Fleet Air Arm Museum Display - Fleet Air Arm Launches (1948 - 1954)
The success and growth of naval aviation during World War II made apparent a need for an Australian Fleet Air Arm. The character of naval warfare had changed and the aircraft carrier was now an essential part of any modern navy.
In April 1944 the Australian Prime Minister, John Curtin, approached the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill for England's help to establish a Fleet Air Arm. The British Prime Minister was eager to accommodate. The process was initially thwarted by a lack of naval manpower, political indecision and financial bickering.
Finally in July 1947 the Commonwealth Defence Council approved the formation of the Fleet Air Arm under the control of the Royal Australian Navy. Prime Minister Ben Chifley approved the acquisition of two light fleet carriers from the UK and in August cabinet approval was given for the light fleet carriers, two naval air stations and three air groups.
In April 1948 King George VI approved the names Sydney (III) and Melbourne (II) for the carriers and Albatross for the RAN Air Station at Nowra.
HMAS Sydney (III) arrived in Australian waters in May 1949, with the 20th Carrier Air Group. After returning from England with the 21st Carrier Air Group Sydney (III) and her Squadrons was deployed in late 1951 to operate as part of the United Nations Forces opposing the invasion of South Korea. Sydney (III) was deployed a second time in 1953 to monitor the Korean armistice.
