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Dubbo bids farewell


Volume 50, No.2, February 22, 2007
 
THE END: HMAS Dubbo’s White Ensign is lowered for the final time.
 
In a centuries’ old tradition, the Fremantle Class Patrol Boat (FCPB), HMAS Dubbo has lowered her Australian White Ensign for the last time.

She was decommissioned in her home port of Darwin on February 2 after 22 years of valuable service to the Navy.

Dubbo is the 12th FCPB to be decommissioned.

Senator Nigel Scullion (representing the Minister for Defence) and Chief of Navy, VADM Russ Shalders AO, CSC, RAN, joined Commander Australian Fleet, RADM Davyd Thomas in farewelling the ship.

At the decommissioning ceremony, Dubbo’s CO, LCDR Mitch Edwards was the last to leave his ship as he marched ashore and formally presented his Australian White Ensign to RADM Thomas.

“Dubbo will be fondly remembered by ship’s company, past and present, as well as by the Naval and Darwin communities,” RADM Thomas said. “Similarly, this ship will also be missed by the people of Dubbo from the city for which the ship was named.”.