HMAS

Parramatta

(IV)

HMAS Parramatta (IV) is the fifth of eight Anzac Class Frigates built for the Royal Australian Navy by Tenix Marine Systems, Williamstown, Victoria. The design is based on the German Meko 200 frigate.

Parramatta is a long-range frigate capable of air defence, surface and undersea warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction. Anzac's combat capabilities have been significantly improved under the Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgrade program, a world class program that provides an enhanced sensor and weapons systems capability. The upgrade showcases Australian design and integration capability, with new Phased Array Radar technology designed by CEA Technologies in Canberra, upgrades to combat systems performed by Saab Systems in South Australia, and platform integration design by BAE Systems in Victoria.

HMAS Parramatta undocking after her Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgrade at BAE Systems Henderson Shipyard, Western Australia.

Parramatta is fitted with an advanced package of air and surface surveillance radars; omni-directional hull mounted sonar and electronic support systems that interface with the state-of-the-art 9LV453 Mk3E combat data system. The ship can counter simultaneous threats from aircraft, surface vessels and submarines.

The ship's main armament comprises one Mark 45 capable of firing 20 rounds per minute, ship launched Mark 46 torpedoes and a Mark 41 vertical launch system for the Evolved Sea Sparrow missile. Parramatta also has eight anti-ship/land attack canister launched harpoon missiles. The ship's other defence systems include the Nulka active missile decoy system, offboard chaff and a torpedo countermeasures system.

HMAS Parramatta's seaboats speed away from the ship in the waters of Yap, Micronesia.

HMAS Parramatta, like her sister frigates HMA Ships Anzac, Arunta, Ballarat, Perth, Stuart, Toowoomba and Warramunga features a “combined diesel or gas” (CODOG) propulsion plant which enables the ship to sustain sprint speeds of greater than 27 knots and allows an operational range in excess of 6000 nautical miles at 18 knots.

The ship can embark Navy’s latest multi-role Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk helicopter which has enhanced anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare and Search and Rescue capabilities. Embarkation of a helicopter also provides the ship with the capability to deliver air-launched missiles and torpedoes.

LSPT James Farquhar, left, and LSATV Dean Havelin marshal the embarked MH-60R Seahawk over the flight deck of HMAS Parramatta (IV) as it winches crew members aboard.

Parramatta is the oldest ship name in the Australian Navy and is the fourth RAN ship to bear the name. HMAS Parramatta (I) was the first ship commissioned into the Commonwealth Naval Forces (later to be named the Royal Australian Navy) on 10 September 1910. HMAS Parramatta (II) served in World War II and was sunk by a German submarine in the Mediterranean on 27 November 1941 with the loss of 138 lives. HMAS Parramatta (III) was a River Class Destroyer Escort that served between 1961 and 1991.

FSS Independence steams alongside HMAS Parramatta (IV) as HMAS Parramatta’s embarked MH-60R Helicopter ‘Warlock’ flies between the two ships in the waters of Yap, Micronesia.

Ship’s Badge

The HMAS Parramatta badge design was derived from the Parramatta City Council Seal in 1939. The badge of Parramatta (I) (1916-1928) was a stark kangaroo. The Aboriginal, with spear in hand, standing in shallow water was utilised with the addition of an impaled and entwined eel on the end of the spear. The addition of the eel was to link the badge design with the ship's name. The aboriginal translation of “Parramatta” means “the place where the eels lie down”.

Badge Description

An Aboriginal poised on his right leg immersed in shallow water; right arm raised holding a spear and thereon impaled and entwined an eel.

Badge Motto and Origin

The motto “Strike Deep” was suggested by one of the stand-by crew of Parramatta (III) in 1960. The motto was thought to be appropriate in linking the badge design and Parramatta’s naval role. It was officially adopted 13 June 1961.

HMAS Parramatta (IV) fires a round from their 5-inch, Mk45 gun off the east coast of Australia.

HMAS Parramatta during a refit in the Captain Cook Graving Dock at Garden Island, Sydney, NSW.