The American Australian Association Great White Fleet Centenary Ball held at the Art Gallery of NSW in August was the premier event in Sydney and provided the opportunity for Sydneysiders to meet visiting US and RAN officers, enjoy the music and dance to the sounds of the naval bands and see the ships docked at Garden Island.
With over 260 VIPs and guests in attendance, the evening was full of pomp and ceremony, which captured some of the mood and character of a century ago. The Sydney Biennale, on view at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, meant that the guests were part of the exhibition, but even this didn’t detract from the night, with dancing continuing past midnight.

The centenary of this great visit was marked by the visit of the USS John S. McCain, as well as RAN ships HMAS Sirius and HMAS Darwin. There were performances by the US Navy and RAN bands, an exhibition, symposium, street banners and other events to mark the occasion.