May 7marked the 69th anniversary of the historical Battle of the Coral Sea, credited as the naval battle that turned the tide of the World War II in the Pacific and prevented Japanese invasion.
In May 1942, situated off Australia’s north-east coast, Australian and US Navies orchestrated what was to be the first Japanese defeat in a major operation during the conflict.
Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Russ Crane said the battle was a remarkable and decisive encounter which for the first time in naval history saw two aircraft carrier groups fighting each other from over the horizon.
Vice Admiral Crane said in the days following the battle it was readily apparent that the Australian people were reenergised and injected with new courage and vigour after what had been described as Australia's 'darkest hour'.
“We continue to remember and honour their sacrifice today as a turning point in the war and in our relationship with the United States. As Australians, we remain grateful for the Americans who came to our aid and with whom we fought as one,” he said.
“Our partnership has, since 1951, been formalised in the Australia-New Zealand-US (ANZUS) treaty. This partnership has been a key feature of Australia and America’s approach to security - we have always defended our common interests in unison.”
Whilst we have fought alongside each other in every major conflict in the last century, the relationship we have today is built on the founding principles of ANZUS.”
As part of its Protect our Coral Sea campaign, the Australian Marine Conservation Society has produced an eight-minute documentary in commemoration of those who fought and died in the battle. It focuses on the recollections of Coral Sea veterans Tommy Simms and Ted Simpson and features commentary from naval historian Dr David Stevens.
Dr Stevens said the battle should be remembered as a key moment in Australian history.
"It deserves to be remembered by everyone because in reality it should be up there with Gallipoli and Kokoda," he said.