The River class destroyer escort, (ex-type 12 frigate), HMAS YARRA, (CMDR J. L. W. Merson, RAN), was commissioned. YARRA was laid down in Williamstown Dockyard, VIC on 9 April 1957, and launched on 30 June 1958. Lady McBride, (Wife of Sir Philip McBride, Minister for Defence), performed the launching ceremony.