Royal Australian Navy Hobart class guided-missile destroyer HMAS Brisbane has returned to Fleet Base East in Sydney following a successful four-month deployment throughout the Indo-Pacific region. HMAS Brisbane sailed over 32,000 nautical miles during her deployment and conducted engagements with partner navies from Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, Spain, the Republic of Korea, United Kingdom, and the United States.
Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO, RAN, said the ship’s company was honoured to represent Australia throughout the deployment. “This deployment held many highlights for the crew including our participation in several multilateral navy exercises which were extremely beneficial for testing our operational readiness in complex military environments,” Vice Admiral Hammond said. “The time away from home represents a significant commitment by HMAS Brisbane’s crew and the sacrifice by their families back home. I am exceptionally grateful to their collective effort in the success of this deployment. I also pass on my thanks to the families for their support.”
Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO CSC, RAN, said that each regional presence deployment reinforced Australia’s support for a global rules-based order and strong maritime security. “These deployments are important to demonstrate our nation’s commitment to a peaceful, prosperous and stable Indo Pacific, encouraging free and open access to the sea,” Vice Admiral Jones said. “The more we practise with our regional partners and allies, the better equipped HMAS Brisbane will be to deal with future regional challenges.”
HMAS Brisbane is one of three Hobart-class guided-missile destroyers serving in the Royal Australian Navy. It operates with a crew of more than 230 personnel and carries an embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopter.
Last Armidale class patrol boats farewelled after 20 years of service
The Royal Australian Navy will announced HMA Ships Albany, Bathurst and Childers – the final three Armidale class patrol boats – have been decommissioned at their home port of HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin. Over the past 20 years, the patrol boats have worked alongside other Government agencies to support Operation Sovereign Borders and Operation Resolute – protecting Australia against unauthorised entry; breaches of customs; fisheries protection, and upholding immigration and drugs legislation.
The Armidale class has supported allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific region, working with partner navies to enhance interoperability. The three decommissioning ships have participated in more than 70 maritime exercises with more than 30 partner navies during their tenure. The Armidale class patrol boats were also showcased in the Australian drama Sea Patrol, which featured the fictional HMAS Hammersley from 2008-2011.
This decommissioning completes Navy’s transition to the Evolved Cape class patrol boats that will continue to patrol and secure Australia’s maritime borders. HMA Ships Albany and Bathurst commissioned in 2006. HMAS Childers commissioned in 2007. Over the course of their careers, each Armidale has sailed an average of 4800 days, travelled more than 800,000 nautical miles, conducted over 500 boardings, and visited approximately 40 international ports.
Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, AO, RAN said: “The Armidale class patrol boats have played an integral part in protecting Australia’s borders and serving the Navy proudly in high tempo operations for over 20 years. We say thank you to the crews past and present who have brought these ships to life, and to the many families who have supported their service. While the watch is complete for these ships, Australia’s patrol boat force remains strong, vigilant, and capable.”
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