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1970
Vice
Admiral Sir Victor Smith KBE CB DSC promoted Admiral on appointment
as chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee. First Australian born officer
to attain the rank.
1971
End of RAN's operational committment in Vietnam (Sydney still involved
in logistic support role during 1972. Balikpapan launched in Army Ceremony
(served with Army until commissioned into RAN in 1974) First of eight
Landing Craft (Heavy).
1972
Survey Ship HMAS Flinders launched.
1974
North West Cape Agreement amended to provide stationing of Australian
personnel at North West Cape W.A. Patrol Boats Aitape, Ladava, Lae,
Madang, Samarai, & LCHs Buna and Salamaua and establishment Tarangau
(Lombrum) paid off and transferred to PNGDF in preparation for PNGs
Independence (1975). Darwin devastated by Cyclone "Tracy" on Christmas
Day. HMAS Arrow sunk with loss of two lives. Naval Headquaters destroyed.
Flagship Melbourne and five other RAN Ships sailed for DARWIN at very
short notice loaded with provisions and disaster relief supplies. Other
ships followed soon after. Navy carried out a total of 17,979 relief
tasks ashore.
1976
Naval Board abolished and functions assumed by CNS...CDFS (later CDF
replaced Chairman, CSC.
1977
Former Australia National Line roll on-Roll off ship Australian Trader
commissioned as Training Ship HMAS JERVIS BAY (before completion of
conversion). Oceanographic ship HMAS COOK Launched.
1978
HMAS Adelaide launched first of 4 FFG's built in USA.
1979
HMAS Fremantle launched in UK (first of 15 FCPB's).
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1980
Heavy Lift Ship HMAS TOBRUK launched.
1982
HMAS Melbourne paid off
1983
Newly elected Labour Government decides not to replace Aircraft Carrier
Melbourne
1984
Fleet Underway Replenishment Ship HMAS SUCCESS launched. Junior Recruit
Training ends. WRANS and RANSS abolished - members become members
of RAN.
1985
Keel laid for AF05 (HMAS Melbourne) first of two FFGs to be built
at Williamstown, Melbourne.
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