From ‘The (Newcastle) Herald’, Friday 24th June 2005:
“Era ends for a ship and city
By Dean Savage
After more than 60 years of having a namesake in the Royal Australian Navy, the decommissioning of HMAS Cessnock yesterday in Darwin ended an era for the city.
Cessnock Mayor John Clarence and council general manager Colin Cowan attended the ceremony at the ship’s home port, concluding 22 years of service for the vessel.
The ship’s Australian White Ensign was lowered for the last time and handed to commanding officer Lieutenant-Commander Tony Powell.
“The Royal Australian Navy’s band’s here and the actual lowering of the ensign was very moving,” Cr Clarence said.
It is the second ship to carry a Hunter town’s name.
The original Cessnock served during World War II and was at the Japanese surrender.
The Cessnock name will be retired but a link to the area will remain.
The council will receive a deck gun, which will be placed next to the city’s war memorial.
A small service was also held in Cessnock yesterday.”
