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Made a number of changes as her commissioning commanding officer.
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{{otherships|HMAS Wollongong}}
{{Other ships|HMAS Wollongong}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
⚫
{|{{Infobox Ship Begin}}
{{Infobox Ship Image
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
⚫
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=
|Ship image=
|Ship caption=
|Ship caption=
}}
}}
{{Infobox Ship Career
{{Infobox ship career
|Ship country=Australia
|Ship country=Australia
|Ship flag={{Shipboxflag|Australia|naval}}
|Ship flag={{Shipboxflag|Australia|naval}}
|Ship namesake=City of [[Wollongong, New South Wales]]
|Ship namesake=City of [[Wollongong]]
|Ship builder=[[Austal Ships]], [[Henderson, Western Australia]]
|Ship builder=[[Austal]], [[Henderson, Western Australia]]
|Ship laid down=
|Ship laid down=
|Ship launched=
|Ship launched=
|Ship commissioned=23 June 2007
|Ship commissioned=23 June 2007
|Ship recommissioned=
|Ship recommissioned=
|Ship decommissioned=
|Ship decommissioned=8 December 2022
|Ship homeport=[[HMAS Cairns (naval base)|HMAS ''Cairns'']], Cairns
|Ship homeport=[[HMAS Cairns (naval base)|HMAS ''Cairns'']], [[Cairns]]
|Ship identification=*{{MMSI Number|503210000}}
*[[Maritime call sign|Callsign]]: VKPM
|Ship motto="Heed The Call"
|Ship motto="Heed The Call"
|Ship nickname=
|Ship nickname= "The Wolf"<ref>HMAS Wollongong commissioning speech, LCDR Mark Taylor, 23 Jun 2007.</ref>
|Ship honours=Six [[HMAS Wollongong#Battle honours|inherited battle honours]]
|Ship honours=Six [[HMAS Wollongong#Battle honours|inherited battle honours]]
|Ship status=Active as of 2014
|Ship status=Awaiting disposal
|Ship notes=
|Ship notes=
|Ship badge=[[File:HMAS wollongong crest.png|Ship's badge]]
|Ship badge=[[File:HMAS wollongong crest.png|Ship's badge]]
}}
}}
{{Infobox Ship Characteristics
{{Infobox ship characteristics
|Ship class=[[Armidale class patrol boat|''Armidale'' class]] patrol boat
|Ship class=[[Armidale-class patrol boat|''Armidale''-class]] patrol boat
|Ship displacement=300&nbsp;tons standard load
|Ship displacement=300&nbsp;tons standard load
|Ship length={{convert|56.8|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|Ship length={{convert|56.8|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|Ship beam={{convert|9.7|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|Ship beam={{convert|9.7|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|Ship draught={{convert|2.7|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|Ship draught={{convert|2.7|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|Ship propulsion=2 × MTU 4000 16V {{convert|6,225|hp}} diesels driving twin propellers
|Ship propulsion=2 × [[MTU Friedrichshafen|MTU]] 4000 16V {{convert|6,225|hp}} diesels driving twin propellers
|Ship speed={{convert|25|kn}}
|Ship speed={{convert|25|kn}}
|Ship range={{convert|3000|nmi}} at {{convert|12|kn}}
|Ship range={{convert|3000|nmi}} at {{convert|12|kn}}
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|Ship complement=21 standard, 29 maximum
|Ship complement=21 standard, 29 maximum
|Ship sensors=Bridgemaster E surface search/navigation radar
|Ship sensors=Bridgemaster E surface search/navigation radar
|Ship EW=Prism III radar warning system<br />Toplite electro-optical detection system<br />Warrlock direction finding system
|Ship EW=*Prism III radar warning system
*Toplite electro-optical detection system
*Warrlock direction finding system
|Ship armament=1 × [[Typhoon Weapon System|Rafael Typhoon stabilised gun mount]] fitted with a 25 mm (1 in) [[M242 Bushmaster]] [[autocannon]]<br />2 × 12.7 mm (0.5 in) machine guns
|Ship armament=*1 × [[Typhoon Weapon System|Rafael Typhoon stabilised gun mount]] fitted with a 25 mm (1 in) [[M242 Bushmaster]] autocannon
*2 × 12.7 mm (0.5 in) machine guns
|Ship notes=
|Ship notes=
}}
}}
|}
|}
'''HMAS ''Wollongong'' (ACPB 92)''', named for the city of [[Wollongong, New South Wales]], is an [[Armidale class patrol boat|''Armidale'' class]] patrol boat of the [[Royal Australian Navy]] (RAN).
'''HMAS ''Wollongong'' (ACPB 92)''', named for the city of [[Wollongong]], was an [[Armidale-class patrol boat|''Armidale''-class]] patrol boat of the [[Royal Australian Navy]] (RAN).


==Design and construction==
==Design and construction==
{{main|Armidale-class patrol boat}}
{{main|Armidale-class patrol boat}}
The ''Armidale'' class patrol boats are {{convert|56.8|m}} long, with a [[Beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|9.7|m}}, a draught of {{convert|2.7|m}}, and a standard [[Displacement (ship)|displacement]] of 270&nbsp;tons.<ref name=IHS33>Saunders (ed.), ''IHS Jane's Fighting Ships 2012-2013'', p. 33</ref> The semi-displacement vee hull is fabricated from aluminium alloy, and each vessel is built to a combination of [[Det Norske Veritas]] standards for high-speed light craft and RAN requirements.<ref name=JanesKerr>Kerr, ''Plain sailing''</ref> The ''Armidale''s can travel at a maximum speed of {{convert|25|kn}}, and are driven by two propeller shafts, each connected to an MTU 16V M70 diesel.<ref name=Wertheim22/> The ships have a range of {{convert|3000|nmi}} at {{convert|12|kn}}, allowing them to patrol the waters around the distant [[States and territories of Australia|territories of Australia]], and are designed for standard patrols of 21 days, with a maximum endurance of 42 days.<ref name=Wertheim22/><ref name=JanesKerr/>
The ''Armidale'' class patrol boats are {{convert|56.8|m}} long, with a [[Beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|9.7|m}}, a draught of {{convert|2.7|m}}, and a standard [[Displacement (ship)|displacement]] of 270&nbsp;tons.<ref name=IHS33>Saunders (ed.), ''IHS Jane's Fighting Ships 2012–2013'', p. 33</ref> The semi-displacement vee hull is fabricated from aluminium alloy, and each vessel is built to a combination of [[Det Norske Veritas]] standards for high-speed light craft and RAN requirements.<ref name=JanesKerr>Kerr, ''Plain sailing''</ref> The ''Armidale''s can travel at a maximum speed of {{convert|25|kn}}, and are driven by two propeller shafts, each connected to an [[MTU Friedrichshafen|MTU]] 16V M70 diesel.<ref name=Wertheim22/> The ships have a range of {{convert|3000|nmi}} at {{convert|12|kn}}, allowing them to patrol the waters around the distant [[States and territories of Australia|territories of Australia]], and are designed for standard patrols of 21 days, with a maximum endurance of 42 days.<ref name=JanesKerr/><ref name=Wertheim22/>


The main armament of the ''Armidale'' class is a [[Typhoon Weapon System|Rafael Typhoon stabilised {{convert|25|mm|in|adj=on}} gun mount]] fitted with an [[M242 Bushmaster]] cannon.<ref name=Wertheim22/> Two {{convert|12.7|mm|in|adj=on}} machine guns are also carried.<ref name=HeronPowell132>Heron & Powell, in ''Australian Maritime Issues 2006'', p. 132</ref> Boarding operations are performed by two {{convert|7.2|m|ft|adj=on}}, waterjet propelled [[rigid-hulled inflatable boat]]s (RHIBs).<ref name=JanesKerr/> Each RHIB is stored in a dedicated cradle and [[davit]], and is capable of operating independently from the patrol boat as it carries its own communications, navigation, and safety equipment.<ref name=JanesKerr/><ref name=HeronPowell131>Heron & Powell, in ''Australian Maritime Issues 2006'', p. 131</ref>
The main armament of the ''Armidale'' class is a [[Typhoon Weapon System|Rafael Typhoon stabilised {{convert|25|mm|in|adj=on}} gun mount]] fitted with an [[M242 Bushmaster]] autocannon.<ref name=Wertheim22/> Two {{convert|12.7|mm|in|adj=on}} machine guns are also carried.<ref name=HeronPowell132>Heron & Powell, in ''Australian Maritime Issues 2006'', p. 132</ref> Boarding operations are performed by two {{convert|7.2|m|ft|adj=on}}, waterjet propelled [[rigid-hulled inflatable boat]]s (RHIBs), named ''Wolf'' and ''Hawk''.<ref name=JanesKerr/><ref name=makeawish>{{cite web |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/2008/jan/20080123a/ |title=Nathan's wish to be a patrol boat captain for a day |work=Image Gallery |publisher=Department of Defence |date=23 January 2008 |accessdate=3 August 2014}}</ref> Each RHIB is stored in a dedicated cradle and [[davit]], and is capable of operating independently from the patrol boat as it carries its own communications, navigation, and safety equipment.<ref name=JanesKerr/><ref name=HeronPowell131>Heron & Powell, in ''Australian Maritime Issues 2006'', p. 131</ref>


Each patrol boat has a standard ship's company of 21 personnel, with a maximum of 29.<ref name=Wertheim22>Wertheim (ed.), ''The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World'', p. 22</ref><ref name=JanesKerr/> The ''Armidale''s do not have a permanently assigned ship's company; instead, they are assigned to divisions at a ratio of two vessels to three companies, which rotate through the vessels and allow the ''Armidale''s to spend more time at sea, without compromising sailors' rest time or training requirements.<ref name=JanesKerr/><ref name=theausdefrep>Kerr, ''Patrol boats shake down fuel faults''</ref> A 20-berth auxiliary accommodation compartment was included in the design for the transportation of soldiers, illegal fishermen, or unauthorised arrivals; in the latter two cases, the compartment could be secured from the outside.<ref name=Mckenna10>McKenna, ''Gas risk remains for navy boats''</ref> However, a malfunction in the sewerage treatment facilities aboard {{HMAS|Maitland|ACPB 88|6}} in August 2006 pumped [[hydrogen sulfide]] and [[carbon monoxide]] into the compartment, non-fatally poisoning four sailors working inside, after which use of the compartment for accommodation was banned across the class.<ref name=theausdefrep/><ref name=Mckenna10/>
Each patrol boat has a standard ship's company of 21 personnel, with a maximum of 29.<ref name=JanesKerr/><ref name=Wertheim22>Wertheim (ed.), ''The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World'', p. 22</ref> The ''Armidale''s do not have a permanently assigned ship's company; instead, they are assigned to divisions at a ratio of two vessels to three companies, which rotate through the vessels and allow the ''Armidale''s to spend more time at sea, without compromising sailors' rest time or training requirements.<ref name=JanesKerr/><ref name=theausdefrep>Kerr, ''Patrol boats shake down fuel faults''</ref> A 20-berth auxiliary accommodation compartment was included in the design for the transportation of soldiers, illegal fishermen, or unauthorised arrivals; in the latter two cases, the compartment could be secured from the outside.<ref name=Mckenna10>McKenna, ''Gas risk remains for navy boats''</ref> However, a malfunction in the sewerage treatment facilities aboard {{HMAS|Maitland|ACPB 88|6}} in August 2006 pumped [[hydrogen sulphide]] and [[carbon monoxide]] into the compartment, non-fatally poisoning four sailors working inside, after which use of the compartment for accommodation was banned across the class.<ref name=theausdefrep/><ref name=Mckenna10/>


''Wollongong'' was constructed by [[Austal]] at their shipyard in [[Henderson, Western Australia]].<ref name=Wertheim22>Wertheim (ed.), ''The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World'', p. 22</ref> She was named in February 2007 by Mrs Kylie Heron, wife of Commander Wesley Heron, a former Commanding Officer of the [[Fremantle class patrol boat|''Fremantle'' class]] patrol boat {{HMAS|Wollongong|FCPB 206|6}}.<ref>HMAS Wollongong ACPB-92 Commissioning Brochure</ref> ''Wollongong'' was commissioned into the RAN alongside the Oil Wharf, Garden Island in [[Sydney, New South Wales]]<ref name=Taylor/> on 23 June 2007;<ref name=IHS33/> a location closer to her namesake city was desirable, but there was no suitable berth at Port Kembla and she was too large for the Wollongong Harbour entrance and it was deemed too risky. Hence Sydney was chosen as the commissioning location.<ref>ARDENT TWO CO Report, May 2007 </ref>
''Wollongong'' was constructed by [[Austal]] in [[Henderson, Western Australia]].<ref name=Wertheim22/> ''Wollongong'' was commissioned into the RAN at [[Fleet Base East]] in [[Sydney]] on 23 June 2007.<ref name=IHS33/><ref name=Taylor/>

"Wollongong" has a close association with her namesake city. Her main passageways are named "Keira St" and "Crown St" after the main streets of the City of Wollongong. All her cabins are named after suburbs of Wollongong. Her two seaboats were named "Wolf" and Hawk" after the city's Soccer and Basketball teams.<ref>HMAS Wollongong commissioning speech, 23 Jun 2007</ref>


==Operational history==
==Operational history==
Operationally, ''Wollongong'' has spent the majority of her career on border patrol to Australia's north and north-west. The ship is assigned to ''Ardent'' Division of the [[Australian Patrol Boat Group]], is based in [[Cairns, Queensland|Cairns]], and performs border protection and fisheries protection patrols.
Operationally, ''Wollongong'' has spent the majority of her career on border patrol to Australia's north and north-west. The ship is assigned to ''Ardent'' Division of the [[Australian Patrol Boat Group]], is based in [[Cairns]], and performs border protection and fisheries protection patrols.<ref name=NavyWeb>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/hmas-wollongong-iii |title=HMAS Wollongong (III) |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |accessdate=3 August 2014}}</ref>


In July 2007, the ship became the first vessel of her class to visit the port of [[Brisbane, Queensland]].<ref name=Taylor>{{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Mark |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/HMAS_Wollongong_handed_over |title=HMAS Wollongong handed over |date=22 August 2007 |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401065257/http://www.navy.gov.au/HMAS_Wollongong_handed_over |archivedate=1 April 2012}}</ref>
In July 2007, the ship became the first vessel of her class to visit the port of [[Brisbane, Queensland]].<ref name=Taylor>{{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Mark |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/HMAS_Wollongong_handed_over |title=HMAS Wollongong handed over |date=22 August 2007 |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401065257/http://www.navy.gov.au/HMAS_Wollongong_handed_over |archivedate=1 April 2012}}</ref>

Following a request from the [[Make-A-Wish Foundation]], ''Wollongong'' was 'commanded' for a day in January 2008 by an 11-year-old.<ref name=makeawish/>


In June 2012, ''Wollongong'' was one of several ships to respond to a [[Suspected Illegal Entry Vessel]] which [[2012 Indonesian boat disaster|sank with 206 passengers]] while en route to Australia.<ref name=SMH22jun12>{{cite news |first1=Glenda |last1=Kwek |last2=Coorey |first2=Phillip |title=Dozens feared dead as packed asylum boat capsizes off Christmas Island |url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/dozens-feared-dead-as-packed-asylum-boat-capsizes-off-christmas-island-20120622-20rnz.html#ixzz1yTCJ1d4H |work=Sydney Morning Herald |date=22 June 2012 |accessdate=25 June 2012}}</ref> The patrol boat transported the 109 survivors found during the initial rescue operation to immigrant processing facilities at [[Christmas Island]].<ref name=SMH22jun12/>
In June 2012, ''Wollongong'' was one of several ships to respond to a [[Suspected Illegal Entry Vessel]] which [[2012 Indonesian boat disaster|sank with 206 passengers]] while en route to Australia.<ref name=SMH22jun12>{{cite news |first1=Glenda |last1=Kwek |last2=Coorey |first2=Phillip |title=Dozens feared dead as packed asylum boat capsizes off Christmas Island |url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/dozens-feared-dead-as-packed-asylum-boat-capsizes-off-christmas-island-20120622-20rnz.html#ixzz1yTCJ1d4H |work=Sydney Morning Herald |date=22 June 2012 |accessdate=25 June 2012}}</ref> The patrol boat transported the 109 survivors found during the initial rescue operation to immigrant processing facilities at [[Christmas Island]].<ref name=SMH22jun12/>
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==References==
==References==
;Books
;Books
*{{cite book|last=Heron |first=Wesley |coauthors=Powell, Anthony |title=Australian Maritime Issues 2006 |editor=Forbes, Andrew and Lovi, Michelle |publisher=Sea Power Centre - Australia |year=2007 |series=Papers in Australian Maritime Affairs |issue=19 |issn=1327-5658 |pages=129–134 |chapter=Welcome to the Armidale Class |isbn=0-642-29644-8|url=http://www.navy.gov.au/w/images/PIAMA19.pdf |accessdate=12 May 2010}}
*{{cite book |last=Heron |first=Wesley |author2=Powell, Anthony |title=Australian Maritime Issues 2006 |editor=Forbes, Andrew |editor2=Lovi, Michelle |publisher=Sea Power Centre – Australia |year=2007 |series=Papers in Australian Maritime Affairs |issue=19 |issn=1327-5658 |pages=129–134 |chapter=Welcome to the Armidale Class |isbn=978-0-642-29644-3 |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/w/images/PIAMA19.pdf |accessdate=12 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613185344/http://www.navy.gov.au/w/images/PIAMA19.pdf |archivedate=13 June 2011 }}
** The chapter is available separately as ''Semaphore'', Issue 4, 2006 in [http://www.navy.gov.au/w/images/Semaphore_2006_4.pdf PDF] and [http://www.navy.gov.au/Publication:Semaphore_-_Issue_4%2C_2006 HTML] formats.
** The chapter is available separately as ''Semaphore'', Issue 4, 2006 in [https://web.archive.org/web/20110320184824/http://www.navy.gov.au/w/images/Semaphore_2006_4.pdf PDF] and [https://web.archive.org/web/20100821172124/http://www.navy.gov.au/Publication:Semaphore_-_Issue_4,_2006 HTML] formats.
*{{cite book |title=IHS Jane's Fighting Ships 2012-2013 |editor=Saunders, Stephen |publisher=IHS Jane's |location=Coulsdon |date=2012 |series=[[Jane's Fighting Ships]] |isbn=9780710630087 |oclc=793688752}}
*{{cite book |title=IHS Jane's Fighting Ships 2012–2013 |editor=Saunders, Stephen |publisher=IHS Jane's |location=Coulsdon |date=2012 |series=[[Jane's Fighting Ships]] |isbn=9780710630087 |oclc=793688752}}
*{{cite book|title=The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World: Their Ships, Aircraft, and Systems |editor=Wertheim, Eric |publisher=Naval Institute Press |location=Annapolis, MD |year=2007 |edition=15th |isbn=978-1-59114-955-2 |oclc=140283156 |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=TJunjRvplU4C}}
*{{cite book|title=The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World: Their Ships, Aircraft, and Systems |editor=Wertheim, Eric |publisher=Naval Institute Press |location=Annapolis, MD |year=2007 |edition=15th |isbn=978-1-59114-955-2 |oclc=140283156 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TJunjRvplU4C}}


;Journal and news articles
;Journal and news articles
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*{{cite news|first=Julian |last=Kerr |title=Patrol boats shake down fuel faults |work=[[The Australian]]: Defence Special Report |publisher=News Corporation |page=8 |date=8 December 2007}}
*{{cite news|first=Julian |last=Kerr |title=Patrol boats shake down fuel faults |work=[[The Australian]]: Defence Special Report |publisher=News Corporation |page=8 |date=8 December 2007}}
*{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/gas-risk-remains-for-navy-boats/story-e6frg6nf-1225815368349 |title=Gas risk remains for navy boats |last=McKenna |first=Michael |date=2 January 2010 |work=The Australian |accessdate=7 January 2010}}
*{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/gas-risk-remains-for-navy-boats/story-e6frg6nf-1225815368349 |title=Gas risk remains for navy boats |last=McKenna |first=Michael |date=2 January 2010 |work=The Australian |accessdate=7 January 2010}}

==External links==
*[http://www.navy.gov.au/hmas-wollongong-iii Royal Australian Navy webpage for HMAS Wollongong (III)]


{{Armidale class patrol boat}}
{{Armidale class patrol boat}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Wollongong}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wollongong}}
[[Category:Ships built in Western Australia]]
[[Category:Naval ships of Australia]]
[[Category:Active naval ships of Australia]]
[[Category:Armidale-class patrol boats]]
[[Category:Armidale-class patrol boats]]
[[Category:2007 ships]]
[[Category:2007 ships]]

Latest revision as of 02:55, 2 July 2023

For other ships with the same name, see HMAS Wollongong.

History
Australia
NamesakeCity of Wollongong
BuilderAustal, Henderson, Western Australia
Commissioned23 June 2007
Decommissioned8 December 2022
HomeportHMAS Cairns, Cairns
Identification
Motto"Heed The Call"
Honours and
awards		Six inherited battle honours
StatusAwaiting disposal
BadgeShip's badge
General characteristics
Class and typeArmidale-class patrol boat
Displacement300 tons standard load
Length56.8 m (186 ft)
Beam9.7 m (32 ft)
Draught2.7 m (8.9 ft)
Propulsion2 × MTU 4000 16V 6,225 horsepower (4,642 kW) diesels driving twin propellers
Speed25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph)
Range3,000 nautical miles (5,600 km; 3,500 mi) at 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph)
Endurance21 days standard, 42 days maximum
Boats & landing
craft carried		2 × Zodiac 7.2 m (24 ft) RHIBs
Complement21 standard, 29 maximum
Sensors and
processing systems		Bridgemaster E surface search/navigation radar
Electronic warfare
& decoys
  • Prism III radar warning system
  • Toplite electro-optical detection system
  • Warrlock direction finding system
Armament

HMAS Wollongong (ACPB 92), named for the city of Wollongong, was an Armidale-class patrol boat of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

Design and construction[edit]

Main article: Armidale-class patrol boat

The Armidale class patrol boats are 56.8 metres (186 ft) long, with a beam of 9.7 metres (32 ft), a draught of 2.7 metres (8 ft 10 in), and a standard displacement of 270 tons.[1] The semi-displacement vee hull is fabricated from aluminium alloy, and each vessel is built to a combination of Det Norske Veritas standards for high-speed light craft and RAN requirements.[2] The Armidales can travel at a maximum speed of 25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph), and are driven by two propeller shafts, each connected to an MTU 16V M70 diesel.[3] The ships have a range of 3,000 nautical miles (5,600 km; 3,500 mi) at 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph), allowing them to patrol the waters around the distant territories of Australia, and are designed for standard patrols of 21 days, with a maximum endurance of 42 days.[2][3]

The main armament of the Armidale class is a Rafael Typhoon stabilised 25-millimetre (0.98 in) gun mount fitted with an M242 Bushmaster autocannon.[3] Two 12.7-millimetre (0.50 in) machine guns are also carried.[4] Boarding operations are performed by two 7.2-metre (24 ft), waterjet propelled rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs), named Wolf and Hawk.[2][5] Each RHIB is stored in a dedicated cradle and davit, and is capable of operating independently from the patrol boat as it carries its own communications, navigation, and safety equipment.[2][6]

Each patrol boat has a standard ship's company of 21 personnel, with a maximum of 29.[2][3] The Armidales do not have a permanently assigned ship's company; instead, they are assigned to divisions at a ratio of two vessels to three companies, which rotate through the vessels and allow the Armidales to spend more time at sea, without compromising sailors' rest time or training requirements.[2][7] A 20-berth auxiliary accommodation compartment was included in the design for the transportation of soldiers, illegal fishermen, or unauthorised arrivals; in the latter two cases, the compartment could be secured from the outside.[8] However, a malfunction in the sewerage treatment facilities aboard HMAS Maitland in August 2006 pumped hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide into the compartment, non-fatally poisoning four sailors working inside, after which use of the compartment for accommodation was banned across the class.[7][8]

Wollongong was constructed by Austal in Henderson, Western Australia.[3] Wollongong was commissioned into the RAN at Fleet Base East in Sydney on 23 June 2007.[1][9]

Operational history[edit]

Operationally, Wollongong has spent the majority of her career on border patrol to Australia's north and north-west. The ship is assigned to Ardent Division of the Australian Patrol Boat Group, is based in Cairns, and performs border protection and fisheries protection patrols.[10]

In July 2007, the ship became the first vessel of her class to visit the port of Brisbane, Queensland.[9]

Following a request from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Wollongong was 'commanded' for a day in January 2008 by an 11-year-old.[5]

In June 2012, Wollongong was one of several ships to respond to a Suspected Illegal Entry Vessel which sank with 206 passengers while en route to Australia.[11] The patrol boat transported the 109 survivors found during the initial rescue operation to immigrant processing facilities at Christmas Island.[11]

Citations[edit]

  1. ^ a b Saunders (ed.), IHS Jane's Fighting Ships 2012–2013, p. 33
  2. ^ a b c d e f Kerr, Plain sailing
  3. ^ a b c d e Wertheim (ed.), The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World, p. 22
  4. ^ Heron & Powell, in Australian Maritime Issues 2006, p. 132
  5. ^ a b "Nathan's wish to be a patrol boat captain for a day". Image Gallery. Department of Defence. 23 January 2008. Retrieved 3 August 2014.
  6. ^ Heron & Powell, in Australian Maritime Issues 2006, p. 131
  7. ^ a b Kerr, Patrol boats shake down fuel faults
  8. ^ a b McKenna, Gas risk remains for navy boats
  9. ^ a b Taylor, Mark (22 August 2007). "HMAS Wollongong handed over". Royal Australian Navy. Archived from the original on 1 April 2012.
  10. ^ "HMAS Wollongong (III)". Royal Australian Navy. Retrieved 3 August 2014.
  11. ^ a b Kwek, Glenda; Coorey, Phillip (22 June 2012). "Dozens feared dead as packed asylum boat capsizes off Christmas Island". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 25 June 2012.

References[edit]

Books
Journal and news articles
  • Kerr, Julian (1 January 2008). "Plain sailing: Australia's Armidales prove fit for task". Jane's Navy International. Jane's Information Group.
  • Kerr, Julian (8 December 2007). "Patrol boats shake down fuel faults". The Australian: Defence Special Report. News Corporation. p. 8.
  • McKenna, Michael (2 January 2010). "Gas risk remains for navy boats". The Australian. Retrieved 7 January 2010.
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