HMAS Melbourne: Friend or Foe? Mostly Friend, But We Can Talk About That One Time (or Two)...
The HMAS Melbourne, a proud member of the Royal Australian Navy, has a long and storied career. It's seen action, protected its shores, and launched countless fighter jets into the friendly skies. But let's be honest, sometimes even the best of us make mistakes. Especially when those mistakes are colossal metal behemoths hurtling through the ocean. So, the question on everyone's mind (or at least the question you cleverly typed into your search engine) is: what ships did the HMAS Melbourne sink?
Turns Out "Air Boss" Doesn't Mean "Sea Boss"
The answer, dear reader, is a surprising two. Now, before you start picturing the HMAS Melbourne as some kind of rogue wave-riding kraken, let's delve into the details. The first incident involves the HMAS Voyager, a fellow Australian destroyer, back in 1964. Let's just say there was a bit of a misunderstanding during a nighttime training exercise. Apparently, "turn left" doesn't always mean the same thing to everyone on the high seas. The result? A real-life game of Battleship, with the Melbourne accidentally claiming victory.
Second Time's the Charm? Not Exactly...
Hoping to redeem itself, the Melbourne set sail again. But in 1969, while participating in a fancy international exercise with the United States Navy, things went south (literally). This time, the unfortunate victim was the USS Frank E. Evans, an American destroyer. Let's just say they got a little too close for comfort, and comfort lost.
Lessons Learned (We Hope)
Thankfully, these were the only major incidents in the HMAS Melbourne's long career. They serve as a stark reminder of the importance of communication and clear sailing instructions. However, they also provided valuable lessons in naval safety procedures, forever changing the way these exercises are conducted.
Frequently Asked Questions (Because You're Curious, and That's Awesome)
How to avoid accidentally sinking your fellow warships? Clear communication, proper training, and maybe some glow-in-the-dark navigation markers.
How many ships did the HMAS Melbourne sink? Two, which is probably two too many for everyone involved.
How is the HMAS Melbourne remembered today? Mostly for its impressive service, but these incidents are a part of its history too.
How do I make sure my boat doesn't become an unintended submarine? Maybe avoid playing real-life Battleship with your friends.
How can I learn more about the HMAS Melbourne? There are tons of resources online and in libraries! Just be prepared for a story with both triumphs and... well, sinkings.
