Above, leaving beautiful Sydney harbour is HMAS Melbourne, my home for many, many months at a time, presents a great sight with Sea-King helicopters, Trackers, Sky-hawks and a Wessex helicopter on deck. The deck as usual lined with the ships company in winter uniform. 

The picture below right, shows a Gannet returning from its patrol on to the flight deck of the HMAS Melbourne during the SEATO exercises.

This particular aircraft, numbered 832 was the aircraft that I was responsible for during my time on 816 squadron in 1962/63 on our Far East tour and SEATO exercise cruise.

This landing was  close to perfect as it picked up No3 arrester wire, the deck hook being clearly visible at the rear of the aircraft. Pictures taken by myself.

This picture is the after end of the Melbourne's flight deck with 2 Sea Venoms getting ready to start up, the Sea-Air rescue chopper, a Sycamore on the round-down.

In the background you can see the ill-fated HMAS Voyager which was so tragically collided with the Melbourne on the night of the 14th February 1964. 82 men lost their lives that night.

This Sea Venom is being attached to the deck hook on the steam catapult seconds before take off.

The aircraft handler bottom left is already directing the second aircraft in readiness for take off also.

The flight deck of a barrier is an extremely dangerous place to be, especially at night time. Every care must be taken in night operations.

Please go to HMAS Melbourne Page 3..