The Royal Australian Navy’s First Lady of the Fleet, HMAS Anzac (III), has been farewelled after 28 years of service during a decommissioning ceremony at her home port of HMAS Stirling in Perth.
HMAS Anzac – the longest-serving commissioned vessel in the Navy – was farewelled by many crew who have called her home over 28 years of service.
The decommissioning recognises the stories of bravery, service, and sacrifice of the ship and her company.
Commissioned on 18th May 1996, HMAS Anzac is the third Royal Australian Navy ship to carry the name of the Australian legend.
Anzac was granted freedom of entry to the City of Albany, Western Australia, the departure port for the original ANZAC contingent, and has forged a close association with the City of Rockingham over many years.
The ship participated in many deployments and operations during its service, most famously when she was deployed to the Gulf region in October 2002, and was part of what is now known as ‘Five Inch Friday’, the first time that the Royal Australian Navy had engaged in combat naval gunfire support since the Vietnam War.
Decommissioning HMAS Anzac will pave the way for the long-term investment in enlarging and enhancing Navy’s fleet, in response to the recommendations made by the Independent Analysis of Navy’s Surface Combatant Fleet.
Quotes attributable to Chief of Navy Australia, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, AO, RAN:
”HMAS Anzac’s motto is ‘united we stand’ and I am very proud to say that the personnel and veterans who have served on board have stood united to protect Australia’s maritime interests within the region.
”An Australian warship is a strategic capability, but it is also a home, a sanctuary for those in peril on the sea and a floating embassy representing Australia abroad.
”Thousands of men and women have called this ship home since it was commissioned in 1996, and for some, HMAS Anzac represents key milestones in their lives and I thank each and every one of them, and their families for their support.”
