On the 10th July 1911 His Majesty King George V granted the Royal Assent to the Commonwealth Naval Forces, Australia, which began as a small coastal defence force in 1901.
Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, RAN and the men and women of the Navy commemorate 100 years of service of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) on 10th July 2011.
The granting of the Royal Assent was acknowledgement that Australia and her Navy had come of age and was a reflection of its emerging responsibility as a maritime force in the region.
On the 4 October 1913, the flagship HMAS Australia I led a force of cruisers and destroyers into Sydney Harbour for the first time. This was a moment of great national pride and importance, one recognised as a key symbol of Australia’s progress to nationhood.
Soon after Australia entered World War I and the RAN in its infancy proved it was ready to meet the needs of the British Empire and the Australian nation, defeating or deterring forces close to home and further abroad.
“During this early period the sailors and officers of the RAN won a reputation for professionalism, courage and sacrifice – a reputation which continues today.” Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, said.
“As we commemorate this important day in the RAN’s history it is timely to reflect on the contribution of all those who have served during the past 100 years. In particular we remember those who have sacrificed their lives in the service of our Nation. We also remember the families and loved ones who have stood by the men and women of the Navy and who have endured long periods of separation from their loved ones.”
The Royal Australian Navy has been built on the foundation of those early days and today contributes to our nation’s security. Naval people are today serving on operations in Afghanistan, the Sudan, the Middle East both ashore and at sea, East Timor, and protecting Australia’s borders.
Media note:
Information on RAN commemorative activities is available from the Navy website under RAN Centenary at:www.navy.gov.au
