The Tribal class destroyer HMAS BATAAN, (CMDR H. M. Burrell, RAN), was commissioned. BATAAN, (as KURNAI), was laid down at Cockatoo Island Dockyard, Sydney, on 18 February 1942, and launched on 15 January 1944. Mrs. MacArthur, (Wife of General Douglas MacArthur), performed the launching ceremony.