HMAS Sydney (3)

HMAS Sydney (3) began life as a Majestic-class light aircraft carrier, with her keel laid down in 1943. Originally intended to be HMS Terrible, construction was suspended at the end of World War II. In 1947, Australia decided to acquire two aircraft carriers, leading to her commissioning at Devonport, UK on December 16, 1948. After modifications to meet Australian requirements, she was formally accepted into the Royal Australian Navy on February 5, 1949.

Korean War Service

In 1951, Sydney deployed to the Korean War with 808, 805, and 817 squadrons aboard, providing air support and strikes against enemy positions. During October 1951, she weathered a severe typhoon where waves reached an estimated 45 feet in height, washing away a sea-boat mounted 36 feet above the waterline and sweeping an aircraft off the flight deck. Despite multiple electrical fires from flooding, she maintained operations until January 16, 1952, completing 2,366 combat sorties.

Post-War Operations

Following Korea, Sydney was present at the British atomic bomb test at the Monte Bello islands. She then transported Australian military personnel to Britain for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation. In 1955, she was converted to a training ship, participating in SEATO exercises in the Far East before being paid off on May 30, 1958.

Vietnam Service

After four years in reserve, Sydney was recommissioned as a fast troop carrier, earning the nickname "Vung Tau ferry." From May 1965 until late 1972, she completed 25 voyages to Vietnam, transporting approximately 16,000 Army and Air Force personnel plus thousands of tons of equipment, vehicles, and aircraft to Vung Tau.

Final Years

Sydney was decommissioned on November 12, 1973. On October 28, 1975, she was sold for scrap to the Dongkok Steel Mill in South Korea, ironically ending her days in the same region where she had seen combat service.

Key Facts

Specification	Details
Class	Majestic-class
Type	Light aircraft carrier/Fast troop transport
Commissioned	December 16, 1948
Decommissioned	November 12, 1973
Aircraft Squadrons	805, 816, 808, and 817
Notable Operations	Korean War (1951-1952), Vietnam War (1965-1972)
Combat Sorties	2,366 (Korea)
Vietnam Voyages	25