The Australian Government announced that HMS INVINCIBLE, (aircraft carrier), would be renamed HMAS AUSTRALIA when she joined the RAN. As a result of the Falkland’s War the British Government decided to retain HMS INVINCIBLE, and offered HMS HERMES as a replacement. However, in 1983 the newly elected Labour Government cancelled the potential purchase of the ship. Among the reasons given were age of ship, high personell maning requirement, cost, and new directions for the RAN.
Australian Naval History on 15 April 1983
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