Canberra fires a parting shot

BIG BANG: HMAS Canberra went out with a bang not a whimper when it conducted its final 76mm firing before taking part in its decommissioning ceremony at FBW last month. Photo: LSPH Phillip ‘Rex’ Hunt

HMAS Canberra became the first Adelaide Class Guided Missile Frigate (FFG) to be decommissioned from the Navy last month and could be destined to be sunk as a dive site at some stage in the future.

After proudly serving her country for 24 years, the Defence Minister, Robert Hill, was joined by Maritime Commander RADM Davyd Thomas, and the ship’s Commanding Officer, CMDR Ray Leggatt, to officially farewell the ship in a traditional ceremony at Fleet Base West.

During her lengthy career HMAS Canberra sailed nearly 800,000 miles and saw active service in the Persian Gulf and conducted operations in areas such as the Southern Ocean and Solomon Islands.

Mrs Jenny Moir was the Guest of Honour for the decommissioning. Mrs Moir is the daughter of the late Lady Marjorie Tange, who was HMAS Canberra’s Launching Lady and the wife of the then Secretary of the Australian Department of Defence, the late Sir Arthur Tange.

Senator Hill said the Government had decided to offer the ship to be sunk and used as a future diving attraction off the coast of Australia.

“Decommissioned ships Swan, Perth, Hobart and Brisbane which have been sunk off the Australian coast have proven to be an economic and tourism boom by creating great dive sites,” Senator Hill said.

“If sunk, HMAS Canberra would continue to provide a valuable contribution to the Australian community in a fitting way, by continuing her association with the sea.”

It was an emotional day for the 210 decommissioning crew of HMAS Canberra as her colours were hauled down for the last time.

“It is a sad but special day when a ship decommissions, however since I have been the Commanding Officer I have been honoured to serve with such a fine crew and I consider this one of the proudest days of my life,” CMDR Leggatt said.

FAREWELL: HMAS Canberra alongside at HMAS Stirling with the decommissioning ceremony in progress on Parkes Wharf Number 1. Photo: ABPH Quentin Mushins

When CMDR Leggatt crossed the gangway for the last time, there was no piping party or salutes, but there was a final send-off.

The Squirrel flight that had been embarked on Canberra for the past three months, and a Seahawk, conducted a flypast just as
CMDR Leggatt stepped off the ship.

CMDR Leggatt thanked the ship’s company for their loyalty and commitment.

“Whatever I asked, you always gave more and what you achieved is simply remarkable. I am very proud and privileged to have been your Commanding Officer,” he said.

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