Name remains the same

By LSPH Kaye Adams

From left, ABBM Shayne Cross, CPONPC “Taffy” Jordan, PONPC Amanda May and LSNPC Mark Thomson provide positive proof that HMAS Coonawarra is still alive and well.

Photo: LSPH Kaye Adams Name remains the same

Some people may not realise it, but HMAS Coonawarra still exists and serves the busiest Naval port in Australia.

The Naval establishment at Berrimah was decommissioned in December last year, with a flag lowering ceremony, and officially handed over to Corporate Support and Infrastructure.

The former HMAS Coonawarra is now Defence Establishment Berrimah.

But HMAS Coonawarra is still alive and running and functions from Larrakeyah Barracks near the centre of Darwin.

Throughout 2002, Coonawarra gradually saw her Naval presence at Berrimah decrease, while her presence in Darwin Naval Base at Larrakeyah Barracks, increased.

This was a result of the Naval Communications Station closure and an increase in the Australian Defence Force’s level of operations at Darwin Naval Base.

HMAS Coonawarra (CMDR Mark Hill) is the administrative authority for all Navy personnel in Darwin, around 600 in uniform.

This includes Northern Command, Patrol Boat Force Element Group, Fleet Intermediate Maintenance Activity and the Shoal Bay Receiving Station, as well as medical, dental, physical training, stores, coxswains, photographic and training departments.

The shift of focus for Coonawarra is primarily set on the provision of logistics and maintenance support to Darwin based Minor War Vessels, as well as visiting MWVs and Major Fleet Units.


By having all key units working together in DNB near its primary customers, Coonawarra will be able to provide continuous high quality service to its customers.

Recent visitors to Coonawarra have included the Prime Minister, Mr John Howard, Minister for Defence, Senator Robert Hill, MCAUST RADM Raydon Gates, as the busy naval base prepares for the addition of the new Armidale Class Patrol Boats in May next year.

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