THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, August 13, 1994 TAG: 9408130355
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Briefs
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short : 24 lines
The tank-landing ship Fairfax County will get under way for the last time Monday as an American warship, traveling to the other side of the world where it will become part of the Royal Australian Navy.
With a reduced crew of 150 American sailors, plus 20 Australian sailors, the ship will leave Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base at 10 a.m. to begin a 30-day voyage.
The Fairfax County will lower its national ensign for the last time Sept. 27 when it will be decommissioned and renamed the HMAS Manoora.
Legislation authorizing the sale of the ship was approved by Congress last week. This ship is one of two sold to Australia. by CNB