Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson, today welcomed the arrival of the bridge section of the HMAS Brisbane, one of Australia’s greatest warships, to the Australian War Memorial. Mr Billson said the arrival of the bridge, along with the gun section of the warship that was installed in 2001, would be the major feature of Australia’s naval history at the Memorial’s Post-1945 Conflicts Gallery.

“The Brisbane exhibit is a fitting tribute to the long and distinguished service of the Royal Australian Navy. The display will highlight Brisbane’s long operational history and tell the stories of its crew and that of its sister ships HMA Ships Perth and Hobart,” Mr Billson said.

“For the first time visitors to the Memorial will also be able to stand on a real ship’s bridge that saw active service in major recent conflicts.

“I am pleased that the Australian Government was able to support the incorporation of the bridge and gun sections of Brisbane to the Memorial with $2.1 million in funding through the 2006-07 Federal Budget.” Mr Billson said Brisbane served during the Vietnam War and the first Gulf War before being decommissioned in 2001 and sunk about 5 kilometres off Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in 2005.

“In Vietnam, Brisbane was one of three Australian destroyers, on rotation, to serve with the US 7th Fleet on the ‘gunline’ where they delivered naval gunfire support for ground forces,” he said.

“During December 1990 and March 1991 she operated in the Persian Gulf and served as part of a defensive screen for US Carrier Battle Groups, provided anti-aircraft and anti-ship protection, and controlled fighter combat air patrols.

“Honouring Australia’s wartime heritage remains a key priority of the Australian Government. This commitment has seen significant funding allocated to expanding and redeveloping the Australian War Memorial during the past 10 years, including $12.5 million to help improve visitor access, and $11.6 million towards the CEW Bean building and Post-1945 Conflicts Galleries.”