Class will carry proud names

By LCDR Andrew Stackpool

Acting Head DMORADMKevin Scarce left and Deputy Chief of Navy RADM Rowan Moffitt right flank the Minister for Defence Senator Robert Hill as he announces AUSTAL’s successful bid. Photo by LSPH Damian Pawlenko

The names of the RAN’s Armidale class patrol boats will come from Australian cities and towns with close links with the Navy’s heritage.

Defence Minister Robert Hill announced the names at the RSL 2003 National Congress held in Adelaide on September 2.

In addition to the lead ship, Armidale, the boats will be named Bathurst, Bundaberg, Albany, Pirie, Maitland, Ararat, Launceston, Larrakia, Wollon­gong, Childers and Broome.

Senator Hill announced last year the new class of patrol boats were to be named the Armidale class to coincide with 60th commemoration events of the sinking of the original HMAS Armidale.

Launceston and Wollongong will carry on the names and spirit of the Fremantles.

“One of the principal aims of naming ships for our Navy has always been to promote links between the Navy and the community.

“Naming the ships after these cities and towns will build on these links and encourage a close association between the Navy and the local communities in these areas.”

“There has also been strong community support to continue the Armidale name and its proud links to the RAN,” Senator Hill said.

Planned to come into service from 2005 the new boats will operate out of Cairns and Darwin.

They will improve the Navy’s capability to intercept and apprehend vessels in a greater range of sea conditions, thereby increasing surveillance and better protecting Australia’s coastline.

.