HMAS Melville decommissioned

After 24 years of diligent service to the Navy, HMAS Melville has been decommissioned in Cairns.

CAPTION: Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Chris Smith speaks to a member of HMAS Melville’s ceremonial guard during the ship’s decommissioning ceremony at Trinity Wharf in Cairns. Story by Lieutenant Commander Anthony Martin. Photos by Petty Officer Leo Baumgartner.

Named after Melville Island in the Northern Territory, Melville was one of two Leeuwin-class hydrographic survey ships built and commissioned in Cairns in May 2000.

Starting its career as a ‘white’ survey ship, it was soon painted grey and took on more responsibility throughout the Indo-Pacific.

In 24 years of service, Melville sailed more than 575,808 nautical miles (1,066,396km), which equates to travelling around the earth 26.6 times.

Melville conducted hydrographic survey and environmental data collection around Australia and throughout the wider Indo-Pacific.

In addition to its primary survey and hydrographic duties, it contributed greatly to disaster relief, humanitarian aid, border protection and fleet support.

The ship led Australian support provided to Pacific Islands following natural disasters, helped Australian communities impacted by cyclones and supported the nation during Operation COVID Assist.

In recent times, Melville assisted in the recovery of a United States MV-22 Osprey aircraft off the Queensland coast and was awarded a United States Marine Corps Meritorious Unit Commendation.

CAPTION: Commanding Officer HMAS Melville Commander Ian McKellar salutes the Australian white ensign on board the ship.

Commanding Officer Melville Commander Ian McKellar said he was proud of Melville and its ship’s company.

“The ship and crew have performed admirably right up to the decommissioning, ready to demonstrate what a great team can achieve when they have such a terrific platform on which to perform,” Commander McKellar said.

The decommissioning ceremony took place in Melville’s home port in front of a crowd of more than 300, including former crew, families and hydrographic personnel.

Those in attendance spoke of fond memories of Melville’s achievements and the valuable work completed that contributed to the mapping and understanding of Australia’s seas.

“A decommissioning can be a solemn occasion, but for us today it is a celebration of the outstanding work this magnificent vessel has achieved in nearly a quarter century of service,” Commander McKellar said.

“I am sad to see her go but proud of having had the privilege of being her commanding officer and working with a crew of amazing people.”

CAPTION: Members of HMAS Melville’s ceremonial guard on parade during the ship’s decommissioning ceremony.

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