HMAS

Melbourne

(III)

HMAS Melbourne (III) was one of six Adelaide Class Guided Missile Frigates (FFG) in service with the Royal Australian Navy. The ship was a long-range escort prioritised for area air defence and fully capable of surface and undersea warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction. The ship was built to counter simultaneous threats from aircraft, surface vessels and submarines. In order to maintain her effectiveness against contemporary threats, the ship underwent a significant upgrade in the mid-2000s. This included upgrades to the combat system, radars, sensors and new missiles.

At the time of their commissioning, Melbourne (III) and her five sister ships were the first RAN ships to be powered by gas turbines. This, combined with a modern repair by replacement policy, allowed both a reduced complement and a high availability for sea duty. In addition, two forward mounted retractable auxiliary propulsion units provided a secondary means of propulsion plus excellent manoeuvrability in confined waters.

An Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile fires from HMAS Melbourne's MK-41 vertical launcher during training in the East Australian Exercise Area off the New South Wales coast.

The ship was also equipped with a sophisticated computer-based command and control system that fully integrates her significant suite of weapons and sensors to enable rapid and effective weapon employment when required.

Designed for helicopter operations, Melbourne (III) was capable of embarking and employing the new MH-60R ‘Romeo’ helicopter further extending the reach and lethality of the ship. With a full flight embarked, Melbourne (III) could accommodate up to 232 officers and crew.

HMAS Melbourne fires a Standard Missile 2 from its Guided Missile Launching System during RIMPAC 2018.

Melbourne (III) deployed to the Arabian Gulf during 2002 as part of the Multinational Interception Force (MIF) enforcing United Nation's sanctions against Iraq, and again to the Middle East in 2010, 2013 and 2015 as part of the Combined Maritime Force (CMF) promoting maritime security, stability and prosperity in the region.

After more than 27 years of service in the Royal Australian Navy, HMAS Melbourne decommissioned at Garden Island, Fleet Base East on 26 October 2019

HMAS Melbourne sails past the iconic 12 Apostles, Victoria.

HMAS Melbourne battles the swell in a high sea state outside of Sydney Harbour on 17 June 2013.

HMAS Melbourne sails into Sydney Harbour for the last time, flying her decommissioning pendant signifying its last voyage with the Royal Australian Navy on 27 September 2019.