HMAS Darwin

HMAS Darwin was the 4th of 6 Adelaide class guided missile frigates (FFG) to serve in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). It was built at the Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle, Washington. 

The first 4 FFGs, HMA Ships Adelaide (II), Canberra (II), Sydney (IV) and Darwin, were built in the United States (US) with subsequent modifications made in Australia. The last 2, HMA Ships Melbourne (III) and Newcastle, were built in Australia with all modifications incorporated.

HMAS Darwin sits in the still waters of the South China Sea during Exercise BERSAMA LIMA 2009, 15 October 2009.

The Adelaide class was based upon the US-designed Oliver Hazard Perry class FFG. The concept for this class originated in 1971 when the United States Navy (USN) initiated a program to build 50 patrol frigates. These were later redesignated guided missile frigates designed for long-range escort with roles including air defence, anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, interdiction and reconnaissance. They were capable of countering simultaneous threats from the air, surface and sub-surface. 

These ships were the first RAN ships to be powered by gas turbines as their main propulsion and could be underway in less than 30 minutes. Two forward mounted retractable auxiliary propulsion units provided a secondary means of propulsion plus excellent manoeuvrability in confined waters.

Darwin commissioned in Seattle on 21 July 1984 under the command of Commander Rick Bayley RAN. 

Significant operations in HMAS Darwin’s history

Operation DAMASK I

In August 1990, following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, Darwin’s Commanding Officer, Captain Russ Shalders RAN, received advice that Darwin would deploy to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation DAMASK. 

On 15 August 1990, HMAS Success (II) joined Darwin and HMAS Adelaide. The group was designated Task Group 627.4. 

The Task Group entered the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO), via Diego Garcia, on 3 September. They joined the Multinational Naval Force (MNF) which would include warships from 15 nations. 

Darwin immediately began maritime security operations challenging ships and aircraft by radio to establish their identity, cargo and destination. The Australian warships operated primarily in the central and western Gulf of Oman up to the approaches to the Strait of Hormuz and quickly developed an effective patrol routine.

On the afternoon of 14 September, Darwin received a request for assistance from USS Brewton in intercepting the Iraqi tanker Al Fao. Both Darwin and Brewton fired warning shots from machine guns across the 40 000 tonne tanker’s bows before boarding parties from both ships conducted a visit and search. Al Fao was found to be in ballast and permitted to proceed. It was the first interception conducted by an Australian warship in the MEAO and the first use of a Seahawk in an operational role by the RAN. 

Between 26 and 28 October Darwin combined with US Ships Ogden and Reasoner, and HMS Brazen to intercept the 150 000 tonne-supertanker Amuriyah. Many warning shots and even a flypast of aircraft from the carrier USS Independence failed to deter the vessel from its course. The tanker adopted a zigzag course in an apparent attempt to ram Darwin. It was only when a US Marine detachment from Ogden fast-roped from helicopters on to the ship that it stopped. This allowed boarding parties from Darwin and Reasoner to conduct a search. Amuriyah was found to be in ballast and later allowed to continue.

Most of Darwin’s time was spent on patrol. Darwin and Adelaide were later relieved by HMA Ships Brisbane (II) and Sydney (IV) on 3 December after which the 2 frigates left the MEAO. 

Operation DAMASK III

Darwin was deployed again to the MEAO in 1991. Darwin conducted patrols enforcing United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions against Iraq. It also escorted merchant vessels through the deep-water channel into Kuwait. 

The channel had been swept clear of mines and other obstructions but there was still a danger of floating mines. Extra lookouts were posted while Darwin’s helicopters flew ahead to conduct a visual mine search as an extra precaution. 

Darwin also conducted integrated operations as part of the USS Nimitz Carrier Battle Group. 

Operation DAMASK V

Darwin returned to the Middle East on 11 March 1992. Darwin averaged between 3 to 4 boarding operations per day over the course of the deployment. It conducted simultaneous insertions using up to 3 boarding teams at any given time. 

It made a total of 296 boardings and found 14 ships in breach of UNSC sanctions. 

Operation SLIPPER

Darwin returned to the Middle East in November 2002 for Operation SLIPPER. Darwin and HMAS Anzac (III) worked as Task Group 627.1. They did offshore patrolling in the Northern Arabian Gulf looking for smugglers and monitoring Iraqi naval activity south-east of the Al Faw Peninsula. They operated near the disputed boundary between Iraq and Iran.

On 8 November 2002 the UNSC adopted Resolution 1441, giving Iraq a final opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations. Three weeks later the United Nations Monitoring Verification and Inspection Commission continued inspections. 

Meanwhile, the Iraqi Navy continued patrols. Darwin and Anzac shadowed the patrol boats, making sure they posed no threat.

Operation BASTILLE

The 2003 Operation BASTILLE involved deploying additional Australia Defence Force assets to the MEAO. It was designed to put pressure on the Iraqi regime, and make sure Australian forces were ready if a diplomatic solution could not be found. 

As the diplomatic situation deteriorated, attempted breakouts by smugglers increased. By 13 March 2003, Darwin had conducted 300 boarding operations. 

Maritime activity reached its peak on 17 March, the day before the beginning of the Second Gulf War. More than 50 cargo dhows exited the Khawr Abd Allah waterway and refused turn back. Darwin took on the duties of Scene of Action Commander. With Anzac, Darwin coordinated the herding, anchoring, boarding, inspection and clearance of these vessels. This marked the beginning of an exodus of vessels from the area, as the prospect of war loomed.

Operation FALCONER

Operation FALCONER was the Australian commitment to the 2003 Gulf War. Combat operations began on the night of 19 March. Darwin’s initial responsibilities were boarding and searching vessels leaving the area. 

Darwin dispatched its embarked explosive ordnance disposal detachment to HMAS Kanimbla on 21 March. This was following reports that Iraqi minelayers had been intercepted operating in the mouth of the Khawr Abd Allah. The following day it began patrol operations in the approaches to the waterway and provided force protection to Coalition vessels in Kuwaiti waters. 

Darwin’s responsibilities later changed to making sure that only legitimate fishing dhows and cargo vessels carrying humanitarian aid entered the Khawr Abd Allah.

Operation SLIPPER

Darwin returned to the MEAO on 9 January 2005. There it spent most of the deployment operating in the North Arabian Gulf carrying out maritime security patrols and interdiction operations around the Iraqi offshore oil platforms aimed at deterring smuggling and acts of piracy. It also provided logistical, chaplaincy and information systems support to the USN security detachments stationed on the oil platforms.

Final years and decommissioning

Darwin completed its final overseas port visit on 26 October 2017 when it left Singapore for Darwin. The ship arrived in Darwin on 1 November and commenced decommissioning by firing a 7-gun salute near the Darwin Esplanade. This was returned by the howitzers of the 8/12 Medium Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, at Bicentennial Park. 

Darwin decommissioned on 9 December 2017 after more than 33 years of service.