The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Thursday, 14 May 2009
Media Alert
BIG ANNIVERSARY FOR SMALL SHIPS
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, will be in Sydney TOMORROW to commemorate
the 67th anniversary of the formation of the US Army Small Ships Section in the Second World
War.
The US Army Small Ships Association has been keeping alive the memory of the small band of
Australian merchant mariners who served on a motley flotilla of ships to ferry supplies and
troops in the Pacific during the Second World War.
A memorial service will be held to honour the 3000 merchant navy seamen who served on the
small ships and the 21 men who lost their lives.
US Army Small Ships’ veterans, or their widow or family member, will be presented with the US
Army Sea Duty Ribbon for war service by Brigadier General Brian B Layer, Chief of
Transportation, US Army Transportation School.
Mr Griffin said that although many of the men who served on the small ships are no longer with
us, it was still important to remember their efforts.
“The courage and daring of the men who served on the Small Ships is reminiscent of the Anzac
spirit and should be remembered as a proud part of our wartime history,” Mr Griffin said.
The US Army Small Ships sailed into the war zone, navigating areas where the larger ships
could not go, to get troops and essential supplies to the Allies during the Second World War.
Minister Griffin is available for interview and photo opportunities following the memorial service.
Date:
Friday, 15 May 2009
Time:
11:15 for 11.30 am start
Location:
The Grace Hotel
77 York St Sydney (cnr York and King Sts)
Media inquiries: Minister’s Office 6277 7820 or 0437 863 109
NEWS 
