Publication:Sea Talk Summer 2006/Farewell Westralia
The Navy farewelled underway replenishment ship HMAS Westralia on September 16, after her 17 years of service to Australia.
The ship - the largest in our fleet, displacing more than 40,000 tonnes fully laden - steamed more than 458,000 nautical miles in RAN service, including active service in the first Gulf War as part of a multinational naval force operating in support of Kuwait.
She also supported operations in the Southern Ocean, involving the rescue of solo yatchmen Tony Bullimore and Thierry Dubois, and the arrest of MVs Salvora, Aliza Glacial and Big Star for allegedly poaching Patagonian toothfish.
Westralia's last deployment totalled 74 days. She visited New Zealand and the eastern and southern states of Australia, was involved in Exercises Ocean Protector and Tasmanex in January before goodwill visits to Auckland and Wellington. These allowed members of ship's company to participate in a 600km bicycle ride and white-water rafting adventure training.
HMAS Westralia's vertrep team receiving and despatching stores from HMAS Stuart's Seahawk during Exercise Ocean Protector. Pic by ABPH Joanne Edwards.
Westralia conducted 1270 underway replenishment transfers totalling some 300,000 tonnes of diesel fuel, the last to Anzac frigate HMAS Warramunga in Bass Strait on March 24.
Her RAN service came to an end on September 16 when the Australian White Ensign was lowered for the last time, furled and given to the Maritime Commander for safekeeping.
This pictorial tribute to people serving in her when she decommissioned features images by ABPH Joanne Edwards of Navy Imagery Unit - West who accompanied Westralia on her last deployment.
 HMAS Westralia arriving at Fleet Base East. Leading Seaman Bosun |  Photographer AB Joanne Edwards reflected in the sunglasses of a Westralia sailor. |
 Westralia making way in a glassy sea. Pic by LSPH Bill Louys. |  Marine technician working in the engine room onboard HMAS Westralia. SMNMT Jack Kimberly on the bottom plates of the engine room. |
