Defence

Navy

Taking the new from the old

Traditional Naval and Aboriginal ceremonies came together with the commissioning of two new Australian patrol boats into the Royal Australian Navy's operational Fleet in Darwin on 10 February 2006.

Commissioning of HMAS LARRAKIA and HMAS BATHURST at HMAS COONAWARRA.

Armidale Class Patrol Boats HMA Ships Larrakia and Bathurst joined the Fleet following a traditional commissioning ceremony combined with a traditional Smoke Ceremony performed by members of the Larrakia Nation.

"The formal acceptance of a warship is a proud occasion for the Navy and today is no exception," Maritime Commander, Rear Admiral Davyd Thomas, said at the ceremony.

"The Armidale class vessels substantially improve the Royal Australian Navy's capability to intercept and apprehend vessels suspected of illegal fishing and quarantine, customs or immigration offences.

"The patrol boats in this regard play a major role in patrolling and protecting Australia's coastline and I am confident both ships will serve Australia with distinction for many years to come."

Mrs Judeth Bagley, Commissioning Lady HMAS BATHURST, inspects the guard.

Member of the Larrakia Nation, Ms Donna Odegaard JP, performed the duties of Commissioning Lady for HMAS Larrakia. Mrs Judeth Bagley, the wife of Lieutenant Commander Ron Bagley (Retd), one of the commissioning crew of the first HMAS Bathurst, was the Commissioning Lady for HMAS Bathurst at the ceremony.

In attendance at the commissioning ceremony were The Hon Bruce Billson MP, Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, and the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Shalders. The ship's Commissions were read by their Commanding Officers, Lieutenant Commander Anthony Powell RAN (Larrakia), and Lieutenant Commander Andrew Quinn RAN (Bathurst). Also attending the event were veterans from HMAS Bathurst I, and members of the Larrakia Nation for which the HMAS Larrakia is named.

New ships

The two new patrol boats are the second and third state-of-the art Armidale Class Patrol Boats built in Australia for the Navy by Austal Ships in Perth, Western Australia, as part of a $553 million contract between the Federal Government and Defence Maritime Services.

Compared to the current Fremantle Class Patrol Boats, the Armidale Class Patrol Boats are over 14 metres longer, with longer range and endurance, and enhanced operational capability. The Armidale Class Patrol Boats have a cruising range of 3,000 nautical miles. They have significantly enhanced habitability, so crews will enjoy greater cabin comfort that in turn will allow them to perform at their optimum ability while at sea. They are 56.8 metres long, displace 300 tonnes (approx) and have a crew of 21 personnel.

History

The first HMAS Larrakia was an air-sea rescue vessel based in Northern Territory waters with the additional role of patrol vessel. The name 'Larrakia' derives from the language group name for the Aboriginal people of Darwin.

The original HMAS Bathurst was the first of 60 Australian Minesweepers (commonly known as corvettes) built in Australian shipyards during World War II as part of the Commonwealth Government's wartime shipbuilding program. HMAS Bathurst I was employed on escort and patrol duties during the war.

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