Four new patrol boats commissioned at HMAS Coonawarra

In a significant move for Australia’s defence, four new patrol boats were commissioned – the first of Australia’s fleet during King Charles’ reign. See the video.

In a “significant” move for Australia’s defence, four new patrol boats were commissioned at HMAS Coonawarra, becoming the first of the Australian fleet to be officially commissioned during the reign of King Charles III.

The commander of the entire Australian fleet, Rear Admiral Christopher Smith, proclaimed Darwin was a “navy town” to media ahead of Thursday’s ceremony.

Commander of the Australian fleet Rear Admiral Christopher Smith. Picture: Darcy Fitzgerald

Mr Smith described the four Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats as the “highest priority strategic asset” of the Australian Navy.

The four boats began operations in late 2022 and early 2023.

The ceremony marked the fleet’s official commissioning, becoming the first boats in Australia to receive the title His Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) during the reign of King Charles III.

Each patrol boat will have a crew of 25 – all to be based in Darwin.

Each patrol boat will have a crew of about 25. Picture: Darcy Fitzgerald

Mr Smith said the boats would be used for a range of purposes, including border force activities, like the recently announced Operation Lunar.

“Patrol boats are a big focus of the navy,” Mr Smith said.

Two of the four new patrol boats. Picture: Darcy Fitzgerald

“The patrol boats will be used for defence, fisheries management, trade, diplomacy and border protection.

“The navy works hand-in-hand with other agencies to form Australia’s border force.”

Member for Solomon Luke Gosling, himself a former Defence Force member, said the commissioning of four ships was a “significant” event.

“Darwin and the Northern Territory are vital to our defence and border protection,” Mr Gosling said.

“The commissioning of these ships demonstrates how important Darwin and the Northern Territory is to our Navy and Defence.

“We’ll see an increase in Navy personnel in Darwin in the coming years.”

NT Administrator Hugh Heggie greets the navy men and women. Picture: Darcy Fitzgerald

Guest of honour Northern Territory administrator Hugh Heggie inspected the crew and commanding officers of the four patrol boats, Lieutenant Commanders Liam McMahon, Brett Manuel, Danielle Couch and Luke Pracy.

The crew then marched on to their respective boats.

The commissioning ceremony concluded with the raising of the Australian flag, followed by traditional chants from the crew.