The City of Greater Geraldton has been announced as the ceremonial homeport of Navy’s newest ship, HMAS Stalwart.
Stalwart, commissioned into service on November 13, is Navy’s second auxiliary oiler replenishment ship, joining HMAS Supply, which was commissioned earlier this year.
Stalwart Commanding Officer Commander Steve McCracken said his ship’s company was proud to be part of the continuing relationship between the Royal Australian Navy and the City of Greater Geraldton.
“The naming of Geraldton as the ceremonial homeport of Stalwart formalises a three-way partnership between the ship, the City of Greater Geraldton and the Yamatji peoples,” Commander McCracken said.
“The Royal Australian Navy has a proud and long-established connection with Geraldton and we look forward to building on that relationship over the coming years.”
The City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the partnership presents ongoing outcomes for the community and strengthens the relationship between the city and Navy.
“This partnership is a historical occasion for Greater Geraldton and we take pride in being named a ceremonial homeport for Stalwart,” he said.
“Given our rich naval history, it is a privilege to strengthen our ties with the Navy and create a life-long bond with Stalwart and its personnel.”
Geraldton is also home to a memorial that commemorates the battle between HMAS Sydney II and German Raider Kormoran, which took place off the coast in 1941 – both ships were sunk as a result of the battle, with Sydney losing all hands in the action.
Stalwart is the second of two Supply-class auxiliary oiler replenishment ships purchased for the Royal Australian Navy.
The ships will deliver a significantly enhanced capability to the region, providing logistics support to naval combat units at sea – they will extend the time a task group can spend at sea, allowing them to travel further, for longer.
Stalwart will be homeported at Fleet Base West, Rockingham, while Supply is based at Fleet Base East, Sydney.
Stalwart will now undergo a number of sea trials before taking her place in the fleet.
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