Fremantle Class Patrol Boat - Operational History

Operational History

The first ship of the class, HMAS Fremantle, arrived in Australia on 27 August 1980, after an 82-day voyage covering 14,509 nautical miles (26,871 km; 16,697 mi). North Queensland Engineers and Agents completed three patrol boats in both 1981 and 1982, and four in both 1983 and 1984. By the end of 1984, four Fremantles were located at HMAS Coonawarra, HMAS Cairns, and Fleet Base East, two at HMAS Stirling, and one at HMAS Cerberus. Also by 1984, all of the Attack class had left active service, with many transferring to the RAN Reserve or the Indonesian Navy.

On 31 May 1985, Wollongong grounded on rocks at Gabo Island, causing extensive damage to the vessel. She was repaired by the builder, and returned to service in late 1986.

From May 2005 onwards, the Fremantles were replaced in service by the fourteen Armidale-class patrol boats, with the last two ships, Townsville and Ipswich, decommissioned in a joint ceremony on 11 May 2007.

As of 2008, Townsville and Gladstone have been marked for preservation as museum ships in their namesake towns. The other thirteen ships of the class have either been sold for scrap, or are awaiting disposal. During late 2008, Wollongong remained laid up alongside Waterhen in Waverton, Sydney for use as the alongside set for the drama series Sea Patrol.