Representatives of all three navy ships involved – HMAS Darwin, HMAS Sirius and USS Shoup – enjoyed the City of Albany’s hospitality at Princess Royal Sailing Club, with entertainment provided by Albany Senior High School’s Dancer Quartet.

Albany Mayor Milton Evans said the original 1908 event was an important part of the city’s history, and the centenary celebrations added another chapter.

He said the sailors from both navies had left their mark by being part of the historical occasion, and he saw them as adopted citizens of the city.

USS Shoup Commander Michael Lehman said he was on his sixth visit to Australia but the honour of being part of the celebrations and the way his crew had been welcomed surpassed all other experiences.

American Consular General Kenneth Chern said his first visit to Albany would be followed by attendance at next year’s Anzac Day commemorations.

The night gave everyone the chance to swap gifts, ranging from framed photographs to ship insignias.

THE four days spent in Albany by Australian and US Navy personnel proved to be a boon for the city.

Both Australian and American sailors undertook a busy bee at Princess Royal Fortress on Mt Adelaide.

Timber was painted, fences were rewired and sheds cleared of rubbish as part of their community service.

The work included the painting of the US Submariners lookout and memorial and the large display of outdoor naval guns.

An Australian Rules football skills session and a friendly soccer competition between the US, Australian and two local Albany soccer teams took place at North Road soccer grounds.