The combination of a carrier and two Daring-class destroyers provides a concrete picture of Australian maritime presence. The 1959 group paired Melbourne with Vendetta and Voyager. Together they concentrated aviation and escort capability in a regional force that an opponent had to take seriously, even though it was not invulnerable. The image shows how a carrier changed what Australia could deploy in its own waters or contribute to an allied operation.
Notable Point · 21:29-22:46
Melbourne and her Daring-class escort force
A 1959 image of Melbourne with Vendetta and Voyager illustrates the credible task force an Australian carrier could anchor without a cruiser.