Publication:Sea Talk Autumn 2005/HMAS Coonawarra - still alive and serving the north
By LSPH Kaye Adams
Contrary to some misconceptions in the Navy, HMAS Coonawarra (CMDR Mark Hill) still exists and serves one of the busiest Naval ports in Australia.
In December 2003, the Naval base at Berrimah was decommissioned with a flag lowering ceremony and officially handed over to the Corporate Services and Infrastructure Group (CSIG). The site formerly known as 'HMAS Coonawarra' is now called Defence Establishment - Berrimah.
But HMAS Coonawarra is certainly still alive and running and now functions from Larrakeyah Barracks near the centre of Darwin.
Why the move?
Throughout 2002, HMAS Coonawarra gradually saw the Naval presence at Berrimah decrease and the presence in Darwin Naval Base (DNB), located at Larrakeyah Barracks, increase. [This was a result of the Naval Communications Station (NAVCOMSTA) closure, and an increase in the Australian Defence Force's level of operations at DNB.]
The shift of focus for HMAS Coonawarra has allowed the establishment to focus more closely on its core business - provision of logistics and maintenance support to the 12 Darwin-based minor war vessels (MWVs), as well as visiting MWVs and major fleet units. By having all key units working together in DNB near its primary customers, HMAS Coonawarra will be able to continually provide a high quality level of service to its customers.
HMAS Coonawarra is also the administrative authority for all uniformed Navy personnel in Darwin. Varying between 500 and 600, this includes those posted to Northern Command (NORCOM), Patrol Boat Force Element Group (PBGRP), Fleet Interim Maintenance Activity (FIMA) and Shoal Bay Receiving Station (SBRS) as well as medical, dental and physical training departments.
In the last 12 months, Darwin has played host to more than 100 visiting major units. Apart from our own ships, Coonawarra has supported visitors from Indonesia, India, New Zealand, Singapore and the United States.
Although the workload has been demanding, Coonawarra's 'Service Second to None' ethos has ensured its customes sail from Darwin fuelled, victualled, repaired - and prepared to meet operational requirements.
In addition to the more 'routine' ship visits, Coonawarra has supported concentration periods, sea training and Exercise Singaroo.
There have also been visits from VIPs including the Prime Minister, Defence Minister and our Maritime and Systems Commanders.
HMAS Coonawarra is very much 'alive and kicking goals' when it comes to providing customer service in the north.
In fact, the momentum of activity is increasing as the establishment prepares for the arrival of the first of the new Armidale Class patrol boats in May.
To borrow a quote attributed to Mark Twain, reports of Coonawarra's 'death' are greatly exaggerated.
