HMAS Warramunga in Incheon Landings Re-enactment
16 September 2010
To commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Incheon Landings during the Korean War, the Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Russ Crane, and the Anzac Class Frigate HMAS Warramunga have visited the Republic of Korea.
“Australia and the Republic of Korea have a long history of working well together and this is sure to continue with both nations remaining committed to ongoing engagement, like reciprocal ship visits. Recently two Republic of Korea ships visited Sydney, and there will also be a passage exercise with ROKS JeonNam when HMAS Warramunga leaves Incheon and sails for her next port,” said Vice Admiral Crane.
The Commanding Officer of HMAS Warramunga, Commander Bruce Legge said “the involvement by HMAS Warramunga in the re-enactment events was particularly significant because the HMAS Warramunga (I), a Tribal Class Destroyer commissioned in 1942, took part in the shore bombardment that supported amphibious landings on 15 September 1950”.
The commemoration activities included an impressive beach landings re-enactment, using a ceremonial canon to signify gun fire from five ships at anchor in Incheon harbour and involved special forces soldiers and numerous amphibious craft. There was also a parade through Incheon by Republic of Korea military together with visiting Australian and United States Navy personnel. Other counties represented for the events included the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Turkey.
As a part of the commemorations, HMAS Warramunga welcomed four Korean War Veterans onboard for a tour and they also attended the Official Reception hosted by the Chief of Navy. Two of the veterans served in HMAS Warramunga (I) and in HMAS Bataan, a sister Tribal Class destroyer to Warramunga (I), in the Incheon Landings and proudly recall their involvement that helped change the course of that war.
Commander Legge said “he considered it an honour for his Ship’s Company to represent Australia at this important event and this was an excellent demonstration of the strong ties we share with the Republic of Korea.”
HMAS Warramunga is based at Fleet Base West, near Rockingham Western Australia. 182 men and women proudly serve onboard this warship named after the indigenous Waramungu people in Tennant Creek, Northern Territory.
HMAS Warramunga sailed from her homeport on 31 May 2010 and will return to Australia in mid October after a busy four and half months participating in two major international military exercises; Exercise Rim of the Pacific off the coast of Hawaii and Exercise Kakadu in Darwin, followed by international engagements in North East Asia.
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