On This Day
1976-1999 > Post Vietnam
On This Day - 1976-1999
- August 31, 1979
CPO Jackson, of HMAS KIMBLA, (survey vessel), was washed overboard and drowned in heavy seas, while the ship was leaving Port Philip Bay, VIC. His body was never recovered.
- August 23, 1979
The Minister for Defence, Mr. D. J. Killen, announced the building of an underway replenishment ship for the RAN at Cockatoo Island. The ship was named HMAS SUCCESS.
- August 20, 1979
Trials of the Australian-designed and developed Mulloka Submarine Sonar System were completed in HMAS YARRA.
- August 17, 1979
The Australian designed and manufactured Mulloka Sonar System, was accepted for service in the RAN
- July 1, 1979
The WRAN officer rank titles were replaced with male officer rank titles. The Navy began training its WRAN officer cadets at RAN College at Jervis Bay with their male counterparts. (*Actual day of month unknown)
- May 4, 1979
RAN Clearance Divers blasted a new harbour and shipping channel out of a coral reef at Noro, Solomon Islands. This was done to allow local fishermen better access to the sea.
- May 1, 1979
The initial engagement period for General Entry Sailors was reduced from nine to six years.
- April 21, 1979
VADM Sir James Willis, KBE, AO, RAN, is appointed Chief of Naval Staff.
- April 12, 1979
RADM D. Leach, CBE, MVO, was appointed Flag Officer Commanding Her Majesty’s Australian Fleet.
- March 9, 1979
The Minister for Defence, Mr. D. J. Killen, officially opened the new guided missile frigate berth at Garden Island, Sydney.