83rd Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea Commemoration Service

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, the Honourable Tim Nicholls MP; Consul-Generals of America, Japan and Papua New Guinea; Commander HMAS Moreton, Commander Rosemarie Apikotoa RAN; Representing the Commander 1st Division and Deployable Joint Force Headquarters, Brigadier Richard Peace and Warrant Officer Scott Elvery; Representing the Chief of Navy, Commander Rowena Gaffney; RAAF Base Amberley Senior Officer, Group Captain Dennis Tan;  Representative of the US Navy 7th Fleet, Director of Maritime Operations, Captain Sean Lewis; and all representatives of the Australian Defence Force and the United States Armed Forces; Australian American Association Brisbane, President, Mr Mike Harris and Members of the Board of Directors; veterans and your families;  distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I too, begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here today.

This morning, we come together to commemorate a military event that took place 83 years ago, but which continues to hold great significance for us today.

Over four days in 1942, across the vast expanses of the Coral Sea, Australian and United States defence forces fought side by side to resist the advance of imperial Japan. The Battle of the Coral Sea was not only the first conflict to harness the capabilities of aircraft carriers in war, but it is also the largest naval battle that has ever come so close to our shores.

At the time, Australia was in a vulnerable position.

Singapore had fallen, Darwin had been bombed, and the focus of the war had moved from Europe to the Pacific. If Port Moresby fell to a seaborne invasion, the threat would come ever closer.

On the waters and in the skies, the Allied and Japanese forces each showed incredible skill and courage, using the might and agility of naval planes to destroy enemy ships and protect their own.

Accounts from the time reveal the challenges and complexities of the battle from both sides: pilots manoeuvring their planes through thundery squalls, fighting anti-aircraft fire and exhaustion; men on the seas with the ever-present risk of torpedo bombing and drowning. Each, performing unbelievable feats of bravery and sacrifice to serve their countries.

The allied victory at the Battle of the Coral Sea shifted the dynamic of the war, yet it also demonstrated the power of fellowship and unity in the face of peril.

This morning, while we remember all of those who were wounded, or lost their lives during this battle, we also recognise the immense preciousness of peace. And we pay tribute to the deep connection between Australia and the United States, cemented during those dark days of World War 2—an alliance built on trust and mutual respect.

The passing of time has strengthened these bonds, and extended to include the country we once fought.

We rely on our shared vision for a future free from conflict—so that war may never again divide us.

Today’s commemoration is important, because it reminds us that those who served and continue to serve, do so in the name of freedom, and with a spirit of deep and enduring friendship.

This morning, we honour their memory, and express our most profound gratitude.

Thank you.