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US battleship WEST VIRGINIA in Sydney Harbour
US battleship WEST VIRGINIA in Sydney Harbour

US battleship WEST VIRGINIA in Sydney Harbour

Photographer (1869 - 1959)
Datec 1925
Object number00017216
NameGlass plate negative
MediumGlass plate negative
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Piers Jones
DescriptionThis photograph depicts battleship USS WEST VIRGINIA from starboard side off Cremorne Point, Sydney. The ship is flying a US flag at the stern, and is billowing smoke from the forward funnel. A small steamer and yacht are nearby. It is most likely related to the goodwill tour of the US Navy's Pacific Fleet to Australia and New Zealand in 1925. Sydney hosted eight of the US Navy Pacific Fleet's largest ships, including USS CALIFORNIA, USS COLORADO, USS TENNESSEE, USS MARYLAND, USS WEST VIRGINIA, USS NEW MEXICO, USS MISSISSIPPI and USS IDAHO.SignificanceThis photograph relates to the 1925 goodwill cruise of the American Pacific Fleet to Australia, which renewed the Australian-American alliance established by the Great White Fleet visit in 1908.

The 1925 visit contributes to a long history of US Naval visits to Australian ports starting with the US Exploring Expedition in 1839-1840, followed by the 1908 visit of the Great White Fleet and later visits in the 1940s in the lead-up to World War II.