HMAS Cerberus, Victoria

HMAS "Cerberus" is a Royal Australian Navy training establishment, located at Crib Point on the Mornington Peninsula, south of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

History

The site for the Cerberus Naval base on Hann's Inlet, between Sandy Point and Stony Point on Western Port Bay was purchased in 1911. The 15 km² base was opened in September 1920 and became known as Flinders Naval Depot in 1921. The Post Office opened on 2 December 1912 as Flinders Naval Base, was renamed Flinders Naval Depot in 1925 and H.M.A.S. Cerberus, Westernport in 1963. Citation
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From 1930 until 1958, HMAS Cerberus was the home of the Royal Australian Naval College. With the outbreak of World War II, many temporary buildings were erected to facilitate the training of wartime recruits. Many of these buildings were later demolished or replaced.

Role

The primary role of HMAS "Cerberus" has always been the training of Navy personnel. With the establishment of four tri-service schools over the last 13 years, this role has been extended to training Army and Air Force personnel. Specific courses offered include: the School of Survivability and Ship Safety which specialises in fire fighting, damage control and nuclear/biological/chemical defence; and seamanship and weapons training.

The base is also the home of the Recruit School - for all sailors their first contact with life in the Navy. HMAS "Cerberus" comprises numerous training and recreation facilities, two chapels and a small marina - all encompassed by lawns and gardens. Its historic presence, heritage buildings, and gardens create a pleasant setting.

Training is provided for about 6,000 personnel annually, averaging 800 trainees at any one time. The HMAS "Cerberus" Museum is open to the public daily, with the exception of late December to early January.

References

External links

* [http://www.navy.gov.au/HMAS_Cerberus RAN website for HMAS Cerberus]