HMAS Ballarat has honoured the life and service of four former Royal Australian Navy members and one Royal Navy sailor by committing their ashes to the sea off the coast of Darwin.

The committal of ashes to the sea is a longstanding naval tradition, providing current serving members with a solemn opportunity to honour those who have served before them.

Commanding Officer Ballarat Commander Dean Uren said the ceremony last month reinforced the shared values and experiences that bind generations of sailors.

“We are bound by common experience,” Commander Uren said.

“We may serve in different times, in different ships and establishments, but we live by the same values in the service of our nation.

“Today we reflect on the life and service of five of our shipmates; their stories are our stories – their legacy is ours to carry on.”

Ballarat committed the ashes of Chief Petty Officer Marine Technician Ronald John Abrahams, Chief Petty Officer Radio Supervisor Special Graham Edward Cooper, Chief Petty Officer Coxswain Peter Daniel Russell, Leading Seaman Marine Technician Jerry Vincent Malysz and Leading Seaman Samuel Hiller.

Each member honoured at the ceremony served their nation with distinction.

Chaplains Lyall Reid and Kay Davidson delivered a prayer and benediction as Ballarat laid the members to rest in the sea.

“Whereas it has pleased almighty God to take to himself the souls of our dear brothers Ronald, Graham, Peter, Jerry and Samuel, we therefore commit their ashes to the winds of heaven and the depths of the sea, in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life,” Chaplain Reid said.

“The blessings of a gracious and loving God be upon you and remain with you always.”

As the ashes dispersed into the sea, Ballarat’s ship’s company paused in silence to honour each sailor’s service, sacrifice and enduring legacy.

Chief Petty Officer Ronald John Abrahams

Ronald served in the Royal Australian Navy from July 5, 1976, to July 11, 1999.

He was awarded the Australian Service Medal (with Middle East clasp), Defence Force Service Medal with first clasp, and the Australian Defence Medal.

Chief Petty Officer Graham Edward Cooper

Graham served in the Royal Australian Navy from September 22, 1962, to September 21, 1982.

His sea service included postings in HMA Ships Melbourne, Parramatta, Yarra, Derwent, Melville, Terror, Swan and Waratah.

He was awarded the Australian Active Service Medal (Malaysia and Vietnam clasps), General Service Medal (Borneo and Malay clasps), Vietnam Logistics and Support Medal, Australian Service Medal, National Medal, Australian Defence Medal, Pingat Jasa Malaysia, Flag Officer’s Commendation and Returned from Active Service Badge.

Chief Petty Officer Peter Daniel Russell

Peter served in the Royal Australian Navy from July 10, 1966, to July 10, 1988.

He was awarded the Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal, Australian Service Medal (Far East Strategic Reserve clasp), Defence Force Service Medal with first clasp, National Medal and Returned from Active Service Badge.

In later life, Peter remained active in the veteran community, serving as the commanding officer of Training Ship Anzac Naval Cadets from 1992 to 1995.

Leading Seaman Jerry Vincent Malysz

Jerry served in the Royal Australian Navy from August 28, 1965, to August 27, 1977.

His sea postings included HMA Ships Torrens, Lonsdale and Swan.

He was awarded the Australian Service Medal (Far East Strategic Reserve clasp), Australian Active Service Medal (Vietnam clasp), Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal and the Returned from Active Service Badge.

Leading Seaman Samuel Hiller

Samuel served in the Royal Navy from August 20, 1937, to May 21, 1948.

He served in HM Ships Diomedes, Hermes, Royal Oak, Jupiter and Victorious, including during a kamikaze attack on May 9, 1945, that claimed the life of his close friend, Steward Joseph Landers.

Samuel was awarded the 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, Arctic Star, Africa Star (North Africa clasp), Burma Star (Pacific clasp) and the 1939-45 War Medal.

His ashes now rest in the same waters as his brother Arthur, who was lost with HMS Edinburgh in the Barents Sea in 1942.