US News

CITY’S G’DAY TO AUSSIE NAVY SHIPS

If you notice 400 Australians strolling about Times Square this coming weekend, don’t just give them a friendly “G’day, mate” — snap off a nice, stiff naval salute.

The Aussies will be sailors from the HMAS Sydney and the HMAS Ballarat, in town from July 19 to July 22.

They will be marking Theodore Roosevelt’s Great White Fleet visit of 1908-09, which flexed American naval muscle during a worldwide voyage.

The two frigates will be escorted into town by the USS Mahan on July 19, cruising past the Statue of Liberty before berthing at Pier 88 beside the Intrepid.

“It’s actually the first time Australian ships will be docked in Manhattan,” said Australian Consulate spokeswoman Michelle Lee.

The two vessels will allow the public on board from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 21.