HMAS

Fremantle

(II)

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

Fremantle, the first of the class, was built in the UK, while the other 14 were built in Cairns. All of the Fremantle class patrol boats carried the names of former Bathurst class Australian Minesweepers (corvettes) that served during and after World War II.

HMAS Fremantle prior to launching at Brooke Marine Shipyard, Lowestoft, England on 16 February 1979.

Naming ceremony of HMAS Fremantle on 8 October 1979 at Brooke Marine Shipyard, Lowestoft, England.

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.

Left: HMAS Fremantle II, with the Sydney Opera House in the background. Right: Image of HMAS Fremantle II's name plaque.

Fremantle 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.

Fremantle was the second ship of this name within the RAN. HMAS Fremantle (I) was a Bathurst class corvette.

HMAS Fremantle with some of her sister ships from the Fremantle Class.

Commanding Officers of HMAS Fremantle (II)