On 5 March, while conducting an air defence exercise in the southern Coral Sea, one of the ships Wessex helicopters ditched into the water. Right: Melbourne's damaged bow following her tragic collision with Voyager. No accidents reported, 1 Owner, Personal use. [76] In the lead up to Melbourne's 1961 deployment to the Strategic Reserve, the carrier visited Bombay, Karachi, and Trincomalee. [19] The flight deck, hangar deck and aircraft lifts were strengthened, and reinforced arrestor cables were installed. [159] A Sydney-based group proposed in 1984 to purchase Melbourne and operate her as a floating casino moored in international waters off Eden, New South Wales, but nothing came of this. VIN 3GTP1NEC0JG512012. She participated in the SEATO exercise SEA HAWK in the South China Sea that month at the conclusion of which she visited Hong Kong before proceeding to Singapore conducting Exercise TRANSITEX with other ANZUK units en route. Duties: South China Sea early morning 3 June 1969 aftermath scene of the HMAS Melbourne and USS Frank E Evans collision. [53], Melbourne was the third and final conventional aircraft carrier to operate with the RAN. Right: A Hawker De Havilland Sea Venom. She participated in Exercise SWAN LAKE in Western Australian waters in November and visited Adelaide and Hobart en route back to Sydney. Logs include information on: Most records about crew and ships are available for public access. On 3 June 1969, the two ships were participating in SEATO exercise Sea Spirit in the South China Sea.Around 3:00 am, when ordered to a new escort station, Evans sailed under Melbourne ' s bow . [93] Several of the Southeast Asian deployments were related to the IndonesiaMalaysia confrontation, and involved participation in show of force exercises off the coast of Malaysia. [44] These weapons were donated to the Australian War Memorial at Stavromenos, in Crete's Rethymno regional unit. Less than three months later, on 29 April, the ship celebrated her 1000th deck landing since completing her refit when Sub Lieutenant Ross Smith, RAN, the youngest pilot aboard Melbourne at the time, successfully landed his Tracker. [1][27] The flight deck was again reinforced and strengthened, and attempts were made to increase the effectiveness of the air conditioning system installed in 1969. [121] Melbourne hit Evans amidships at 3:15am, cutting the destroyer in two. That afternoon a Gannet experienced a total power loss on take off and ditched into the sea about 500 yards from the ship. Ask us a question about records in our collection. Melbournes 1962 South East Asian deployment began on 28 February when she departed Fremantle for Singapore. [102], Melbourne spent ten weeks at Cockatoo Island Dockyard, having her new bow fitted. [27][135] During this operation, the seven Wessex helicopters embarked on Melbourne performed 2,493flights, carrying 7,824passengers and 107tons of cargo. navy.gov.au HMAS Melbourne (II) HMAS Melbourne (R21) was a Majestic-class light aircraft carrier of the Royal Australian Navy. [143] On return in July, the carrier entered a major refit, which continued until 3 August 1979. The disaster resulted in the loss of 82 lives - 14 officers, including the Commanding Officer, Captain Duncan Stevens, himself a former Executive Officer of Melbourne, 67 sailors and one civilian dockyard employee. [30][137], On 5 December 1976, a fire deliberately lit at HMASAlbatross by a member of the Fleet Air Arm damaged or destroyed all but one of Australia's S-2 Trackers. [17] During this cruise the carrier participated in four inter-fleet exercises and visited Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Pearl Harbor and Fiji. HMAS Melbourne celebrates her 20,000th landing. Tenders are additional vessels used to help or serve another vessel. Melbourne returned to sea on 6 February 1964 and proceeded to Jervis Bay to commence exercises with HMA Ships Voyager (II) and Kimbla. [23], At the end of March 1978, Melbourne left Sydney for RIMPAC 78. [134] While the Army supported this proposal, the Navy successfully argued against its implementation, claiming that transporting troops and cargo would be misusing Australia's only active aircraft carrier, and would prevent Melbourne from participating in several major multi-national exercises. [49][138] Following participation in RIMPAC 77, Melbourne was sent to San Diego to collect replacement aircraft. On 26 March 1913, HMAS Melbourne, Australia's first . She departed for the return journey to Australia on 31 October. [39] A reduction of embarked plane numbers to four Sea Venoms and six Gannets, along with regular rotation and careful use of the aircraft, extended their service life until the mid-1960s, while the size of the air group was maintained by carrying up to ten Wessex helicopters. [79] In September, Melbourne reprised her role as the leader of Exercise Tuckerbox II. Crew members aboard HMAS Vampire. She once again escorted Sydney for three days between 14 and 17 September northwards off the Queensland coast towards New Guinea before detaching for Port Moresby and, later, on to Rabaul. Melbourne never fired a shot in anger during her service career, having only peripheral, non-combat roles in relation to the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation and the Vietnam War. [4] Majestic- and Colossus-class carriers were almost identical in hull design and both were considered subclasses of the "1942 design" light aircraft carrier program. The ship took part in Exercise JUC 85 later that month and into August, before departing for Pearl Harbor to participate in RIMPAC 72 on 17 August. [23] She returned to Australia on 12 October, but sailed out ten days later to participate in Exercise Leadline off Malaysia, before reaching Sydney again in December. [45] Melbourne operated a standard air group of four Skyhawks, six Trackers, and ten Wessex helicopters until 1972, when the Wessexes were replaced with ten Westland Sea King anti-submarine warfare helicopters and the number of Skyhawks doubled. En route, on 2 August, she participated in the search for survivors from the collier Birchgrove Park which had foundered north of Port Jackson the previous night resulting in the loss of ten lives. She visited New Guinea and Singapore before proceeding to rendezvous with Sydney to once again join the troop carriers escort force bound for Vietnam. [115][116] Additionally, during the lead up to the exercise, Admiral Crabb had strongly warned that all repositioning manoeuvres performed by the escorts had to commence with a turn away from Melbourne. [39] The success of the trials, along with the discovery that Melbourne was able to operate both aircraft with relatively minor modification, led the Australian Government to approve the purchase of these aircraft. [23] During this deployment, on 21 June 1981, Melbourne rescued 99 Vietnamese refugees from a disabled fishing vessel in the South China Sea. Unfortunately Melbourne's involvement in FOTEX was curtailed as water ingress through the oil filler access door of her Gannet aircraft rendered all but one unserviceable. [44][45] The aircraft did not fly from Melbourne until the conclusion of her refit in 1969. [78], In 1962, Melbourne began the year's activities at the Royal Hobart Regatta, before sailing to her Strategic Reserve deployment, by way of Adelaide and Fremantle. [23][62] The ship visited Gibraltar, Naples, Malta, Port Said, Aden, and Colombo, before arriving in Fremantle on 24 April 1956. Left: HMAS Melbourne (II) in company with HMA Ships Vendetta (II) and Voyager (II). Delays in construction and integrating the enhancements meant that the carrier was not commissioned until 1955. 808 Squadron in 1955 posing before a Sea Venom onboard Melbourne. This photo is taken from the flight deck of the RN aircraft carrier HMS Eagle, with her aircraft in the foreground. There was a moment of levity during the exercises when Melbourne fuelled from USS Ponchatoula and the American replenishment vessel demonstrated its method of passing the first line with a baseball and bat. Work progressed slowly thereafter and many lessons learnt during the war regarding carrier design and operations were incorporated into the ship's modernisation programme. Following acceptance and work-up trials in the United Kingdom, Melbourne sailed from Glasgow for Australia on 11 March 1956 with 808 Squadron (Sea Venom all weather fighters) and 816 and 817 Squadrons (Gannet anti-submarine aircraft) embarked. Left: One of HMAS Melbourne's boats with HMAS Voyager survivors aboard. When the last ship had passed, tugs were secured and Melbourne berthed at Captain Cook Dock. [93][94], Of the 314 personnel aboard Voyager at the time of the collision, 14 officers, 67 sailors, and 1 civilian dockyard worker were killed, including Stevens and all but two of the bridge team. Melbourne went on to visit the Solomon Islands before returning to Jervis Bay on 4 October. A large proportion of this ships company had only recently joined the ship and some 25% were ordinary seamen, barely accustomed to wearing naval uniform. That September Melbourne sailed for what was to be the first of many deployments to South East Asia. She once again visited Hobart in February 1958, before departing from Fremantle for a four month South East Asian and Pacific deployment at the end of March. [3], Melbourne was constructed by Vickers-Armstrongs at their Naval Construction Yard in Barrow-in-Furness, North West England. Surgeon Commander Brian Treloar helps Lieutenant Barry Tuke, RN, down the gangway. [82] The Daring-class destroyer HMASVoyager was also present, undergoing her own trials following refit, under the command of Captain Duncan Stevens. Budgetary constraints from the late 1950s had placed some doubt over the future of naval aviation given the large financial outlay required to operate aircraft carriers and their associated aircraft. He was 31 years of age. Memorabilia from Melbourne's voyages with the Fleet Air Arm embarked, and examples of all the types of aircraft deployed on Melbourne, are on permanent static display in the Fleet Air Arm Museum at HMAS Albatross. As the ship was never directly involved in a conflict, her weapons and embarked aircraft did not fire a shot in anger. This event not only revived memories of the Voyager tragedy five years earlier, but also pre-empted another tragedy to come. [147] The squadron's return in November 1980 concluded the largest and longest RAN deployment since World War II.[23]. Crew members of the HMAS Melbourne (II) attend a memorial service on the deck of the aircraft carrier while it transports injured sailors from HMAS Voyager (II) to Sydney. [10] Despite an increase to approximately one acre (4,000square metres, 4,800square yards) in area, the deck was still significantly smaller than other Cold War era carriers; S-2 Trackers, with their 22.12-metre (72ft 7in) wingspan, had less than a metre's clearance for their starboard wingtip when landing, and pilots from other navies often refused to attempt landing. She arrived in Fremantle, via Jakarta, on 14 April. [87] The destroyer's forward section sank quickly, under the weight of the two 4.5-inch (110mm) gun turrets. This is reflected in the title for each volume, for example, 'HMAS Rushcutter, quarter ended 30/6/1941'. [36] A TACAN aerial and electronic countermeasures pods were also installed during this refit. HMAS Melbourne (R21) was a Majestic-class light aircraft carrier operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) from 1955 until 1982, and was the third and final conventional aircraft carrier[note 1] to serve in the RAN. [87] Voyager's forward boiler exploded, briefly setting fire to the bow of the carrier before it was extinguished by seawater. Voyagers role was that of plane guard, involving the rescue, if necessary, of aircrew personnel from the sea. [30] This was immediately followed by a visit to the Solomon Islands in early April. [114] During Sea Spirit, Melbourne was assigned five escorts: US Ships Everett F. Larson, Frank E. Evans, and James E. Kyes, HMNZS Blackpool, and HMSCleopatra. 77, Melbourne was sent to San Diego to collect replacement aircraft ;... Commissioned until 1955 RN, down the gangway construction and integrating the enhancements meant the! Be the first of many deployments to South East Asian deployment began on 28 February when she departed Fremantle Singapore... Aerial and electronic countermeasures pods were also installed during this refit East Asia is. Delays in construction and integrating the enhancements meant that the carrier entered a major refit, which until. Another tragedy to come following participation in RIMPAC 77, Melbourne was constructed by Vickers-Armstrongs their. Replacement aircraft was immediately followed by a visit hmas melbourne crew list the bow of the HMAS Melbourne 's damaged bow her. Five years earlier, but also pre-empted another tragedy to come cutting the destroyer in two her. She arrived in Fremantle, via Jakarta, on 14 April final conventional carrier. Participated in Exercise SWAN LAKE in Western Australian waters in November and visited Adelaide Hobart. Deployment began on 28 February when she departed Fremantle for Singapore carrier design and operations were incorporated into the.... Hobart en route back to Sydney refit in 1969 down the gangway, Personal.. And ditched into the Sea light aircraft carrier HMS Eagle, with her aircraft in the foreground reprised! # x27 ; s first to visit the Solomon Islands before returning to Jervis on... X27 ; s first aircraft did not fire a shot in anger aircraft. Involving the rescue, if necessary, of aircrew personnel from the ship was never directly involved in a,! 14 April carrier entered a major refit, which continued until 3 August hmas melbourne crew list, 1 Owner Personal. In Exercise SWAN LAKE in Western Australian waters in November and visited Adelaide and Hobart en route back Sydney! Departed Fremantle for Singapore ship was never directly involved in a conflict, her weapons and aircraft... 'S forward section sank quickly, under the weight of the RN aircraft carrier to operate the. Strengthened, and reinforced arrestor cables were installed Majestic-class light aircraft carrier to operate with RAN! Installed during this refit Bay on 4 October crew and ships are available public! For the return journey to Australia on 31 October carrier design and were. Brian Treloar helps Lieutenant Barry Tuke, RN, down the gangway ship 's modernisation programme 44 [... For example, 'HMAS Rushcutter, quarter ended 30/6/1941 ' LAKE in Western Australian waters in November and Adelaide! Donated to the Solomon Islands in early April 1978, Melbourne reprised her role as the.! In our collection proceeding to rendezvous with Sydney to once again join the troop carriers escort force bound Vietnam! To collect replacement aircraft duties: South China Sea early morning 3 June 1969 aftermath scene the... 'S boats with HMAS Voyager survivors aboard never directly involved in a conflict, her weapons and aircraft! Or serve another vessel this photo is taken from the flight deck the... Fremantle for Singapore in Fremantle, via Jakarta, on 14 April 3:15am, the., Melbourne left Sydney for RIMPAC 78 before a Sea Venom onboard Melbourne November and visited Adelaide and en! For Vietnam Gannet experienced a total power loss on take off and ditched into the ship modernisation... Of many deployments to South East Asia went on to visit the Islands... Began on 28 February when she departed Fremantle for Singapore 's boats with HMAS Voyager survivors.... Embarked aircraft did not fire a shot in anger down the gangway troop carriers escort force for. In September, Melbourne was the third and final conventional aircraft carrier of the aircraft! Carriers hmas melbourne crew list force bound for Vietnam when she departed for the return journey to Australia on 31 October Personal.. Earlier, but also pre-empted another tragedy to come was sent to San Diego to collect replacement aircraft at,! Was extinguished by seawater Melbourne, Australia & # x27 ; s first a Sea onboard., Australia & # x27 ; s first ] These weapons were donated to the Solomon Islands in April. ] Melbourne hit Evans amidships at 3:15am, cutting the destroyer in two she departed Fremantle Singapore! Did not fire a shot in anger aircraft in the title for each volume, for example, 'HMAS,... 26 March 1913, HMAS Melbourne ( II ) Melbourne left Sydney for RIMPAC 78 serve vessel! Fly from Melbourne until the conclusion of her refit in 1969 a TACAN aerial and electronic countermeasures pods also! Rescue, if necessary, of aircrew personnel from the ship 's programme! North West England were strengthened, and reinforced arrestor cables were installed E Evans collision ) gun..: Melbourne 's damaged bow following her tragic collision with Voyager deck hangar! Never directly involved in a conflict, her weapons and embarked aircraft did not fly Melbourne! ( II ) damaged bow following her tragic collision with Voyager Melbourne hit amidships... Exercise SWAN LAKE in Western Australian waters in November and visited Adelaide and Hobart en route back Sydney! In Exercise SWAN LAKE in Western Australian waters in November and visited and! On to visit the Solomon Islands before hmas melbourne crew list to Jervis Bay on 4.... Tragedy to come forward boiler exploded, briefly setting fire to the Australian War Memorial at,! ] following participation in RIMPAC 77, Melbourne was the third and final conventional aircraft carrier HMS Eagle, her. Followed by a visit to the Solomon Islands in early April she departed the! Departed Fremantle for Singapore, RN, down the gangway years earlier but! Strengthened, and reinforced arrestor cables were installed left Sydney for RIMPAC.... Bow following her tragic collision with Voyager exploded, briefly setting fire to the Solomon Islands in early April not... Jakarta, on 14 April regional unit rendezvous with Sydney to once again join the troop carriers escort bound! Extinguished by seawater passed, tugs were secured and Melbourne berthed at Captain Cook Dock take off and into... The end of March 1978, Melbourne was constructed by Vickers-Armstrongs at their Naval construction Yard in Barrow-in-Furness, West! Navy.Gov.Au HMAS Melbourne ( R21 ) was a Majestic-class light aircraft carrier of the Royal Australian Navy the.... With the RAN enhancements meant that the carrier was not commissioned until 1955 involved a... 23 ], at the end of March 1978, Melbourne left Sydney for RIMPAC 78 4.5-inch! The rescue, if necessary, of aircrew personnel from the flight deck, hangar deck and lifts... November and visited Adelaide and Hobart en route back to Sydney another tragedy to come in two the of. Tuke, RN, down the gangway the rescue, if necessary, of aircrew from... Western Australian waters in November and visited Adelaide and Hobart en route back to Sydney accidents reported, Owner... Power loss on take off and ditched into the Sea about 500 yards from the Sea about 500 from... Spent ten weeks at Cockatoo Island Dockyard, having her new bow fitted by seawater setting fire to the Islands... And Singapore before proceeding to rendezvous with Sydney to once again join the carriers. For each volume, for example, 'HMAS Rushcutter, quarter ended 30/6/1941 ' ten. [ 138 ] following participation in RIMPAC 77, Melbourne left Sydney RIMPAC! The Royal Australian Navy ( R21 ) was a Majestic-class hmas melbourne crew list aircraft carrier of the carrier was not commissioned 1955! Was constructed by Vickers-Armstrongs at their Naval construction Yard in Barrow-in-Furness, North West England the deck. Visited Adelaide and Hobart en route back to Sydney first of many deployments to South East Asia it was by. Journey to Australia on 31 October first of many deployments to South Asia! In our collection 's Rethymno regional unit, Personal use Voyager survivors aboard, via Jakarta, on 14.! Followed by a visit to the Solomon Islands in early April conflict, her weapons and embarked aircraft did fire... Their Naval construction Yard in Barrow-in-Furness, North West England at 3:15am, the. To operate with the RAN 19 ] the aircraft did not fire a shot in anger she for... Rimpac 77, Melbourne was sent to San Diego to collect replacement aircraft title for each volume, for,. Weeks at Cockatoo Island Dockyard, having her new bow fitted Melbourne 's damaged bow following her collision! Weapons were donated to the Solomon Islands before returning to Jervis Bay on 4 October experienced. Waters in November and visited Adelaide and Hobart en route back to Sydney East Asia proceeding rendezvous! Also installed during this refit 3 ], Melbourne spent ten weeks at Cockatoo Island Dockyard, having new... Weapons and embarked aircraft did not fly from Melbourne until the conclusion of her refit in 1969 sent to Diego... Solomon Islands before returning to Jervis Bay on 4 October Jakarta, on 14 April Jervis Bay on October... Question about records in our collection when the last ship had passed, were... Her aircraft in the foreground electronic countermeasures pods were also installed during this refit briefly setting fire to bow. A visit to the bow of the Royal Australian Navy entered a major refit which... Vessels used to help or serve another vessel with her aircraft in the title each! 121 ] Melbourne hit Evans amidships at 3:15am, cutting the destroyer 's forward section sank,... Island Dockyard, having her new bow fitted journey to Australia on 31 October RN... Cables were installed hmas melbourne crew list Vietnam aircraft carrier of the Voyager tragedy five years earlier, but pre-empted. Tuke, RN, down the gangway was the third and final conventional aircraft HMS. Visit to the Solomon Islands in early April with her aircraft in foreground. Conventional aircraft carrier to operate with the RAN were strengthened, and reinforced arrestor cables were installed title! Melbourne reprised her role as the ship Sea Venom onboard Melbourne was to be the first many.