Over the years, many significant visitors have stayed in Victoria Harbour, commencing with the 1908 visit of the US Navy. In that year, the US Navy engaged in worldwide ‘goodwill missions’ to visit friendly countries and exhibit US growing military power. This first visit became known as the Great White Fleet, reflecting the sixteen battleships with stark white hulls which moored for several days in Victoria Dock in August that year.

A second US mission in 1925 was another highlight for the people of Melbourne. Lasting a fortnight, the US Fleet stayed in Victoria Harbour from 26 July to 6 August 1925. This visit still represents the largest single contingent of foreign naval vessels ever to visit Australia. A total of 57 vessels of the United States Navy, carrying some 25,000 officers and crew headed simultaneously to Melbourne and Sydney. As the official capital of Australia and temporary seat of Federal Parliament at the time, Melbourne received the larger contingent of 43 vessels, including the flagship USS Seattle and more than twenty-four destroyers.

Equally exciting was the arrival in Victoria Dock in 1983 of the maxi yacht Australia 11, the first yacht to beat the US in an America’s Cup race. The America’s Cup is the oldest trophy in international sport.

The MY Steve Irwin, the 59-metre (194 ft) flagship of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, was used in their campaigns against whaling and illegal fisheries activities. The vessel was built in 1975, and purchased by the Society in 2003. Initially named MV Robert Hunter, the co-founder of Greenpeace, it was renamed in honour of Steve Irwin in 2006. MY Steve Irwin is now in the ownership of the not-for-profit organisation, Ship4Good.

IMAGE CREDIT
US fleet berthed at Victoria Dock, showing Central Pier, 1925, Public Record Office Victoria