Australia retires a number one air protection and undersea warfare frigate

The Royal Australian Navy [RAN] has formally retired one among its most distinguished warships, the HMAS Anzac [III], famend for its air protection and undersea warfare capabilities. This frigate affectionately dubbed the “First Girl of the Fleet,” has been decommissioned after 28 years of steadfast service, as introduced by Australia’s Ministry of Defence. The heartfelt ceremony occurred at its dwelling port, HMAS Stirling, in Perth. 

Photograph by ABIS Rikki-Lea Phillips

All through its esteemed service, the ship undertook quite a few deployments and operations, most notably deploying to the Persian Gulf in October 2002. Dubbed “5 Inch Friday,” this mission marked a historic second because it was the primary fight assist for naval weapons by the Royal Australian Navy because the Vietnam Struggle.

HMAS Anzac (III)

The HMAS Anzac [III], proudly serving the Royal Australian Navy, owes its title to the historic Australian and New Zealand Army Corps [ANZAC]. It’s the third of its title, a member of the Anzac class of frigates tailor-made for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. 

With regards to dimensions, the HMAS Anzac [III] measures as much as 118 meters [387 feet] in size, 14.8 meters [48.6 feet] throughout the beam, and has a draft of 4.35 meters [14.3 feet]. This makes it a compact but extremely versatile vessel, prepared for numerous missions. 

With an ordinary displacement of round 3,600 tons and a full load displacement nearing 3,810 tons, the HMAS Anzac [III] can carry an array of apparatus and armament with out sacrificing agility or velocity. 

The ship is powered by a Mixed Diesel or Gasoline [CODOG] propulsion system, that includes two MTU 12V 1163 TB83 diesel engines and one Basic Electrical LM2500 fuel turbine. This sturdy mixture permits the HMAS Anzac [III] to attain speeds exceeding 27 knots [50 km/h] and provides a formidable vary of about 6,000 nautical miles [11,000 km] at a cruising velocity of 18 knots [33 km/h].

Australia retires a leading air defense and undersea warfare frigate
Photograph by In a position Seaman Phillip Cullinan

Tools, armament, and ship’s crew

The ship is provided with a wide range of superior methods and elements. These embrace the 9LV 453 Mk3E fight administration system, which integrates numerous sensors and weapon methods for efficient fight operations. It additionally options the CEAFAR phased-array radar and the CEAMOUNT illuminator, which improve its detection and concentrating on capabilities. 

The frigate is armed with a wide range of weapons to meet its multi-role capabilities. Its main armament features a 5-inch [127 mm] Mark 45 Mod 2 naval gun, which is efficient towards floor and air targets. It additionally has an 8-cell Mk 41 Vertical Launch System [VLS] for Advanced Sea Sparrow Missiles [ESSM], Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and two triple torpedo tubes for MU90 Affect torpedoes. 

Australia retires a leading air defense and undersea warfare frigate
Photograph by LSIS Paul McCallum

The ship’s crew consists of roughly 170 personnel, together with officers and enlisted sailors. The  crew’s duties are numerous and embrace navigation, engineering, weapon operation, and upkeep. Particular roles embrace the Commanding Officer, Govt Officer, Weapons Engineer, Fight Methods Operator, and numerous technical and assist employees, all working collectively to make sure the ship’s operational readiness and effectiveness.

Farewell and continuity

The Chief of the Australian Navy, Vice-Admiral Mark Hammond, expressed his delight within the crew of HMAS Anzac [III], acknowledging their dedication to safeguarding Australia’s maritime pursuits through the years. 

“An Australian warship isn’t just a strategic asset, but in addition a house, a sanctuary for these at sea, and a floating illustration of Australia overseas. Since its commissioning in 1996, hundreds of women and men have referred to as this ship ‘dwelling,’ marking vital milestones of their lives. I lengthen my gratitude to every of them and their households for his or her unwavering assist,” mentioned Vice-Admiral Hammond. 

The decommissioning of HMAS Anzac will usher in new investments aimed toward increasing and enhancing the Navy’s fleet, following the Impartial Evaluate of the Navy’s Floor Combatant Fleet suggestions. 

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