Australian Department of Defence, The seventh ANZAC Class Frigate, HMAS Toowoomba, is the latest Australian warship to join the Royal Australian Navy's operational Fleet following a traditional commissioning ceremony in Brisbane today.
Defence Minister Robert Hill said HMAS Toowoomba is one of eight state of the art warships built for Australia under the Howard Government's $7 billion ANZAC Ship project.
Senator Hill said the HMAS Toowoomba is now fully operational and capable of defending Australian waters and being deployed on overseas operations, such as the fight against terrorism. It will commence operations in December and be home-ported in Perth later this month.
“The ANZAC frigates have proven their worth in operations in the Persian Gulf, off the north coast of Australia and in Antarctic waters,” Senator Hill said. “The ANZACs have provided a major capability boost for Navy and have been delivered on schedule and on cost.
“HMAS Toowoomba is an excellent addition to the Fleet capable of air defence, anti submarine warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction.
“It is equipped with advanced air surveillance radars, leading edge Combat Management System as well as the latest communications, navigation and fire control systems.
“It is armed with a five inch gun capable of firing 20 rounds per minute, ship launched torpedoes and the Evolved SeaSparrow missile launched from its Vertical Launching System.”
Senator Hill congratulated Tenix on successfully building all eight ANZAC frigates at Williamstown, Victoria, and the Defence Materiel Organisation on reaching this important milestone.
Today's ceremony was the culmination of Navy Week celebrations in Brisbane. The Christening Lady was Ms Judy Blight who is the daughter of the late Lieutenant Commander Howard Goodwin the last Commanding Officer of HMAS Toowoomba I.
The ceremony was attended by the Vice Chief of the Defence Force Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, the Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Russ Shalders and the Maritime Commander Rear Admiral Davyd Thomas. The ship's Commission was read by the Commanding Officer, Commander Gregory Sammut.
“The formal acceptance of a warship is proud occasion for the Navy and today is no exception,” Commander Sammut said. “It is a special privilege to be involved in the Commissioning and I am especially honoured to command the Commissioning Crew. I am confident HMAS Toowoomba will serve Australia with distinction for many years to come.”
HMAS Toowoomba is 118 meters long, displaces 3,600 tonnes and has a crew of more than 170 personnel, and includes a seasprite helicopter capability.
HMAS Toowoomba is the second RAN warship to bear the name after the Queensland city of Toowoomba. The first HMAS Toowoomba was commissioned on 9 October 1941 as one of the 60 Bathurst Class Minesweeping Corvettes. The ship served with distinction during World War II and is known for rescuing 42 survivors from the bombed merchant ship MERULA and for attacking a German submarine during Persian Gulf convoy escort duty.
HMAS Toowoomba I's Battle Honours will be carried with pride by the ship. This ceremony will be one day shy of the 64th anniversary of Toowoomba I's commissioning. Veterans from HMAS Toowoomba I also attended today's event.
The final ANZAC ship, NUSHIP Perth, is expected to be commission in September 2006.
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