Last frigate to enter service

NUCREW: (back row) ABCSO Norton, SMNCSO Mlodzik, ABCSO Norton, (front row) ABCSO Grant, SMNCSO Canaider and LSCSO Lane collect for the Red Cross.

Photo: POEWT Pete Kopp

By Hugh McKenzie
Volume 49, No 10, June 15, 2006

By LEUT Warwick Laing
It will be the end of an era on June 16 when the RAN takes possession of the final Anzac class frigate, NUSHIP Perth, from Tenix in Williamstown.

The delivery of Perth will mark the end of the Anzac Ship Project, the largest Defence contract ever awarded in Australia.

Signed in 1989, the 17-year contract worth approximately $7 billion dollars has delivered eight new Anzac class Guided Missile Frigates to the RAN and two to the RNZN.

Perth will leave Melbourne on August 8 and sail to Fremantle to hold her commissioning ceremony on August 26.

The final Anzac frigate will be the third ship to carry the Perth name. Perth I, a Light Cruiser modified Leander class, carried out escort and patrol duties during WWII. Perth II, a Guided Missile Destroyer, was involved in action off Vietnam.

Successful sea trials completed in March suggest that everything is on track for a smooth handover and the crew of NUSHIP Perth have been busy readying themselves for delivery of the Navy’s latest frigate.

Recently, a number of sailors from Perth’s CSO sub-department were also involved in a fundraising charity drive for the Australian Red Cross. Walking the streets seeking donations, the small group of sailors were able to raise over $2500 in just one day of collection.

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