Navy Patrol Boat gifted to the Townsville community

6 April 2007

Today marked an important milestone in the life of the Royal Australian Navy's Fremantle Class Patrol Boat, HMAS Townsville, which has been gifted to the Townsville Maritime Historical Society.

This is in order to preserve the cultural heritage the city of Townsville shares with the Royal Australian Navy and the Defence community.

The Defence Minister, Dr Brendan Nelson MP, will invite the Townsville Maritime Historical Society to enter into a deed of gift that will preserve and exhibit the vessel as a display in a dry-dock facility next to Ross Creek at the Maritime Museum of Townsville.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Mr Peter Lindsay, said the Townsville Maritime Historical Society plans to preserve and exhibit the vessel as a display in a dry-dock facility next to Ross Creek at the Maritime Museum of Townsville.

"Through this work, current and future generations will be able to explore and appreciate the region's maritime history, provide a valuable educational facility for students, and create a memorial interest to visitors and tourists," Mr Lindsay said.

"Local government and North Queensland regional industry support for the project has been secured, including that from the Townsville Chamber of Commerce and Townsville Enterprise. This support will be crucial for the successful completion and maintenance of the project."

HMAS Townsville's keel was laid down on March 5, 1979 and the ship was launched by Lady Ramsay, wife of the then Governor of Queensland on May 16, 1981. HMAS Townsville was commissioned at HMAS Cairns on July 18, 1981.

During her nearly 26 years of distinguished service, HMAS Townsville's main role was conducting border and fisheries protection patrols. HMAS Townsville also participated in many regional and international military operations and exercises. The Commanding Officer is LCDR Andrew Hawke, RAN.

HMAS Townsville is scheduled to decommission on May 11, 2007.