Defence Minister visits HMAS Stirling
21 September 2010
Today I visited Fleet Base West, Garden Island, Western Australia. HMAS Stirling is one of Australia’s most important Navy bases and plays a critical role in protecting Australia’s maritime interests.
Twelve Royal Australian Navy (RAN) vessels including Anzac Class frigates and Collins Class submarines are stationed at Fleet Base West. Seventy other Australian Defence Force (ADF) units are also based there, including the Submarine Training and Systems Centre, and an Australian Clearance Diving Team.
During my visit I was briefed on Fleet Base West’s role and on the Royal Australian Navy’s global activities.
I was briefed on the significance of HMAS Stirling to Navy’s operations and the capability provided by the ADF personnel who serve at Fleet Base West.
I toured the Collins Class submarine HMAS Waller and met her crew. I was briefed on the success of the Submarine Sustainability program which has significantly improved submariner numbers and conditions over the past eighteen months.
I also toured the Navy replenishment ship HMAS Sirius.
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