By LEUT Aaron Matzkows

HMAS Warrnambool
(MPEG video 2.43 MB)

The Armidale Class patrol boats will provide crews with an unheralded level of comfort.

HMAS Wollongong, seen here entering Wollongong, will be the eighth boat pensioned off.

The bell has tolled … and the bell tolls for 15 much-admired and loved little ships.

The Chief of Navy, VADM Chris Ritchie, this month approved the decommissioning schedule of Australia’s Fremantle Class Patrol Boats.

The first boat to go will be HMAS Warrnambool, who will begin her Paying Off Availability on August 24 and the last, HMAS Gladstone, will remain in service until 2007.

In an All Ship – All Shore signal, VADM Ritchie said the release of dates had been made to allow an orderly transition to the new Armidale boats and to keep the remaining Fremantles operational during the change-over.

“The Fremantle Class Patrol Boats have served the nation in commendable fashion since 1979,” CN said.

“Whilst this signals a sad farewell to the FCPB, it heralds a bright and exciting future for the Patrol Boat Group.”

Warrnambool and Whyalla, the second due to decommission, will be cannibalized of all items required to keep the remaining 13 boats in good operational order, but the future of the 13 is yet to be resolved.

Commander of the Fremantle Class Patrol Boats Force Element Group, CAPT Peter Marshall, said his flotilla had been at the forefront of enforcing government policy on illegal immigration, civil surveillance and fisheries protection.

“They have done an outstanding job,” CAPT Marshall said.

“The Patrol Boat sailors are an exceptional bunch.

“They are highly professional and able in a pretty tough environment,” he said.

“In the short time I have been with them, their professionalism, quality, dedication and capacity have impressed me greatly.”

He also praised the supporting organizations, HMAS Cairns, HMAS Coonawarra and FIMAS Darwin and Cairns.
“They’re very, very skilful, efficient and helpful,” CAPT Marshall said.

HMAS Warrnambool’s final captain, LCDR John Navin, said it was with mixed feelings that he and his crew approached her decommissioning.

“I’ve been on board the ’Bool just for four months, but in that short time it’s been obvious that the crew is very proud of their ship.

“Warrnambool has provided the nation with outstanding service, but we recognize it is time to move up and on to a new class of ship,” the skipper said.

PAY OFF DATES

Warrnambool Aug 24, 2004 Whyalla November 1, 2004 Cessnock May 2, 2005 Dubbo May 2, 2005 Launceston August 29, 2005 Bunbury August 29, 2005 Geelong September 26, 2005 Wollongong October 3, 2005 Fremantle January 2, 2006 Geraldton January 30, 2006 Bendigo April 24, 2006 Gawler May 22, 2006 T ownsville Sept 4, 2006 Ipswich October 2, 2006 Gladstone January 15, 2007

“Warrnambool being the first to go is good in one way, but it’s sad to see the Fremantles ending.

“You can rest assured though, we’ll have a hell of a decommissioning party and the old girl will go out with a bang!”

CAPT Marshall said the phasing in of the Armidale Class would herald an increase in availability to 3000 sea days for the patrol boat fleet, with a surge capacity of a further 600 days if required.

“Although there will be only 12 boats instead of 15, the FEG will have a total of 18 crews, enlarging our capabilities,” he said.

“They will have a much better gun, two larger RHIBs will give an increase in boarding ability and their habitability will be far, far superior.

“Any sailor can tell you the Fremantles have the worst accommodation of any ships in the Fleet,” he said.
“In the Armidales, all the sailors will be accommodated in four-berth cabins … and that will allow female sailors on board, too, instead of just female officers.”

The Chief Executive Officer of the City of Warrnambool in central southern Victoria, Mr Lindsay Merritt, told Navy News it was with some sadness that the people of his city saw the time had come for decommissioning “their” boat.

“The city was last visited by the crew of the Warrnambool about two years ago and they’ve always been most welcome,” Mr Merritt said.

Warrnambool is Victoria’s largest coastal city outside Port Philip Bay and has a strong maritime tradition, he said.

“It has been a very close bond between the city and the ship for many years and we are proud of her.

“We have had a rich and enduring association with our ship, going back to Warrnambool I and it would be a pleasure if the Navy decided in the future to name another ship after us.”

Footnote: The writer served briefly aboard HMA Ships Launceston and Gladstone in the mid-90s and recalls his “fondest” memories.

Launceston was hove to and drifting in very heavy seas while keeping an eye on a sinking Indonesian Type 3 fishing boat.

Sharing a cabin with the XO, the roll threw him out of the top bunk and he landed sprawled on the deck, but only after striking his private parts on the edge of the desk on the way. He reports he couldn’t stand up straight all day. Shipmates were delighted.

And in those far-off halcyon days, the Gladstone was famous for her steel beach lobster barbecues.

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