The 50th anniversary of the US Submariners Memorial Service was commemorated on Sunday at Princess Royal Fortress, honouring the service of thousands of American troops in the city’s bicentenary year.
Albany residents joined veterans, families, and US and Australian service personnel on Mt Adelaide to honour the American troops who were stationed in Albany during World War II and who gave their lives during the global conflict.
The annual service is held by the City of Albany on the US’ Memorial Day weekend, recognising the role Albany played during WWII as a secondary base for America’s submarine fleet.
The service was held at the Still on Patrol Memorial, overlooking Princess Royal Harbour, where American submarines sheltered during WWII.
American submarines arrived in Fremantle in 1942, and Albany was established as a secondary base soon afterwards, hosting two submarine tenders: the Holland, and the Pelias.
The two tenders supported 31 submarines that docked in Albany between March and October 1942, operating both from the Albany Town Jetty and the Quaranup quarantine station.
Albany mayor Greg Stocks was the master of ceremonies at the service on Sunday morning, and US Navy LCdr Ryan Willis gave the formal address, paying tribute to the 374 officers and 3131 crewmen who lost their lives serving aboard US submarines in WWII.
Mr Stocks said the annual service was an important time to remember both Albany’s military history, and the contributions of US servicemen.
“Albany played a quiet but incredibly important role during WWII, providing a safe harbour for United States submariners at a time when the threat of war was very real on Australia’s doorstep,” he said.
“This service is an opportunity for our community to recognise the courage, sacrifice and resilience of the submariners who carried out dangerous operations in some of the harshest imaginable conditions.
“By coming together at the Still on Patrol Memorial, we ensure these stories continue to be remembered and shared with future generations.”
Cdre Daniel Sutherland, commander of the Royal Australian Navy’s submarine fleet, read Brother Of The ‘Phin.
Penned by Larry Dunn, the poem is about meeting a submariner and the pride the man carried in his work and remembering his forebears who had been killed in action.
US Navy Lt Austin Daniel rang the ship’s bell as Chief Petty Officer Andrew Hines read the names of all 52 submarines lost during WWII.
That section of the commemorative service was started by US submarine veterans to remember each specific submarine and the fate of her crew.
After wreaths were laid at the memorial, Cdre Sutherland read the Naval Ode, followed by the traditional Last Post and minute’s silence before Warrant Officer Dean McLeod read the Submariner’s Prayer.
US Consul General Colleen Altstock also attended the service, and said she valued the opportunity to pay respect to the brave soldiers who never returned and were “still on patrol”.
“Today we honour the brave US submariners whose dedication and sacrifice during WWII helped protect the United States, Australia, and our Indo-Pacific allies against a common adversary,” she said.
“The 50th anniversary of this service is also an opportunity to remember the deep historical ties between WA and the US Navy and appreciate how this relationship continues today, particularly under AUKUS.
“This year also marks the 250th anniversary of American independence, inspiring a renewed focus on US history including our enduring alliance with Australia.”
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