Top Stories
Boats on the move
By SBLT Andrew Littlejohn

Volume 50, No. 1, February 8, 2007
 
 
ON THE FLY: HMA Ships Ipswich (top) and Townsville (above) are due to decommission in Cairns on May 11. Interested members of the patrol boat community have been invited to attend.
 
New Year begins early

For HMAS Ipswich New Year’s Eve went from one high to another.

Celebrations started on the quarterdeck, where a steel deck barbecue was followed with the highly anticipated drawing of the RANCCF Christmas raffle.

After the youngest member of the crew, ABMT Coward, drew the prizes from a hat, the XO, LEUT Norman RANR, was pleased to present the first prize of $250 in cash to LSCIS Jet Slater who praised the $250 prize as “a perfect ending to another great year onboard Ipswich”.

Just as the ship’s company were about to settle in for the evening, Ipswich received the call they half expected. Within minutes “The Witch” was speeding off to intercept and apprehend the first FFV in Australian waters for the New Year.

The countdown is on to the decomissioning ceremonies for HMA Ships Ipswich and Townsville. Plans are underway to send the boats out with a bang.

A celebrated chapter of RAN service will come to a close on May 11 when the sun sets for the final time on Fremantle Class Patrol Boats, HMA Ships Ipswich (LCDR Darren Grogan) and Townsville (LCDR Hawke).

The two patrol boats are set to decommission in Cairns and after a quarter of a century of faithful service, the baton will be formally handed over to the Armidale Class Patrol Boats.

Named in honour of their World War II corvette namesakes, the FCPBs have always maintained close links with their parent cities and cadet training ships.

This relationship will continue as Ipswich and Townsville take part in Anzac Day celebrations in their respective cities to pay tribute to the men who headed the call more than 60 years ago and helped forge the proud heritage of the ships soon to be farewelled.It’s hoped that such tributes shall continue, not only for Ipswich and Townsville, but for all FCPBs.

Therefore, any former and serving members who have served in or supported the FCPB Group, or anyone associated with these boats or their namesakes, are cordially invited to attend their joint decommissioning ceremony to be held in Cairns, in May.

Interested people are encouraged to contact the decommissioning committee with their details and relationship to the FCPB by February 29 via email at matthew.ball@fleet.defence.gov.au or by mail at: Commanding Officer, HMAS Ipswich, c/o HMAS Cairns, Draper Street, Cairns Queensland, 4870.