- Author
- Acceptance Booklet
- Subjects
- Ship design and development, History - post WWII
- Tags
- None noted.
- RAN Ships
- HMAS Waterhen, HMAS Vendetta I, HMAS Vampire I, HMAS Stuart I, HMAS Voyager II
- Publication
- March 1986 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)
This business completed, the ship is now a unit of the Royal Australian Navy, and this is symbolized by the hoisting of the White Ensign in place of the Red Ensign which had been worn on all previous occasions of proceeding to sea. The only occasion, prior to acceptance, on which the ship has been entitled to wear the White Ensign was on her first taking the water – in other words, at her launching.
On this particular occasion, the Naval Board Flag will be hoisted at the same time as the White Ensign to indicate that members of the Naval Board are embarked.
The hoisting of the White Ensign does not mean that the ship is now in commission. This ceremony takes place subsequently, and is in turn symbolised by the hoisting of the commissioning pennant at the masthead. Once hoisted, the commissioning pennant will then be worn day and night, at sea and in harbour, until the ship finally pays off.
Programme of Events
0745 Press, radio and television representatives arrive on board at Cockatoo.
0800 Sail from Cockatoo.
0830 Embark Minister for the Navy and Senior Officials off Garden Island.
0915 Clear Sydney Heads. Increase speed to approximately 30 knots.
0945 to 1000 Demonstration of firing of main armament.
1000 ‘ Clear Lower Deck.’
1015 Minister for the Navy accepts ship from Cockatoo Docks & Engineering Co. Pty. Ltd. On completion – Red Ensign struck. White Ensign and Naval Board flag hoisted.
1100 Enter harbour.
1130 Berth alongside Garden Island. (Changes of programme will be announced over the ship’s broadcast as necessary.)
List of Distinguished Persons on Board
C.W. Davidson, OBE, MP Esq. – Minister of State for the Navy.
Rear-Admiral C.C. Clark, OBE, DSC – Third Naval Member & Chief of Naval Construction.
T.J. Hawkins, CBE BA LL.B, Esq. – Secretary, Department of the Navy.
Rear-Admiral H.J. Buchanan, CBE, DSO – Flag Officer-in-Charge, East Australian Area.
Captain R. Rhoades, DSC – Captain HMAS Watson, and one time Captain of the previous HMAS Voyager
Captain R.G. Parker, OBE – General Manager, Garden Island Dockyard.
Captain S. St. V. Welch – General Overseer, East Australian Area.
Captain R.T. Power – Captain of the Port, Sydney.
Surgeon Captain J.M. Flattery, OBE, MB, MCh, QHP – Command Medical Officer.
Senior Officials of Cockatoo Dockyard
M.D. Wiltshire, Esq. – Chairman of Directors.
Engr. Capt. G.I.D. Hutcheson, OBE, RAN (Retd) – Managing Director.
H.J. Ross, Esq. – Manager.
H.E. Morgan, Esq. – Director and Commercial Manager.
R.W. Joselin, Esq. – Shipyard Superintendent.
R. Barnes, Esq. – Electrical Superintendent.
W.D.D. Bowery, Esq. – Engine Superintendent.
Lieut. Commander P.T. Edwards – Principal Naval Overseer.
Ship’s Officers
In Command – ActingCaptain G.J.B. Crabb, DSC
Executive Officer – LieutenantCommander M.L. Molony.
Engineer Officer – Commander C.C. Connolly.Supply Officer – Acting Commander W.A. Allen.
Navigating Officer – LieutenantCommander J.S. de M. Hill, DSC
Electrical Officer – Lieutenant Commander J.W. McClure.
TAS Officer – Lieutenant Commander D.A. Ross.
Signal Communications Officer – LieutenantCommander E.V. Stevens.
Senior Engineer – Lieutenant R.A. Rannard.
Gunnery Officer – Lieutenant G.C. Hollingsworth, RN
Captain’s Secretary – Lieutenant R. A. Clarke.
2nd (G) Officer – Lieutenant G.T. Gafford.
2nd (TAS) Officer – Lieutenant D.C.S. Smith: Sub-Lieutenant M.D. Jackson.
Ordnance Engineer Officer – Sub-Lieutenant J.C. McAllery.
2nd Electrical Officer – Sub-Lieutenant K.S.F. Spanton.
‘O ETERNAL. LORD GOD, who alone spreadest out the heavens, and rulest the raging of the sea; who hast compassed the waters with bounds until day and night come to an end. Be pleased to receive into Thy Almighty and most gracious protection the persons of us Thy servants, and the Fleet in which we serve.
Preserve us from the dangers of the sea, and the violence of the enemy; that we may be a safeguard unto our most gracious Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth and her Dominions, and a security for such as pass on the seas upon their lawful occasions; that the inhabitants of our Empire may in peace and quietness serve Thee our God; and that we may return in safety to enjoy the blessings of the land, with the fruits of our labours, and with a thankful remembrance of Thy mercies, to praise and glorify Thy Holy Name; Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Naval Prayer