On this day 80 years ago, the United States and Australia were on the front lines of World War II with Japan. The Americans were pushed out of Manila, the Philippines. General MacArthur when stepping on an evacuation boat famously stated to the Philippine people «I shall return ». He retreated to Australia and setup his headquarters in Brisbane, Australia.
At roughly the same time, the United States Navy set up a naval base for submarines in Brisbane which then became the foundation of the US Navy Seventh Fleet. It was established 80 years ago by Vice Admiral Thomas Kinkaid. The submarines played a significant role in disrupting Japanese shipping. One submarine, the USS Growler ran out of torpedoes from sinking several ships. The captain then rammed and sunk a Japanese ship using the bow of his submarine which crumpled badly. The Brisbane dry dock was used for repairs. It is now at the Maritime Museum which contains an Australian Naval vessel as a museum. The museum happens to be two blocks from our apartment.
Last night we attended a party at the Museum celebrating the anniversary of the founding of the US Seventh Fleet. Present was the current Commander of the Seventh Fleet, Vice Admiral Thomas and in attendance was also the Consul General of the United States, Christine Elder. Brenda and I enjoyed the evening meeting various dignitaries and feeling so very proud of our American and Australian collaboration that helped preserve democracy. Today the US Seventh Fleet still plays a vital role as the tip of the spear protecting our way of life.
