Media Room: Media Releases

HMAS WESTRALIA PASSES THE WEIGHT TO NUSHIP SIRIUS

The Navy's Underway Replenishment ship, HMAS Westralia departed naval service in a historic ceremony today at Fleet Base West. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the commissioning of the Navy’s newest ship, HMAS Sirius. 

Maritime Commander Australia Rear Admiral Davyd Thomas AM CSC RAN and the Commanding Officer of HMAS Westralia, Commander Tim Crawford RAN and the Ship’s Company of both Westralia and Sirius took part in a joint decommissioning and commissioning ceremony. Senator Judith Adams representing the Minister for Defence and the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Shalders AO CSC RAN joined family and friends of the Ship’s Company.

“HMAS Westralia has provided 17 years of dedicated underway replenishment support to the Fleet through provision of fuel, food and stores, thus significantly extending its operational reach and endurance at sea. She has provided sterling service and will be fondly remembered by Ship’s Company both past and present”, said Commander Crawford.

She was the second RAN warship to bear the name of Westralia, named after the State of Western Australia. Westralia saw active service in the Gulf War as part of a Multi-National Naval Force conducting operations in support of the liberation Kuwait. She has also participated in operations in the Southern Ocean and deployed throughout South East Asia on numerous occasions.

NUSHIP Sirius is the first ship of the RAN to bear the name. She is named after the first fleet flagship and supply vessel HMS Sirius that provided logistical support to the new colony of Australia between 1788-90.

Sirius will have enhanced aviation facilities with a full flight deck capable of landing all RAN helicopters, including the Sea King replacement, the Maritime Support Helicopter (MRH-90). Sirius will be fitted with state-of-the-art equipment ensuring that she is able to fully integrate with RAN and Allied ships. Importantly she is a double-hulled environmentally friendly tanker and meets International Maritime Organisation standards and is evidence of the Navy’s firm commitment to protection of the environment.

Media contact:

Regional Manager Public Affairs, WA - Mr Vic Jeffery  (08) 9553 2415 or 0429 653 175

Defence Media Liaison          (02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664

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