She's done a good job

PURPOSE-built for Port Phillip Bay, HMVS Cerberus not only protected Victoria until federation but also served as the most powerful vessel of the fledgling Australian Navy until her boilers were condemned in 1906.

Even then Cerberus continued serving in various capacities until 1924.

Far from being "dudded by the Poms" ("Rust buckets of money," Opinion, November 29) Victoria received, for virtually no cost, cutting-edge 1860's technology that enabled a soon-to-federate nation to develop a strong naval defence capability.

A strong naval tradition and decades of experience stood Australia well in two world wars where naval power was crucial to our interests.

The historic importance of a vessel is not only measured by whether or not it fired at the enemy