Force Element Groups
Australian Patrol Boat Group
Pictured are three generations of Australian patrol boats. On the left is the HMAS Armidale and in the centre is the Fremantle Class Patrol Boat, HMAS Townsville. The Patrol Boat on the right of the picture is the Attack Class patrol boat, HMAS Advance.
The Patrol Boat Group comprises of 14 Armidale Class Patrol Boats and 21 Armidale Class Patrol Boat crews.
The Patrol Boat Force Element Group, or FEG, operates under a Multicrewing regime that involves the rotation of the 21 Crews through the 14 Hulls. More information can be found on the ACPB section of the website.
The FEG Headquarters is located at LARRAKEYAH BARRACKS in Darwin. Logistic support is provided by HMAS COONAWARRA and HMAS CAIRNS.
The FEG undertakes patrol, surveillance and response operations with a boarding capability and is structured to manage the capability within a unique environment. In particular, the FEG manages the Patrol boats as non-self accounting tender vessels. The Patrol Boats thus rely on the FEG and host bases to provide personnel, administrative and logistic support and support to Command Teams.
The FEG's prime responsibility is managing the capability to deliver required availability for operations. The Commander Australian Navy Patrol Boat Group (COMAUSNAVPBGRP) delivers this operational capability to the Commander Australian Fleet (COMAUSFLT).
