100th Anniversary of the US NAVY fleet visit to Melbourne in 1908

MMHN Director, Michael O’Brien, is presenting at the Naval Historical Society of Australia.

The visit of the Great White Fleet, as it came to be known, was the start of Australia’s defence relationship with the US. Commencing with the visit of a smaller Great White Fleet to Sydney in 1908, Melbourne (as the official capital of Australia and temporary seat of Federal Parliament at the time) later received a larger contingent of 43 vessels in 1925. Many US Navy battleships, cruisers and destroyers arrived on a voyage designed to impress Japan about American sea power and to cement the relationship with Australia and New Zealand. It became known as the largest foreign naval fleet to visit Australian shores, and the Australian public gave them a tremendous welcome.

When: Monday 23rd June, 7:00pm. A note that members of the Naval Historical Society often gather for dinner at the RSL before hand from 5:30pm.

Where: Waverly RSL, 161 Coleman Parade, Glen Waverly.

Admission: Free