We were sitting approximately three kilometres offshore when we saw her turn towards us.

The HMAS Adelaide loomed like a grey ghost out of the early morning mist.

As she approached our position, the sun began to break through the mist and with a brilliant golden tan provided by the early morning sun- the HMAS Adelaide loomed over us like the giant graceful ship she is.

The first thing noticeable was the absence of the white ensign. Naval vessels fly the white ensign- In its place, the Adelaide was flying the Australian flag.

I then scanned the vessels upper superstructure for the ships crest generally found above the vessel name plate that also, was gone.

This then brought the final, actual realisation- this was a worthy ship stripped of her name, stripped of her crest, her flag and soon to be stripped of her ornaments then cut up and sunk. Would this be a fitting end for this grand old lady?

Firstly, she will become a haven for a multitude of juvenile fish life.

Secondly, a hideout for larger fish that would become their new home.

Thirdly, the vessel will become an object of beauty for divers to admire, firstly as a grey wall of steel, then as a fantastic maze for divers to discover every nook and cranny of the ex- HMAS Adelaide.

The HMAS Adelaide had a very illustrious past, now she will have a more majestic future as an artificial reef that will keep on producing for future generations to enjoy.

Pro-Dive Central Coast offer you dives to the ex HMAS Adelaide, there are quite a few wrecks along the Central Coast, but the ex HMAS Adelaide will become the premier wreck dive along the NSW coastline.

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