 At the war 's end Becher was posted to the Navy Office and later to the aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney ; in 1951 he was given command of the destroyer HMAS Warramunga . Warramunga formed part of Australia 's contribution to the United Nations forces engaged in the Korean War ; Becher was promoted to captain and awarded the Distinguished Service Order while carrying out operations in Korean waters . On returning to Australia , he filled several staff positions and commanded the aircraft carriers HMAS Melbourne and HMS Vengeance . Promoted to rear admiral in 1959 , he served as Flag Officer Commanding Australian Fleet from 1964 to 1965 , before taking up the post of Flag Officer @-@ in @-@ Charge East Australia Area . Becher retired from the RAN in 1966 , and died in 1977 at the age of 68 . 
