Wonder "Down Under"

(Background music: Waltzing Matilda)

Of all the places we went, Melbourne, Australia, was probably the port most anxiously anticipated and enjoyed by the Canberra's crew. Sailing south, we crossed the equator; held the traditional initiation for all the pollywogs; steamed through the famous Solomons "Slot" and "Iron Bottom Sound."

A memorial service was held at the site of the Battle of Savo Island. This is where our ship's namesake was lost and we said a prayer as a wreath was placed on the now calm waters.

There is, of course, the obvious historical connection between our ship and the Australian. We found the welcome we received there to be truly warm and enthusiastic. The people were incredibly friendly and hospitable. Everywhere we went, we drew smiles and happy greetings. It is a visit that none of us would have missed for anything and the memories still bring a warm feeling of affection for the Aussies.

Pulling into Melbourne. *(WWW)*
	Tied up at Station Pier. *(SH)*
On the streets of Melbourne. *(SH)*

Marching through downtown Melbourne in the Coral Sea Celebration parade. (Skip Hagan is the in the foreground of second row. The only picture of me in the '66-'67 cruisebook is from this parade.) *(SH)*
	Ed Huntington hosting some Aussie school boys. *(EH)*
The kids really had a time visiting the Kan Do Kangaroo. You think herding cats is tough? (SH)
	The missile batteries were especially popular. *(SH)*
The "missileers" really put on a good show. (SH)
	The visitors were fascinated. (SH)

Revised: Sunday, May 12, 2002

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