HMAS Glenelg decommissioned

The Royal Australian Navy has decommissioned Armidale-class patrol boat HMAS Glenelg at HMAS Coonawarra, Darwin, following 14 years of service.

CAPTION: Commanding Officer HMAS Glenelg Lieutenant Commander Alexander Finnis stands at attention as Leading Seaman Kiani Hughes and Able Seaman Eliza McGuigan strike the Australian White Ensign for the final time during the ships’ decommissioning ceremony at HMAS Coonawarra, Darwin. Photo by Leading Seaman Shane Cameron.

Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Jonathan Earley 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.”

HMAS Glenelg was named after the Adelaide suburb of Glenelg in South Australia and is the fourth Armidale-class patrol boat to be decommissioned.

The new Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels will not receive the HMAS prefix of their predecessors, but will be carry ABV designation – Australian Defence Vessel.

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