The Royal Australian Navy has decommissioned Armidale Class Patrol Boat HMAS Glenelg at HMAS Coonawarra, Darwin following 14 years of service.
Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Jonathan Earley, CSC, RAN attended the ceremony and recognised the 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.”
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).
Glenelg’s crews have also exercised with regional partners including Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei.
“Today we reflect on the contribution while looking to our future and the ongoing renewal of our fleet,” Rear Admiral Earley said.
“Navy is transitioning to 12 new Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels. These boats have greater range and endurance than our existing boats. This will allow Navy to protect Australian interests over great distances and in more complex maritime environments,” Rear Admiral Earley said.
HMAS Glenelg is named after the Adelaide suburb of Glenelg in South Australia and is the fourth Armidale Class Patrol Boat to be decommissioned.
