A GUIDED missile destroyer that made waves in Newcastle Harbour had simply stopped by for a short visit this past weekend.
HMAS Hobart (III) powered into the Port of Newcastle on Friday, November 8, around 8.15am, with a four-round gun salute from Fort Scratchley.
The navy vessel left on the morning of Monday, November 11 after providing the crew with a chance for rest and relaxation along the coast.
A Department of Defence spokesperson said the visit was an "opportunity for respite" and a chance to "perform essential logistics operations after conducting training exercises in the area".
Commissioned in September 2017, the ship provides air defence for accompanying ships, land forces and infrastructure in coastal areas as well as self-protection against missiles and aircraft.
According to the Royal Australian Navy, the air defence system is capable of engaging enemy aircraft and missiles more than 150 kilometres away.
Hobart HMAS (III) also carries a helicopter, long-range anti-ship missiles, a naval gun, sonar systems for undersea warfare and surface-launched torpedoes.
Hunter-based family Karen, Danielle and Johnathon farewelled their late husband and father in a ceremony of scattering ashes at sea onboard the visiting warship.
Across the country, Australians remembered the 'courage, perseverance and sacrifice' of fallen soldiers on Monday.
In Newcastle, the community gathered at Civic Park to mark Remembrance Day and pay their respects.
The official HMAS Hobart (III) Facebook page posted that they paused at sea to remember the sacrifice of "those who gave their lives in service to the nation".
"We will remember them. Lest we forget," the statement said.
