HMAS Bundaberg was decommissioned from Royal Australian Navy service at a small ceremony in HMAS Cairns on 18 December.
The Armidale Class Patrol Boat sustained extensive internal and external damage as a result of a fire during routine maintenance in Brisbane in August.
At the ceremony hosted by Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Stuart Mayer, the Australian White Ensign was lowered on the Cairns quarterdeck, to signify the end of Bundaberg’s service life.
Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett said the boat made an important contribution to the nation’s maritime security.
Vice Admiral Barrett said:
During her seven years in service, Bundaberg was primarily employed on Border Protection Operations. She patrolled Australia’s northern approaches conducting surveillance and response tasks including fisheries protection, immigration, customs and drug law enforcement operations.
Commanding Officer of one of the crews assigned to Bundaberg, Commanding Officer Ardent Two, Lieutenant Commander James Edmondson said the ceremony was an important occasion for those who served in the boat.
While it is sad Bundaberg’s operational service ended due to an unfortunate incident, the decommissioning provides a chance to reflect on the contribution made by the ship and the crews who served in her.
Bundaberg was built by Austal Ships, Fremantle and commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy on 3 March 2007 under the command of Ardent One. While most of her time was spent force assigned to Operation RESOLUTE, Bundaberg also took part in regional exercises.
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Press release, Image: Australian Navy