Personnel from HMAS Coonawarra attended the commemorations marking the 84th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin, a day where more bombs were dropped during two air raids on the Top End than during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The day started with the solemn remembrance of the 88 souls lost on board USS Peary.
Among those in attendance were Chief Justice Michael Grant, US Senator Tim Kaine, Acting US Consul-General Jordana Cox, Consul-General of Japan Osamu Yamanaka, and Luke Gosling representing the Deputy Prime Minister.
Commanding Officer Coonawarra Captain Bernadette Alexander gave the opening address at the commemoration of Peary.
"When we hear these stories of the USS Peary, of course, we see their bravery, their discipline in battle, their courage and leadership to fight hard, and so far from home," she said.
"But what stands out for me is the awe, the admiration and the gratitude of the Australian Navy sailors who saw Peary's last stand.
"Having Coonawarra personnel providing the flag party alongside the US Marines and Training Ship Darwin's Navy cadets is a privilege for us to come together in reflection and remembrance."
Later in the morning, a more well-known aspect of the day commenced precisely at 9.58am, 84 years to the minute since the first bombs fell.
Australian Army gunners on land and HMAS Cape Solander in the water (at the site where Peary rests) re-enacted the moment that ended the belief that Australia was beyond the reach of war.
Until that morning, conflict had seemed distant; but in an instant, war was on the country's doorstep.
The cloudy, downcast weather reflected the solemn mood of those gathered to honour the sailors, soldiers and aviators who gave their tomorrow for their children's today.
The day's commemorations reaffirmed the commitment to remember the sacrifices and resilience shown by the Top End community during the 21 months of attacks after February 19, 1942.
While the triservice catafalque party stood with their heads bowed, school children, military members and cadets, foreign diplomats and members of the Northern Territory community and Parliament were among those who laid wreaths, each representing remembrance across generations and nations.
