In 1985 I covered the maiden voyage of the HMAS Darwin.

A guided missile frigate, the ship was built in the United States and on shake-down had undertaken its maiden voyage to Australia, its first landfall being the port of the same name, Darwin.

Along with a camera crew, I flew to Cairns and then onto Thursday Island. From here, with a lift from the local pilot, we caught the Darwin as it passed through the Torres Strait.

This extended report was the result of the trip.

[flv:http://raeallen.net/video/hmas-darwin.flv 550 412]

Talent: Rick Bayley, Bob van Grodenhauer

To air: ABC-TV The National, 30 October 1985, Duration:09:12

Links

• HMAS Darwin – navy specifications