Future Cairns: HMAS Cairns, Australia’s gateway to Pacific, offers defence and allied navy vessels, access and maintenance

HMAS Cairns is poised to polish its status as Australia’s Pacific gateway as the country pumps $270bn into Defence over the next decade. Read why Cairns will take a share of the funds.

OFFERING a strategic safe port, the HMAS Cairns is considered a critical place to reload, refuel and share intelligence and skills by Australia’s home fleet and allies.

As the home port to one Armidale class patrol boat, two Cape class patrol boats, two Leeuwin class Hydrographic Survey Ships and two Paluma class Survey Motor Launches, the city also has a crucial role with the Cairns Regional Maintenance Centre.

HMAS Cairns’ value was appreciated when the US Coast Guard Forces (USCGF) cutter Oliver Henry made its inaugural visit earlier this month.

For USCGF Deputy Director Public Affairs, Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir, who is based 3346km away in Guam, having access to HMAS Cairns facilities was important to their Oceania operations.

CWO Muir said being able to rely on a modern and efficient maritime infrastructure and logistics facility like HMAS Cairns had proven important.

US Coast Guard Forces Deputy Director Public Affairs, Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir, said having access to the facilities at HMAS Cairns is critical to their operations in the Oceania region. Picture: Supplied

“There’s a lot happening in this region,” she said.

“So having additional ports of call and access to the services such as HMAS Cairns has been exceptional and makes increased planning and operations with our Australian partners, our Aussie mates, that much easier.”

CWO Muir said HMAS Cairns “have been exceptional and there is a strong potential for increased operations with our Australian partners”.

HMAS Cairns personnel L-R Warrant Officer Paul Priddy, Leading Seaman Dominique Taylor, Commander Alfonso Santos, Lieutenant Claire McIntosh, Leading Seaman Breanna Jacobs-Rochford and Lieutenant Commander Richard Currie. Picture: Alison Paterson

In May Rear Admiral Wendy Malcolm revealed Cairns’ part in Plan Galileo which involved a continuous sustainment so the Royal Australian Navy’s growing fleet was available where and when needed.

In May 2022, Rear Admiral Wendy Malcolm said Australia's first regional maintenance provider, NORSTA Maritime, was, "already well integrated with our Defence people in the region”.

“Our first RMC is now operational in Cairns,” she said.

“Our first regional maintenance provider, NORSTA Maritime, already well integrated with our Defence people in the region.”

Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said Cairns’ vital role in the future of Australia was maintaining a secure entry to the Pacific region. Picture: Supplied

Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said Cairns’ place in Australia’s defence could not be underestimated.

“Cairns makes a vital contribution to Australia’s national security and this will continue long into the future,” he said.

“Australia is investing $270 billion in Defence over 10 years, presenting opportunities for defence industry around the country, including in Cairns.”

Originally published as Future Cairns: HMAS Cairns, Australia’s gateway to Pacific, offers defence and allied navy vessels, access and maintenance