Summary

Medal issued for the Souvenir of visit of the U.S. Naval Fleet to the Pacific Coast, 1908. The medal depicts Rear Admiral Evans, known as "Fighting Bob", and three ships of the Fleet.

Huge celebrations surrounded the visit of the United States Navy to Australia in 1908. Prime Minister Alfred Deakin ignored Britain's concerns and established protocol when he invited the American fleet to visit. Sixteen warships arrived in Sydney harbour, welcomed by 80,000 spectators. Speeches were delivered, parties thrown and parades marched in honour of the occasion. As the fleet moved from port to port the welcome remained wildly enthusiastic. The visit was publicly associated with Australia's self-perception as a strong 'white' nation. The Lone Hand described the occasion: 'As a friendly hand across the Pacific comes to Australia - the Great White Fleet. In a flashing white it comes, as it were a symbol of a racial ideal to be upheld. Australia aspires but to hold her territory free and clean, in trust for the White Race. America's Pacific fleet helps to give us heart to hope that that ideal may be preserved.' The visit of the Great White Fleet was a significant because it linked Australia firmly with American power in the Pacific.

Significance

The U.S. Fleet, consisting of 16 battleships and 10 support vessels, all painted white, visited Australia between 20 August and 18 September 1908 as part of a world tour. At a time when Australia did not have a navy, the U.S. Fleet received a very enthusiastic welcome during their stops in Sydney, Melbourne and Albany and an array of parties and receptions were thrown in their honour. This visit in part signals the beginning of a stronger alliance between post- Federation Australia and U.S.A., as well as a growing awareness of Australia's place among independent Pacific nations.

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