HMAS
Geelong
(II)

HMAS Geelong (II)
Class
Fremantle Class
Type
Patrol Boat (PB)
Pennant
P215
International Callsign
VLRC
Builder
North Queensland Engineers and Agents, Cairns, Queensland
Launched
14 April 1984
Launched by
Lady Murray
Commissioned
2 June 1984
Decommissioned
8 July 2006
Dimensions & Displacement
Displacement 220 tonnes
Length 42 metres
Beam 7.15 metres
Draught 1.8 metres
Performance
Speed 30 knots
Range 2360 nautical miles at 12 knots
Complement
Crew 24
Propulsion
Machinery
  • Two MTU 538 series 16-cylinder main propulsion engines
  • One Dorman 12-cylinder auxiliary propulsion engine
Horsepower 6140
Armament
Guns
  • 40/60 Bofors general purpose gun
  • 2 x .50 calibre (12.7mm) machine guns
Awards
Inherited Battle Honours
HMAS Geelong (II) Badge

Geelong and her 14 sister Fremantle Class Patrol Boats 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.

Ship's company of HMAS Geelong.
Ship's company of HMAS Geelong.
Left: The Chief of the Defence Force, General Sir Phillip Bennett, whilst visiting HMAS Cerberus, welcomed the chance to be shown over HMAS Geelong by LCDR Wintle, Operations Officer, c. 1984. Right: HMAS Geelong.
Left: Chief of the Defence Force, General Sir Phillip Bennett, while visiting HMAS Cerberus, welcomed the chance to be shown over HMAS Geelong by LCDR Wintle, Operations Officer, circa 1984.  Right: HMAS Geelong.

 

HMAS Geelong
HMAS Geelong

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.

Geelong 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.

Left: Geelong passes the Sydney Opera House on her way back to HMAS Waterhen. Right: Geelong provided a ceremonial back drop for the Ceremonial Sunset and Beat the Retreat held at HMAS Waterhen on 22 August 1986.
Left: Geelong passes the Sydney Opera House on her way back to HMAS Waterhen. Right: Geelong provided a ceremonial back drop for the Ceremonial Sunset and Beat the Retreat held at HMAS Waterhen on 22 August 1986.
HMAS Geelong in Sydney Harbour, NSW.
HMAS Geelong in Sydney Harbour, NSW.

Geelong carries the Battle Honours:

  • PACIFIC 1942-44
  • NEW GUINEA 1944

These honours were awarded to the name Geelong in recognition of the career of the first HMAS Geelong (I), a Bathurst class minesweeper, active during the Second World War. Geelong (I) was berthed alongside Garden Island during the infamous raid on Sydney Harbour by Japanese Mini-Submarines. During the attack HMAS Geelong (I)’s searchlight probed the darkness and at 21:30 she fired on a 'suspicious object' off Bradleys Head.

Decommissioning crew of HMAS Geelong II.
Decommissioning crew of HMAS Geelong II.
After 22 years of service to the Navy, Geelong will entered Darwin Harbour for the last time on 16 June 2006. She was the seventh of the Navy’s fifteen Fremantle Class Patrol Boats to decommission.
After 22 years of service to the Navy, Geelong entered Darwin Harbour for the last time on 16 June 2006. She was the seventh of the Navy’s fifteen Fremantle Class Patrol Boats to decommission.
Left: Lieutenant Commander Matthew Doornbos, Commanding Officer HMAS Geelong, makes his address at the decommissioning ceremony for HMA Ships Geelong and Gawler. Middle: Leading Seaman Marine Technician Smith from HMAS Geelong reads a psalm at the decommissioning ceremony. Right: At sunset HMAS Geelong is officially decommissioned and the White Ensign comes down for the last time.
Left: Lieutenant Commander Matthew Doornbos, Commanding Officer HMAS Geelong, makes his address at the decommissioning ceremony for HMA Ships Geelong and Gawler. Middle: Leading Seaman Marine Technician Smith from HMAS Geelong reads a psalm at the decommissioning ceremony. Right: At sunset HMAS Geelong is officially decommissioned and the White Ensign comes down for the last time.

Commanding Officers of HMAS Geelong (II)

02 Jun 1984-13 Jun 1986 Lieutenant HJ Hickman, RAN (promoted to to Lieutenant Commander on 30 June 1985)
13 Jun 1986-04 Jan 1988 Lieutenant Commander PE Cole, RAN
04 Jan 1988-11 Mar 1988 Lieutenant CJ Churcher, RAN
11 Mar 1988-25 Oct 1988 Lieutenant Commander GJ Kelly, RAN
25 Oct 1988-21 Apr 1990 Lieutenant Commander AV Braendler, RAN
21 Apr 1990-09 Oct 1991 Lieutenant Commander ESD Dietrich, RAN
09 Oct 1991-15 Apr 1993 Lieutenant Commander MS Campbell, RAN
15 Apr 1993-21 Apr 1995 Lieutenant Commander CJ Churcher, RAN
21 Apr 1995-01 Nov 1996 Lieutenant Commander CJ McMaster, RAN
01 Nov 1996-22 Apr 1998 Lieutenant Commander JB Dudley, RAN
22 Apr 1998-28 Oct 1999 Lieutenant Commander MR Cawsey, RAN
28 Oct 1999-27 Apr 2001 Lieutenant Commander RW Plath, RAN
27 Apr 2001-24 Jun 2003 Lieutenant Commander DA Moncrieff, RAN (promoted to Commander on 01 Jan 2003)
24 Jun 2003-12 Dec 2004 Lieutenant Commander WJ Triffitt, RAN
12 Dec 2004-08 Jul 2006 Lieutenant Commander MG Doornbos, RAN

 

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