HMAS Ipswich (II)

HMAS Ipswich was decommissioned on Friday 11 May 2007 in Cairns after 24 and a half years of dedicated service.

Commissioned on 13 November 1982, HMAS Ipswich was one of 15 highly capable and versatile Fremantle Class Patrol Boats in service with the Royal Australian Navy. She was one of five such vessels based at Cairns Naval Base in Far North Queensland.

Ipswich and her 14 sister FCPBs were the Navy's principal contribution to the nation's fisheries protection, immigration, customs and drug law enforcement operations.

The vessels worked hand-in-hand with other Government agencies and each year they provided up to 1800 patrol days as part of the Coastwatch-managed national surveillance effort. In the event of war they would have been tasked to control the waters close to the Australian mainland. They were well prepared for their patrol duties and other operational requirements.

In addition were central to Australia"s engagement with countries in the South West Pacific region and deployed throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific in support of Australia"s strategic interests. The Fremantle Class Patrol Boats (and now the Armidale Class Patrol Boats) also supported Special Forces operations and provided a useful transport capability, particularly in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance operations.

 

HMAS Ipswich"s Freedom of Entry to the City of Ipswich, Saturday 25 January 1986.

 

HMAS Ipswich II in Sydney Harbour.

 

Left: Ipswich firing the 40/60mm Bofors general purpose gun. Right: Ipswich sailing under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

In addition were central to Australia's engagement with countries in the South West Pacific region and deployed throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific in support of Australia's strategic interests. The Fremantle Class Patrol Boats (and now the Armidale Class Patrol Boats) also supported Special Forces operations and provided a useful transport capability, particularly in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance operations.

Ipswich was equipped with high definition navigational radar, high and ultra high frequency communications equipment, gyro compasses and echo sounder. She was also fitted with a satellite navigation system that enabled the ship"s position to be determined with great accuracy.

HMAS Ipswich (II) carries the Battle Honours:

• PACIFIC - 1942
• SICILY - 1943
• OKINAWA - 1945
• INDIAN OCEAN - 1942 - 1945

 

HMAS Ipswich in company with two of her sister Fremantle Class Patrol Boats

 

25 Australian Naval Cadets joined Ipswich in Caloundra to sail for its last trip to Brisbane on 23 April 2007. Left: Ipswich crew members with the Australian Naval Cadets onboard HMAS Ipswich II. Right: Ipswich on the Brisbane River.

 

HMAS Ipswich berthing at Bulimba, Queensland, 23 April 2007.

These honours were awarded to the name of Ipswich in recognition of the career of the first ship, HMAS Ipswich (I) (named after the Queensland city), a Bathurst Class Minesweeper, more popularly known as a Corvette.

 

The decommissioning crew of HMAS Ipswich.

 

Left: Mrs Dallas Hayden, the launching lady of Ipswich II, inspecting the guard at the decommissioning ceremony. Right: The Australian White Ensign is lowered for the last time on HMA Ships Ipswich and Townsville.

Left: The Executive Officer hands the Australian White Ensign to the Fleet Commander. Right: The ships' companies of Ipswich and Townsville march past for the final time.