HMAS

Bunbury

(II)

HMAS Bunbury and her 14 sister FCPBs were the Navy's principal contribution to the nation's fisheries protection, immigration, customs and drug law enforcement operations. The vessels worked hand-in-hand with other Government agencies and each year they provided up to 1800 patrol days as part of the Coastwatch-managed national surveillance effort. In the event of war they would have been tasked to control the waters close to the Australian mainland. They were well prepared for their patrol duties and other operational requirements.

Left: HMAS Bunbury prior to launching. Right: The commissioning crew of HMAS Bunbury (II), 15 December 1984.

HMAS Bunbury was one of 15 Fremantle Class Patrol Boats commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy. They were larger, more powerful and capable than the proceeding Attack class.

In addition FCPBs were central to Australia's engagement with countries in the South West Pacific region and deployed throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific in support of Australia's strategic interests. The Fremantle Class Patrol Boats (and now the Armidale Class Patrol Boats) also supported Special Forces operations and provided a useful transport capability, particularly in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance operations.

Bunbury was equipped with high definition navigational radar, high and ultra high frequency communications equipment, gyro compasses and echo sounder. She was also fitted with a satellite navigation system that enabled the ship's position to be determined with great accuracy.

Bunbury was the second ship of this name within the RAN. HMAS Bunbury (I) was a Bathurst class corvette.

HMAS Bunbury at sea.

HMAS Bunbury's ship's company, 20 September 2001. 40/60 Mount: LSETW D Hunter, ABBM D Donnellan, ABBM M Fitt. Standing, from left: LSRO G Truman, ABBM M McDonald, MIDN Couchman, ABMT G Argall, ABCK S Hales, ABMT B Lynch, POMT P Turner, CPOMT J Mitchener, POB C Smart, PONPC G Coyle, LSBM R Norman, MIDN R Apikotoa, POMT P Scales, ABMT D Stow, MIDN N Grant. Front row, from left: LSRO M Maloney, LEUT G Williams, LCDR M Miller (CO), LEUT S Muller (XO), LSETC S Thissen.

Commanding Officers of HMAS Bunbury (II)