RAN farewells HMAS Sirius

A Royal Australian Navy support ship that holds the record for Navy’s biggest fuel replenishment at sea and played a key role defending Australia’s border has been decommissioned at Fleet Base West in Western Australia. HMAS Sirius was farewelled Saturday (18 December) at a traditional ceremony in Perth after 15 years’ service. Since commissioning in 2006, Sirius has conducted more than 770 replenishments at sea and sailed almost 900,000km. Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the big vessel had a big and proud history. “The ship’s motto is ‘to serve and provide’ and I am very proud to say it has done exactly that,” Price said. “Sirius broke the previous Navy record for the biggest fuel replenishment at sea in 2013, passing almost 10,000 cubic metres of fuel to US Naval Ship Yukon over 13.5 hours. And in 2013 and 2014, Sirius also played an important role in protecting our borders as a key part of Operation Resolute, doing patrols as part of Navy’s contribution to our Government’s effort to protect our borders. There is no doubt today’s decommissioning ceremony marks the end of an outstanding servant for our Navy.” The decommissioning completes the Navy’s transition to the new Supply class vessels, Supply and Stalwart, which represent an almost $1.4 billion government investment in Australia’s naval capability. HMAS Stalwart was commissioned into service at a ceremony at Fleet Base West last month. “The Morrison Government’s investment in Supply and Stalwart will enable the joint force to deploy further for longer, ensuring a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” Price said. “The new replenishment ships enhance operational support to Navy combat units at sea and increase the ADF’s ability to support operations in the region. Australian industry played a key role in the development of both vessels and I know industry will continue to play an important part in the ships’ longevity, with through-life sustainment of both ships projected to be at least $875 million.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]