History of HMAS Melbourne from 1955 to 1982. HMAS Melbourne (R21) was a Majestic-class light aircraft carrier of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Operating from 1955 until 1982, she was the third and final conventional aircraft carrier(I) to serve in the RAN. Melbourne was the only British Commonwealth naval vessel to sink two friendly warships in peacetime collisions. 223 p. : ill. ; 23 cm. #0521 Melbourne (Aircraft carrier) — History. | Australia. Royal Australian Navy. Aircraft carriers: Melbourne (Ship), to date | Aircraft carriers — Australia — History.