HMAS Sydney (R17/A214/P214/L134) was a Majestic-class light aircraft carrier operated by the Royal Australian Navy. Originally built for the Royal Navy as HMS Terrible (93), she was laid down in 1943 and launched in 1944, but was not completed before the end of World War II. After the war, she was sold to Australia in 1947, finished, and commissioned into the RAN in 1948. She measured approximately 698 feet (213 meters) in length overall, with a beam of 80 feet (24 meters) and a draught of 25 feet (7.6 meters). Displacing 15,740 tons standard and 19,550 tons deep, the vessel was powered by four Admiralty 3-drum boilers feeding Parsons turbines, which produced 40,000 shp for a maximum speed of 24.8 knots. Designed as a disposable warship, the Majestic class incorporated improvements over the Colossus class, featuring enhanced flight deck design and habitability. Originally armed with thirty Bofors 40 mm anti-aircraft guns, her armament was later reduced during her refits. Her radar suite included various Type sets for surface, air, and height-finding detection. She was equipped with a flight deck capable of operating about twenty-four aircraft, including Hawker Sea Fury fighters, Fairey Fireflies, and Sea Otters for rescue, although the latter were removed when she was converted for other roles. Her service history was notable for wartime deployments, including participation in the Korean War from late 1951 to early 1952, making her the first Commonwealth Dominion carrier to see wartime action. She operated with US Navy Seventh Fleet aircraft, conducting patrols, air strikes, reconnaissance, and rescue missions—most famously, a daring helicopter rescue during combat. Sydney also served extensively in the Vietnam War, making 25 voyages supporting Australian troops and earning the nickname "Vung Tau Ferry." During these deployments, she transported thousands of soldiers, vehicles, and cargo, and conducted numerous combat sorties. After her decommissioning in 1973, she was sold for scrap in 1975. Her service marked a significant period in Australian naval history, being the first RAN aircraft carrier and the only one to see wartime service, and she is commemorated by various memorials, including a stained-glass window at Garden Island Naval Chapel and artifacts preserved at maritime museums.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.