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International warships welcomed in Sydney Harbor to celebrate Australian navy centenary

Associated Press
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Australian warships HMAS Perth sails past the Opera House as she arrives in Sydney, Australia, Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 during the International Fleet review. The Fleet Review is a commemorative event celebrating the centenary of the first entry of the Royal Australian Navy's fleet into Sydney Harbour on Oct. 4, 1913.(AP Photo/Rob Griffith) (The Associated Press)

Australian warships HMAS Perth sails past the Opera House as she arrives in Sydney, Australia, Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 during the International Fleet review. The Fleet Review is a commemorative event celebrating the centenary of the first entry of the Royal Australian Navy's fleet into Sydney Harbour on Oct. 4, 1913. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith) (The Associated Press)

Warships from 17 nations including the United States and China have been welcomed in Sydney Harbor as the city celebrates the centenary of the fledgling Australian navy fleet's first visit.

Thousands of spectators lined the harbor shores under blue skies on Friday to watch the warships power into Australia's largest city.

Seven Australian warships entered the harbor in line as the first Australian navy fleet of seven cruisers and destroyers did for the first time on Oct. 4, 1913.

Around 40 warships plus 16 tall ships will participate in the International Fleet Review on Saturday which is the main event commemorating the arrival of the original Royal Australian Navy fleet a century ago.