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1950s
From 1950 onwards the post war tempo Naval growth quickened.
The outbreak of the Korean War in June 1950
intensified demands for naval strength. Nine ships altogether were
sent to operational theatres - Anzac, Tobruk, Bataan, and Warramunga
each having two tours of duty, while Sydney, Culgoa, Murchison, Condamine
and Shoalhaven each made one tour. In addition, since the formation
of the Strategic Reserve RAN ships in rotation have served continuously
from Singapore. the decision to hold large scale SEATO (South East
Asia Treaty Organization) maritime training exercises has resulted
in the grouping together of many ships and aircraft representing the
interested nations. The exercises have developed a high degree of
efficiency in the combined fleets. Changes within the structure of
the navy during this period were marked during this decade. The Women's
Royal Australian Navy Service (WRANS) was re-established in 1951.
the first of the big Daring Class Destroyers HMAS Voyager was launched
in 1952, followed by her sister ships Vendetta and Vampire. Shropshire
(1953 and Australia (1955) were handed over to the shipbreakers. The
angled deck, steam catapult, mirror landing Aircraft Carrier HMAS
Melbourne commissioned in October 1955, and the Fireflies and Sea
Furies of yesteryear were replaced by Gannets and Sea Venom all weather
jet fighters with helicopters in Air-Sea Rescue roles. The 'Q' Class
Destroyers excepting Quality were rebuilt as fast Anti-Submarine Frigates.
After 28 years at Flinders Naval Depot, the RAN College returned to
Jervis Bay for the opening of the new scholastic year in 1958. Sir
John Collins retired as First Naval Member, being succeeded by Sir
Roy Dowling, who in turn was succeeded by Sir Henry Burrell. In November
1960, the government announced that the RAN would acquire six modern
minesweepers, that a new survey ship would be constructed, and that
a force of anti submarine helicopters would be acquired.
1951
First
Intake of trainees commenced training under National Service Scheme.
1954
Fleet Oiler Tide Austral launched in UK loaned to RN as RFA Tide Austral.
1955
First two RAN Destroyers Arunta and Warramunga allotted to Far East
Strategic Reserve to help combat communist emergency in Malay Peninsular.
1957
Last Call Up of national Service Trainees discharged.
1958
Yarra Launched - first of six anti submarine frigates type 12 (later
destroyer escorts). Others - Parramatta (1959), Stuart 1961, Derwent
1961, Swan 1967, Torrens 1968.
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1960
First
Intake of 15 year old Junior Recruits arrive at HMAS Leeuwin to begin
training at JRTE (Junior Recruit Training Establishment) Fremantle.
Armament store carrier Woomera sinks off Sydney after explosion and
fire during ammunition dumping operations. Two sailors killed.
1963
Survey Ship Moresby launched
1964
Destroyer Voyager sunk off NSW coast in collision with aircraft carrier
HMAS Melbourne, 82 lives lost in RAN's worst peacetime disaster. All
losses from Voyager. RANSS re-established. End of Communist Emergency.
Australia agrees to keep forces in Malaya/Singapore area as part of
FESR. With formation of Federation of Malaysia in 1963, Indonesia institutes
a campaign of "confrontation". RAN destroyers, frigates and minesweepers
allotted for duty in Borneo/Malaya/Singapore areas to counteract Indonesian
activities. The first allotments for 'special overseas service' were
Gull and Hawk.
1965
RAN Logistic Support in Vietnam Conflict begins
with departure of Sydney (former aircraft carrier converted to
fast troop carrier) from Sydney on first voyage. Oxley launched first
of 6 Oberon Class Submarines. Otway 1966, Ovens 1967, Onslow 1968, Orion
1974, Otama 1975.
1966
Confrontation ended with Malaysian/Indonesian agreement. Destroyer tender
Stalwart launched.
1967
First contingent of Clearance Diving Teams depart for Vietnam. Australian
White Ensign hoisted for first time. Guided missile destroyer Hobart
allotted for duty for 'Gunline' duty in Vietnam. Patrol Boat Attack
launched first of Attack Class of 20. First contingent of RANHFV depart
for Vietnam.
1968/69
RAN Personnel attached to 9 Squadron RAAF serving in Vietnam.
1969
Destroyer USS Frank E. Evans sunk in collision with Melbourne in Sth
China Sea, with loss of 74 lives (all from Evans).
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