMAS Success (AOR 304)|''Success'']] to [[international waters]] south of Fiji. The three vessels were deployed to Fiji to evacuate the estimated 7,000 Australian citizens present in Fiji if the need arose.<ref>[http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=52286 Aussie Navy vessels ready for Fiji evacuation]. ''[[Fiji Times]]'', November 24, 2006. </ref> Along with the three vessels a detachment of the [[Australian Special Air Service Regiment|Special Air Service Regiment]], helicopters from the [[Australian 171st Aviation Squadron|171st Aviation Squadron]] and an evacuation team were also deployed. On [[29 November]] [[2006]], an [[Australian Army]] [[S-70|S-70A Black Hawk]] helicopter operating from ''Kanimbla'', and carrying ten Army personnel on board, crashed whilst attempting to land on the ship's deck, killing 1 person, injuring 7 more and leaving one missing (later confirmed dead)..<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200611/s1800631.htm |title=One dead, one missing in Black Hawk crash off Fiji |date=[[2006-11-29]] |accessdate=2006-11-29 |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/audio/061129/Bhawk_conf_29NOV06_lo.wmv |title=BLACK HAWK HELICOPTER LOST NEAR FIJI (.wmv) |date=[[2006-11-29]] |accessdate=2006-11-30 |publisher=[[Australian Defence Force]]}}</ref> HMAS ''Melville'' arrived on task the morning of [[15 December]] [[2006]], equipped with a Towed Pinger Locating Drone supplied from the [[United States Navy]] set about locating the downed Black Hawk. ''Melville'' detected the locator beacon during its first pass over the crash site and pinpointed its exact location in subsequent passes. The helicopter is sitting in around 2900 metres of water.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId=6271 |title=NAVY DETECTS MISSING BLACK HAWK’S LOCATOR BEACON |date=2006-12-15 |accessdate=2006-15-12 |publisher=[[Australian Defence Force]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId=6316 |title=NAVY TO CONDUCT FURTHER SURVEY OF LOST BLACK HAWK LOCATION |date=2007-01-16 |accessdate=2007-01-18 |publisher=[[Australian Defence Force]]}}</ref> The coup took place on [[5 December]], but was bloodless and almost completely without violence. The evacuation of Australians was deemed unnecessary, and vessels of the task force began arriving back in Australian on [[December 17]], with ''Kanimbla'' docking in [[Townsville, Queensland|Townsville]], and both ''Newcastle'' and ''Success'' are returning to [[Sydney, Australia|Sydney]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20941630-1702,00.html |title=Fiji navy task force returns |date=[[2006-12-17]] |accessdate=2006-12-17 |publisher=[[The Australian]]}}</ref> ''Melville'' returned to Australia in late December. The RAN has decided to attempt to recover the downed Black Hawk and has identified the [[United States Navy Supervisor of Salvage]] (SUPSALV) as the preferred organisation.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId=6271 |title=NAVY DETECTS MISSING BLACK HAWK’S LOCATOR BEACON |date=2006-12-15 |accessdate=2006-15-12 |publisher=[[Australian Defence Force]]}}</ref><ref> {{cite news |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId=6316 |title=NAVY TO CONDUCT FURTHER SURVEY OF LOST BLACK HAWK LOCATION |date=2007-01-16 |accessdate=2007-01-18 |publisher=[[Australian Defence Force]]}}</ref> The ''MV Seahorse Standard'' recovered the remains of Trooper Porter on 5 March and the Blackhawk helicopter on 9 March with the assistance of specialist equipment provided by the SUPSALV team. Trooper Porters body was repatriated on 13 March escorted by members of the [[Special Air Service Regiment]]. ''Seahorse Standard'' will arrive in Australia with the aircraft wreckage by the end of march. The wreckage will become evidence in the Board of Inquiry into the crash.<ref> {{cite news |url=http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/NelsonMintpl.cfm?CurrentId=6450 |title=BLACKHAWK RECOVERED FROM THE SEABED |date=2007-03-09 |accessdate=2007-03-14 |publisher=[[Australian Defence Force]]}}</ref> ==Women in the RAN== From 1911 to 1941 women were forbidden from serving in the RAN; the demands [[World War II]] placed on personnel and resources led to a change of policy.<ref name="Women in the RAN">{{cite journal| author = | year = 2006| month = November| title = Women in the RAN: The Road to Command At Sea| journal = Semaphore| volume = | issue = 19| page = | pages = | article = | doi = | id = | url = http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/semaphore/2006_19.pdf| format = PDF| accessdate =2007-02-02}}</ref> On [[21 April]] [[1941]] the Australian Naval Board sent a letter authorising the entry of women into the RAN to the Commodore-in-Charge, [[Sydney, New South Wales|Sydney]]. The letter led to the formation of the [[Women's Royal Australian Naval Service]] (WRANS) and the [[Royal Australian Naval Nursing Service]] (RANNS). The two separate women's services existed until 1984 when they were incorporated into the permanent force. Today female members of the RAN have a wide variety of roles open to them; women serve on submarines, command ships and shore postings and are expected to play an increasingly important role in the future of the RAN.<ref>"Women in the RAN"</ref> ==The current navy== [[Image:HMAS Sheean, Fremantle.jpg|thumb|HMAS ''Sheean'' at Fremantle Harbour]] The Royal Australian Navy today is a medium sized modern navy in world terms but is one of the strongest navies in the [[Asia Pacific]] Region. Today the combat fleet of the RAN is made up of 8 [[Anzac class frigate|''Anzac'' class frigates]], 5 [[Adelaide class frigate|''Adelaide'' class frigates]], 9 patrol boats of the [[Armidale class patrol boat|''Armidale'' class]]and 6 [[Collins class submarine|''Collins'' class submarines]]. The RAN also comprises a large amphibious and supply force in order to transport the [[Australian Army]] and to resupply the combat arm of the navy.<ref>[http://www.navy.gov.au Royal Australian Navy Official Website] Accessed August 22, 2006</ref> The RAN is divided into 7 [[Force Element Group]]s (FEG); Surface Combatants, Amphibious Warfare Forces and Afloat Support Force, [[Fleet Air Arm|Naval Aviation]], [[Royal Australian Navy Submarine Service|Submarine Force]], Mine Warfare and [[Clearance Diving Team (RAN)|Clearance Diving]], [[Australian Patrol Boat Group|Patrol Boat Force]] and the [[Royal Australian Navy Hydrographic Service|Hydrographic Force]]. The FEG's were formed to manage the operations of the separate sections of the RAN in a more efficient way.<ref>[http://www.navy.gov.au/fegs/ Royal Australian Navy Website] Accessed 5 November, 2006</ref> [[Image:HMAS Anzac F-150.jpg|thumb|left|HMAS ''Anzac'' operating in support of [[Operation Enduring Freedom]]]] The modern RAN began to form during the late 1970s when the [[Malcolm Fraser|Fraser]] Government announced the purchase of 4 [[Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate|''Oliver Hazard Perry'' class frigates]], all to be built in America; in 1980 they announced an additional 2 vessels both to be built in Australia. The 15 vessels of the [[Fremantle class patrol boat|''Fremantle'' class]] have been Australia's lead patrol boat since 1979, replacing the [[Attack class patrol boat|''Attack'' Class]], all ''Attack'' class vessels were decommissioned by 1985. The ''Fremantle'' class is itself being replaced with the ''Armidale'' class; today only 5 of the 15 ''Fremantle'' class ships remain in service. The [[Collins class submarine|''Collins'' class]] is the newest class of Australian submarines, built in [[Australia]] for the Royal Australian Navy. They were built by the [[Australian Submarine Corporation]] in [[Adelaide, South Australia]] and replace much older [[Oberon class submarine|''Oberon'' class submarines]] in the Australian fleet. The first vessel [[HMAS Collins|HMAS ''Collins'']] was laid down in 1990 and commissioned in 1996, as of 2002 all six vessels of the class are operational and based [[HMAS Stirling|HMAS ''Stirling'']] in [[Western Australia]]. The [[Anzac class frigate|''Anzac'' class]] is the current main fleet unit of the Royal Australian Navy; the class comprises 8 vessels. The lead vessel of the class. [[HMAS Anzac (FFH 150)|HMAS ''Anzac'']], was commissioned in 1996 and the final vessel, [[HMAS Perth (FFH 157)|HMAS ''Perth'']], was commissioned on the [[26 August]] [[2006]]. In addition to the 8 Australian vessels, two ''Anzacs'' were also constructed for the [[Royal New Zealand Navy]]. The ''Anzac'' class were jointly constructed in [[New Zealand]] and [[Australia]] with the final fitout in [[Williamstown, Victoria]]. The amphibious and supply arm of the RAN is made up of; 2 [[Kanimbla class landing platform amphibious|''Kanimbla'' class landing platform]], one heavy landing ship [[HMAS Tobruk (L50)|HMAS ''Tobruk'']], 6 [[Balikpapan class LCH|''Balikpapan'' class landing craft]], 2 [[Leeuwin class survey vessel|''Leeuwin'' class survey ships]], 4 [[Paluma class motor launch|''Paluma'' class motor launches]], one fleet oiler, [[HMAS Sirius|HMAS ''Sirius'']] and the Dual Stores Replenishment Vessel [[HMAS Success (AOR 304)|HMAS ''Success'']]. The RAN also has 6 [[Huon class minehunter|''Huon'' class minehunters]], five in service and one in active storage as of 2006. The Royal Australian Navy maintains several bases around Australia. Under the RAN's Two Ocean Policy two of these [[HMAS Stirling|HMAS ''Stirling'']] (Fleet Base West) and [[HMAS Kuttabul (naval base)|HMAS ''Kuttabul'']] (Fleet Base East) are the base for all major fleet unit of the RAN. The majority of the patrol boat and amphibious fleets are located at [[HMAS Cairns (naval base)|HMAS ''Cairns'']] and [[HMAS Coonawarra|HMAS ''Coonawarra'']] while all [[Fleet Air Arm (RAN)|Fleet Air Arm]] squadrons are located at [[HMAS Albatross (air station)|HMAS ''Albatross'']] in [[New South Wales]]. ==The future of the RAN== {{main|Procurement programme of the Royal Australian Navy}} [[Image:Australian AWD.jpg|thumb|Air Warfare Destroyer]] In 2000 a major [[white paper]] was produced by the [[Australian government]] which set out a program of defence spending that will see significant improvements to the RAN's fleet and capabilities. The most significant current project is ''Sea4000'' the procurement of three [[Australian Air Warfare Destroyer|''Hobart'' class destroyers]], which will replace the ''Adelaide'' class..<ref>[http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/msd/sea4000/sea4000.cfm Sea 4000]</ref> These ships will be fitted with the [[Aegis combat system|AEGIS combat system]], and will be based on the Spanish [[Alvaro de Bazán class frigate|F100 design]]. The class has a planned in service date of 2013, with the three units to be named ''Hobart'', ''Brisbane'' and ''Sydney''. [[Image:050704-N-4309A-443.jpg|thumb|left|Women are expected to play a greater role in the RAN in the future]] The RAN is currently in the process of replacing its [[patrol boat]] fleet. The 15 [[Fremantle class patrol boat]]s which entered service in 1979 are currently being replaced with 14 [[Armidale class patrol boat|''Armidale'' class]] vessels. Designed and built by [[Austal Ships]], the lead ship of the Armidale class, [[HMAS Armidale (ACPB 83)|HMAS ''Armidale'']] was commissioned into the RAN in June 2005. The entire Armidale class fleet is expected to be in service by late 2007 and will provide greater flexibility and capabilities to the RAN.<ref>[http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/semaphore/2006_4.pdf Semaphore Issue 4 February 2006] Accessed on 5 November 2006</ref> In August 2005 the [[Australian Government]] passed approval for the acquisition of two [[Canberra class large amphibious ship|''Canberra'' class large amphibious ships]]; these will displace over 20,000 tonnes and have the capability to carry over 1,000 troops and will potentially be able to operate fixed wing aircraft. The project is expected to cost between $1.5 and $2 billion [[Australian dollar]]s and be completed by around 2014. The new ships will be named ''Canberra'' and ''Adelaide''.<ref>[http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/lsp/amphibs.cfm Defence Materiel Organisation website] Accessed 4 November, 2006</ref> ==See also== {{portal|Military of Australia|Flag of Australia.svg}} *[[Royal Australian Navy]] *[[Military History of Australia]] *[[History of the Royal Navy]] ==References== * F. Burnell, How Australia took German New Guinea : an illustrated record of the Australian Naval & Military Expeditionary Force * Tom Frame (2004). ''No Pleasure Cruise. The Story of the Royal Australian Navy''. Allen & Unwin, Sydney. * Macdougall, A, 1991. Australians at War A Pictorial History, The Five Mile Press, ISBN 1-86503-865-2 * Greg Nash and David Stevens (2006) ''Australia's Navy in the Gulf. From Countenance to Catalyst, 1941-2006''. Topmill, Sydney. * David Stevens (2001). ''The Royal Australian Navy - A History''. Oxford University Press, ISBN 0195555422 * David Stevens (1996). ''The Royal Australian Navy in World War II''. Allen & Unwin, Sydney, ISBN 1741141842 * David Stevens (2005), [http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/maritimepapers/piama15/default.html RAN Papers in Australian Maritime Affairs No. 15 ''A Critical Vulnerability: The impact of the submarine threat on Australia's maritime defence 1915 - 1954'']. Seapower Centre - Australia, Canberra. ISBN 0-642-29625-1 * David Stevens ''[http://ajrp.awm.gov.au/AJRP/AJRP2.nsf/437f72f8ac2c07238525661a00063aa6/225b90b97196e29bca256a1d00130203?OpenDocument Japanese submarine operations against Australia 1942-1944]'' * [[Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-1918]] ** A.W. Jose. [http://www.awm.gov.au/histories/chapter.asp?volume=104 ''Volume IX – The Royal Australian Navy, 1914 – 1918 (9th edition, 1941)'']. [[Australian War Memorial]], Canberra. * [[Australia in the War of 1939–1945]] ** G. Herman Gill (1957). [http://www.awm.gov.au/histories/chapter.asp?volume=24 ''Australia in the War of 1939 – 1945. Series 2 – Navy. Volume I – 1942'']. [[Australian War Memorial]], Canberra. ** G. Herman Gill (1968). [http://www.awm.gov.au/histories/chapter.asp?volume=25 ''Australia in the War of 1939 – 1945. Series 2 – Navy. Volume II – Royal Australian Navy, 1942 – 1945'']. [[Australian War Memorial]], Canberra. ** Gavin Long (1973) ''The Six Years War. A Concise History of Australia in the 1939-45 War''. Australian War Memorial and Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra. * [http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/ Royal Australian Navy Sea Power Centre] ** [http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/semaphore/index.html Semaphore Series - Newsletter of the Sea Power Centre - Australia] ** [http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/amd/amdintro.html Australian Maritime Doctrine] ** [http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/history/general.htm Feature Articles] ==Notes== <div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;"> {{reflist}} </div> {{Australian Military History}} [[Category:Royal Australian Navy]] [[Category:Military history of Australia|Royal Australian Navy]]