HMAS Hobart (II) and USS Forrestal
Courtesy of the Australian National Maritime Museum
This painting by Ray Honisett was commissioned by the Australian National Maritime Museum in 1991. It depicts a tragic fire on the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Forrestal in 1967. A helicopter departing from HMAS Hobart (39) is taking a medical team onboard and a third vessel can be seen in the distance spraying USS FORRESTAL with jets of water
- About Ramon (Ray) Francis Honisett
Ray was born in Perth, Australia and travelled to England to study art in London. He supported himself by working as a freelance illustrator. On his return to Australia, he settled in Melbourne and worked as a stamp designer and a marine and military aviation artist.
Fellow of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT). RMIT is ranked number 1 in Australia and 15 in the world for Art and Design placing the School of Art in the top echelon of the world’s art and photographic educational institutions.
Ray was the first professional artist to paint in the Australian Antarctic Territory. He has achieved acclaim and prominence as a maritime and aviation artist. His paintings are held by the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Australian War Memorial.
He died in October 2019.
- About HMAS Hobart (ll)
HMAS Hobart was one of three improved Charles F Adams Class, Guided Missile Destroyers (DDG) built in the United States for the RAN. The destroyers were referred to in the RAN as Perth Class DDGs and their primary role was air defence.
More reading
- Additional resources for Ramon (Ray) Francis Honisett
- Additional resources for HMAS Hobart (ll)
