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Broome sweeps in
By Gary Booth, Defence Public Affairs, WA

Volume 50, No.3, March 8, 2007
 
NEW SHIP: HMAS Broome commissioned into the Navy at a ceremony held in Broome.
Photo: LSPH Helen Frank
 
The commissioning of HMAS Broome, in her namesake town of Broome, drew favourable interest by the local community.

Broome is the eighth Armidale Class Patrol Boat to commission, of which 14 are being built for the Navy.

The ceremony was attended by CN, VADM Russ Shalders AO, CSC, RAN, COMAUSFLT RADM Davyd Thomas and Mr Barry Haase MP representing the Minister for Defence were among more than 250 invited dignitaries and guests to witness the ceremony on Saturday 10 February.

Mrs Anne Zilko, the eldest daughter of CMDR (Rtd) Bill Ritchie was the Commissioning Lady. As a young sailor, CMDR Ritchie served in the Bathurst Class corvette HMAS Broome I.

“I am delighted to welcome HMAS Broome into the RAN. The ship harnesses cutting edge technology, improved habitability and provides the Navy with a very capable ship to undertake surveillance and response tasks,” RADM Thomas said.