Armidale Class ships officially decommissioned in Darwin
From intercepting drug mules to foiling human smuggling operations, the trio was involved in some of the most remarkable tales in the Royal Australian Navy’s modern history.
For more than a generation HMA Ships Bathurst (II), Albany and Childers have protected Australia’s northern waters.
From intercepting drug runs to foiling human smuggling operations, the trio has been front and centre of some of the most remarkable tales in the Royal Australian Navy’s modern history.
After being at the pointy of end of defending Australia for many years, the trio lowered their flags on Thursday morning for the last time and called time on their service to nation.
More than 200 people gathered at HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin to witness their decommissioning - among them, many veterans who once called the ships their home.
The trio are of the Armidale Class, which was conceived in the early 2000s in replacement of the Fremantle Class.
Their arrival was timely.
At the same time, Australia’s northern approaches was inundated with criminal activity - illegal fishing, people smuggling and drug smuggling.
Thanks to their modern systems and endurance, HMAS Bathurst (II), Albany and Childers did more than their fair share of keeping the borders safe.
“They became the workhorses of our fleet, quietly and effectively doing the job that few see but everyone depends on,” Rear Admiral Chris Smith said.
“They were the first line of defence in a vast maritime domain.”
The trio leave an incredible legacy.
Across her service, HMAS Bathurst conducted 3132 days at sea - the equivalent of eight-and-a-half years of continues voyaging.
Her sister, HMAS Albany, patrolled a whopping 588,180 miles - enough to circumnavigate the globe nearly 24 times.
More than 370 sailors called HMAS Childers their home - a huge family.
And of course for the crews who sailed the trio, there are tales of adventure, triumph, struggle and service.
In 2009, crews of HMAS Albany and HMAS Childers were involved in a highly dangerous situation near Ashmore Reef when a suspected irregular entry vessel (SIEV) 36 exploded, injuring asylum seekers and ADF personnel alike.
HMAS Bathurst made headlines in 2013 when it rescued 197 asylum seekers from a sinking ship off Christmas Island.
“These three vessels saved lives - often in the harshest conditions,” Rear Admiral Smith said.
“They have kept out maritime approaches safe, they have upheld Australian sovereignty and they have acted as salt water embassies engaging our regional partners and friends.”
Before their ensigns were lowered, Rear Admiral Smith turned to the three vessels and addressed them directly.
“Yankee eight five, HMAS Bathurst... strike hard,” he said.
“Yankee eight six, HMAS Albany... stand tall.
“Yankee nine three, HMAS Childers... serve with honour.
“Thank you for your service, I relieve you of your duties. Rest easy.”
The enormity of the occasion was not lost on Lieutenant Commander Phil Wager, who had the honour of being HMAS Albany’s last commanding officer.
“There have been a lot of great people who have come before us and done some pretty impressive things,” he said.
“It’s really a great honour to be able to farewell the ship on their behalf.”
He maintained it was the crew behind the ship which was most important.
“The crew really is what makes the ship a home and a home away from home,” he said.
“Thank you to the crew for all their hard work and also to their families who have supported them throughout.”
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