Media Release

The sixth Anzac class ship built for the Royal Australian Navy will be launched today at Williamstown Dockyard, Victoria.

Mrs Maxine Barrie, wife of Admiral Chris Barrie, Chief of the Defence Force, will launch the ship and name her 'Stuart'.

The ship's name honours the two previous ships of the same name that served with distinction in the Royal Australian Navy.

Admiral Barrie was the Commanding Officer at the time of recommissioning of HMAS Stuart (ii) after modernisation at the Williamstown dockyard in 1983.

More than 1300 Australian and New Zealand companies are supplying products and services to the AUS$5 billion project.

Tenix Defence Systems is building 10 Anzac class ships - eight for Australia and two for New Zealand.

At present HMAS Anzac and HMAS Arunta are in service with the Royal Australian Navy and HMNZS Te Kaha is in service with the Royal New Zealand Navy.

The fourth ship, 'Te Mana' will sail for final sea trials next week. 'Warramunga', launched in May last year, will continue fit out before sea trials early next year. The keel for Anzac ship 07 will be laid next Saturday.

After launch, Stuart will be fitted-out with sophisticated systems and equipment before she undergoes sea trials next year. She is due for delivery to the Royal Australian Navy in 2001.

Further information:
Commodore Trevor Ruting, ANZAC Ship Project (02) 62660260 or 0418 439 536

Issued by the Defence Public Affairs Organisation, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT, 2600

back