The Royal Australian Navy has decommissioned Armidale-class patrol boat HMAS Glenelg in a ceremony at HMAS Coonawarra, Darwin.
Glenelg is the second boat in its class to retire this year, and the fourth in the past two years, not counting the HMAS Bundaberg, which was lost in a fire outbreak in 2014.
Since commissioning in 2008, HMAS Glenelg has worked alongside Border Force, Australian Fisheries and the Australian Federal Police as part of border protection operations. It has served in operations Augury(Philippines,) Solania (South West Pacific) and Apec Assist (PNG).
Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Jonathan Earley, CSC, RAN attended the ceremony and recognized 14 years of service of the ship’s company.
“HMAS Glenelg and the men and women who have served in the vessel have made a significant contribution to our national interest,” Rear Admiral Earley said.
“The professional and dedicated crews have protected our nation’s borders and offshore maritime interests. Today we reflect on the contribution while looking to our future and the ongoing renewal of our fleet.”
Australia built a total of 14 boats between 2004 and 2008. They are currently being gradually replaced by Arafura-class vessels, the first of which is set to enter service this year after launching in December 2021, will carry three sea boats larger than that of the Armidale-class, increasing the navy’s capacity to patrol Australia’s maritime territory and near region. The new vessels will also have much greater range and endurance than the Armidale-class.
