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Australian Navy Cadets training ship Mersey has been renamed training ship Sheean in honour of the first and only Royal Australian Navy member awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia.
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At the Remembrance Day service in Latrobe, Tasmania, Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, AO, announced the name change alongside the unveiling of a life-sized statue of the ship’s new namesake – Ordinary Seaman Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheean, VC.
This honour included the reveal of a new badge and life ring recognising the connection between the future training ship Sheean and Ordinary Seaman Sheean, and his award of the Victoria Cross for Australia.
The training ship will now also share a name with Collins Class submarine HMAS Sheean.
VADM Hammond said the renaming of the training ship would ensure Ordinary Seaman Sheean’s sacrifice and courage continued to be honoured by future generations.
“Ordinary Seaman Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheean, VC, was the youngest member of Ship’s Company and his actions were among the most conspicuous and gallant we have seen in our Navy,” VADM Hammond said.
“Having served on HMAS Sheean, I know the great honour and pride that comes with serving on a vessel that holds the Sheean name and legacy.”
Commanding Officer of Training Ship Sheean Lieutenant David Evison said it was a great honour for the cadet unit to carry the name of the only Navy Victorian Cross recipient.
“Navy Cadets have a close relationship with the Latrobe RSL, which is in close proximity to Lower Barrington where Teddy Sheean was born, so it is a natural fit for us to honour his legacy,” LEUT Evison said.
