THE FIRST SALUTE

VERSE 2 FROM THE ART OF NAVY POEM WRITTEN BY ANDY SINGH

Identity is etched with power.

A young nation, a nascent navy, a new ship.

We’ll give her our name–HMAS Australia.

Our endeavour arrives in time for war.

We defend our position – we chase the Germans from the Pacific.

We define our names – we are Australia, Yarra, Sydney, Melbourne, Parramatta.

We commit our purpose–bonded with the old, we sail to assist, under our own flag.

On the cold sounds of Scapa Flow, HMAS Australia joins the Grand Fleet, old and new, separate yet committed to the shared struggle.

Another war, another ship, another grand fleet,

HMAS Australia holds her place in the line—bloodied and battered by planes above, but our flag remains committed to purpose.

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