On a recent shore visit to Sydney, HMAS Perth hosted members of the New South Wales HMAS Perth Association, which included the Perth I survivor, Mr Frank McGovern.
The veterans were given a guided tour through the ship and shown the state-of-the-art equipment installed as part of the Anti-Ship Missile Defence Upgrade.
The visit provided a welcome opportunity for the crew to maintain the strong links that exists between present ship’s company and the former officers, sailors and families of those that previously have sailed under the Perth’s name.
After the tour, the Commanding Officer Captain Ivan Ingham greeted the visitors in his cabin and received on behalf of the ship, a replica Perth I crest hand crafted by Perth Association member, Mr Terry Blanch, whose father was lost on Perth I the historic Second World War cruiser. The plaque now has pride of place on the ship’s bridge as a symbolic link to HMAS Perth I and the Perth Association
The ship will stay on the east coast conducting trials before returning to Fleet Base West at the end of March to start her Unit Readiness workup, prior to undertaking a busy exercise program.
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Image: Australian Navy