On This Day
1960-1975 > Vietnam era
On This Day - 1960-1975
- June 17, 1974
LEUT K. Frank, RAN, of Samarai, Papua-New Guinea, was appointed to command HMAS LADAVA, (patrol boat). LEUT Frank was the first New Guinea native to command a ship of the RAN.
- May 25, 1974
HMAS SWAN, (destroyer escort), rescued the crew of the disabled yacht CUTTY SARK, in 95 knot winds south of Norah Head, NSW. PO D. Krietling, AB R. Lindsay, and AB D. Ruhl, leapt into the sea to rescue the yacht’s crew.
- May 16, 1974
Lieutenant (P) Ralph McMillan lost his life in a Skyhawk TA4G (879)which crashed into the sea 64 Km NE of Nowra during a mock attack on HMAS Melbourne.
- May 13, 1974
The rank of Commodore was established as a one-star rank in the RAN.
- March 6, 1974
HMAS VENDETTA, (Daring class destroyer), picked up a boat containing survivors from the merchant ship WARAWI, which had foundered in the Arafura Sea.
- February 10, 1974
HMAS TORRENS escorted the royal yacht BRITANNIA on the Royal Tour of the Pacific.
- February 8, 1974
The landing craft heavy HMAS BETANO, was commissioned. BETANO was laid down in Walkers Yard, Maryborough, QLD, in September 1972, and launched on 5 December 1972.
- February 4, 1974
RADM D. C. Wells, CBE, was appointed Flag Officer Commanding Her Majesty’s Australian Fleet.
- February 1, 1974
HMAS CAIRNS, (Shore Establishment in Cairns), was commissioned.
- January 4, 1974
RADM D. C. Wells, CBE, was appointed Flag Officer Commanding Her Majesty’s Australian Fleet.