Annual Report 2004-05

Outcome Two: Navy Capabilities

Capability Performance Information

Output 2.3Capability for Patrol Boat Operations

The Patrol Boat output utilised 15 Fremantle-class patrol boats in 2004-05, which provided a patrol, response and surveillance capability. The replacement of the Fremantle-class patrol boats with the Armidale-class patrol boats commenced in June 2005. The first Fremantle-class patrol boat decommissioned was HMAS Cessnock on 23 June 2005, and the first Armidale-class patrol boat commissioned was HMAS Armidale on 24 June 2005.

The Fremantle-class patrol boats have exceeded their life-of-type by an average of seven years. Hull and system-related defects resulted in a performance shortfall in the number of unit ready days generated by the force. This situation is not expected to improve while the class is in-service. The patrol boat force made a large and effective contribution to the civil surveillance program (managed by Coastwatch) and to the protection of Australia's sovereignty. Patrol boats also contributed to regional engagement and security through the conduct of operations, port visits and exercises with regional nations.

	Performance Targets	Performance
	Achieve levels of preparedness directed by the Chief of the Defence Force for military response options with a warning time of less than 12 months.	Achieved. Levels were met in accordance with current preparedness directives.
	Achieve a level of training that maintains core skills and professional standards across all warfare areas.	Achieved. Levels were met in accordance with current preparedness directives.
	Achieve mission capability for assigned tasks.	Achieved. 100 per cent (4,681 days) for the force.
	15 patrol boats - 5,061 URD.	15 Patrol Boats - 92 per cent (4,681 URD achieved). A total of 54 weeks of unscheduled maintenance activity was conducted during the year. Of this, a total of 25 weeks were lost during the period October 2004 - June 2005 due to unscheduled maintenance in HMA Ships Dubbo, Geraldton, and Launceston.