HMAS Darwin farewells Darwin for the last time

After 33 years in service and more than a million nautical miles under her belt, HMAS Darwin sailed left her namesake city for the last time on 6 November.

CAPTION: HMAS Darwin departs Darwin Harbour for the final time, in formation with HMA Ships Broome and Bathurst. Photo by WO2 Chris Houghton.

The Adelaide-class frigate spent six days in Darwin, with several formal and informal events to farewell the old warship.

Ship’s company HMAS Darwin conducted a freedom of entry march through the city and hosted an open day for the public, among other events.

Ship’s company from HMAS Coonawarra lined the breakwater to farewell HMAS Darwin with a cheer ship as the Adelaide-class frigate departed Darwin for the final time.

She was escorted from the northern port by HMAS Ships Broome and Bathurst, and a harbour tug spraying a fan of water.

She is now sailing to Sydney to be decommissioned in December.

The Royal Australian Navy’s venerable Adelaide-class frigates will be replaced by the Aegis-equipped Air Warfare Destroyers – the most advanced warship the Navy has operated.

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