DEFENDERS HONOURED
IT was the setting for a fierce and bloody battle 75 years ago.
But the waters in the Coral Sea were yesterday quiet and calm as dignitaries joined serving navy and army personnel for a moving service on the flight deck of HMAS Choules, the ship that assisted during the Cyclone Debbie aftermath.
About 150 personnel stood shoulder to shoulder to remember the first naval engagement in history where the participating ships never sighted or fired directly at each other. Dignitaries including Governor- General Sir Peter Cosgrove and Attorney- General George Brandis threw wreaths into the sea before the Last Post rang out.
Attorney- General George Brandis, representing Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, said the Battle of the Coral Sea was the moment war came to Queensland’s doorstep.
“Never before and never since has Australians so felt the hot breath of war,” he said.
Commander United States Pacific Fleet Admiral Scott Swift said the engagement was one of the most consequential battles of World War II in halting the Japanese invasion.
“Our friendship with Japan is one of the most compelling lessons other nations can learn from as an example as to how to take the devastating consequences of war … and embrace to- gether the spirit of the regional tide of prosperity,” he said.
Chief of Navy GovernorGeneral Vice- Admiral Timothy Barrett, AO, CSC, RAN said the service on board HMAS Choules was to solemnly remember and honour the sacrifice and dedication of the sailors who fought at the Battle of the Coral Sea. “They demonstrated their readiness to serve their shipmates, their ship and their nation through their courage,” he said.
VADM Barrett said today Australia seamlessly operated with the United States Navy, a relationship born out of the origins of Battle of the Coral Sea.
After the service, ADML Swift would not be drawn on whether Australia should join efforts in the South China Sea or with the US if any action was taken against North Korea.