For 85 years, the name Toowoomba has been synonymous with Australia’s presence in the Indo-Pacific. 

Flying under the motto ‘Fearless’ and the ‘wattle and violet’ Purple Pony livery of the Queensland city for which she’s named, the vessel has been patrolling Australia’s northern approaches since 1941.

In early May, it was only fitting that the latest ship to carry on the legacy, Anzac-class frigate HMAS Toowoomba II, celebrated the 23rd anniversary of when she was launched on May 16, 2003.

Currently embarked on a regional presence deployment throughout East and South-East Asia, the ship’s company stopped to reflect on the proud history of service of all ships that have borne the Toowoomba name.

Combat Systems Operator Leading Seaman Lachlan Wyatt explained the importance of recognising the milestone. 

“It brings everyone together. Even the new members on board feel more involved with the history of HMAS Toowoomba, where we have been, what we have done and with new classes coming out soon,” Leading Seaman Wyatt said.

“It’s always nice to celebrate older classes’ birthdays.”

During the past five months, Toowoomba has visited six of Australia’s regional partners and engaged in multiple multilateral and bilateral exercises, activities and operations with allied nations.

'Just a little bit of joy goes a long way.'

Her service includes battle honours in the Middle East between 2007 and 2013, and inherited honours from HMAS Toowoomba I, a Bathurst-class corvette that served in the Pacific and Indian Oceans between 1942 and 1944.

Leading Seaman Wyatt, who is also a member of the ship’s welfare committee, said they planned a series of events on board to mark the occasion in the Celebes Sea, near the Philippines.

These included a half-marathon (630 laps of the flight deck), ship golf and a steel deck barbecue. 

“It increases the morale on board when it’s not ‘groundhog day’ every day,” Leading Seaman Wyatt said. 

“We change it up and get everyone involved in activities which are outside their day-to-day duties so that we can put a smile on their faces. Just a little bit of joy goes a long way.”

The 14th captain of Toowoomba II, Commanding Officer Commander Alicia Harrison, said while the ship’s official 21st birthday will be marked by her commissioning on October 8, 2005, it was appropriate to acknowledge her service.

“Australia has maintained a robust program of international engagement with countries in and around the Indo-Pacific for decades, and Toowoomba has been an important part of that legacy,” Commander Harrison said.

“Over many years, this ship, our officers and sailors have been carrying out regional presence deployments demonstrating Australia’s commitment and ability to maintain a near-continuous presence in the region to support regional security and stability.”