Australian Naval Amateur Radio Society
H.M.A.S. HOBART
THE FINAL JOURNEY
FEBRUARY 2000
| HMAS
HOBART - DDG39 GUIDED MISSILE DESTROYER
A Charles F Adams Class DDG built in the United
States in 1965.
|
 Click for full view |
The Following are extracts from the Hobart Mercury during the last visit of HMAS Hobart to her 'home' port. She carried out the duties of flagship for the February 2000 Hobart Regatta.
HMAS HOBART DDG 39 slipped away from
the Port of Hobart at 1000 this
10th day of February 2000, for the last time.
At 0947 the gangway was taken ashore, and the sea going parties were
positioned around the ship, whilst a small but somewhat sad crowd gathered at
the ships side, under a
warm slightly overcast sky, with a gentle breeze up river, (from astern as she
lay). The White
Ensign hung limply at the jack.
At 0956 the order was heard, “Cast off all lines aft” and at 0957 the report
came in “All lines in
board” The same process could be seen conducted from the foc'sle, and
HOBART was free from her terrestrial home.
Sirens hooted, horns blew, tears were shed, a cheer rose from those
assembled to see her depart, and Hobart quickly went astern to clear the area
and turn for sea, which she
did as seen from the Macquarie Wharf. She had been moored at the Princess Wharf,
alongside
Salamanca place, ( of much historical interest). Proudly flying her pennant,
VKLB.
She turned seaward for her last time in the Derwent River, and to the mournful
sound of her siren
she headed down river to her element. At 1020 there was no trace (but much
rememberance of this fine ship is held amongst those of us who knew
HOBART ) of her.
By this time she should be rounding TASMAN ISLAND and setting her course
for Melbourne and finally Sydney. she will have a fine day and a nice easy sea
for her ultimate voyage.
The people of Hobart knew and loved HOBART; we are sad to see her depart
this way, thank you for the memories.
VALE H M A S HOBART.
11 February 2000
MORE NOSTALGIA
Farewell command stirs the sentiments
BY HARRIET BINET.
Decades have passed since not-retired Commodore KEN SHANDS directed the
H.M.A.S. HOBART during the Vietnam War but he was back on it's bridge
yesterday and was very much in charge.
As the ship sailed from it's namesake port for the lat time, it was under
the control of Mr.Shands, who had been given a sentimental posting alongside
it's present commander, Peter Murray.
About 50 people lined Princes Wharf No.1 in low-key send-off at 10am for the
Royal Australian Navy destroyer and its 300 plus crew.
After 35 years' service and a week-long farewell visit to Hobart, the ship
will be decommissioned in Sydney in May. (12th).
Mr. Shands, from New South Wales, was joined on the ship yesterday by 12
former crew including retired rear admiral Guy Griffiths, who was in charge
of the vessel during the 1960's.
Tasmanian senior naval officer Commander Henry Finnis was among many sad to
see a piece of Tasmania's history sail away. There were a lot of old memories there for me," he said.
The HOBART was the first surface ship Commander Finnis served on after he
left the British Royal Navy submarine service in 1980.
The Tasmanian Naval Association has called on H.M.A.S. HOBART to be saved
from the scrap yard and returned to Hobart for use as a floating tourist
attraction. However, Commander Murray, said the cost of such a venture would be prohibitive.
Acknowledgement to Lew Jarvis, Hobart, for this material