HMAS

Geraldton

(II)

Geraldton 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 Geraldton (II).

HMAS Stuart lining the side and cheering ship for the Governor-General, Sir Ninian Stephen, AK, GCMG, GCVO, KB, with HMAS Geraldton (II) in the background, circa March 1986.

The Fremantle Class Patrol Boat HMAS Geraldton (II) nestles in amongst the greenery while undergoing a refit at HMAS Stirling, Fleet Base West on Garden Island, WA.

HMAS Geraldton (213) and HMAS Bunbury (217) at sea.

HMAS Geraldton’s Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Lynn Walton, RAN poses beside the ship's bell and builder's plate on assuming command in 1989.

Left: Fremantle Class Patrol Boat HMAS Geraldton (II), based in Darwin, NT arrived in Geraldton for the very last time before decommissioning in October 2006. Centre: Able Seaman Communication Systems Information Aaron Clement on the flagdeck. Right: A sailor from HMAS Geraldton (II) prepares to berth at Number 6 Commercial Wharf in Geraldton, WA.

Left: Navigator Lieutenant Anita Nemarich takes a fix with the starboard Pelorus. Right: Able Seaman Communication System Information Aaron Clement fallen in on the forecastle of HMAS Geraldton (II).

Left: HMAS Geraldton (II) in Geraldton, WA, circa October 2006. Right: Commanding Officer HMAS Geraldton Lieutenant Commander Aaron Nye presents the Mayor of Geraldton Vickie Petersen a framed photograph of HMAS Geraldton (II) berthing in Geraldton for the last time.

Geraldton 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.

Geraldton was the second ship of this name within the RAN. HMAS Geraldton (I) was a Bathurst Class Corvette.

HMAS Geraldton (II) conducting a ceremonial sunset at the HMAS Sydney Memorial, Geraldton, WA, circa October 2006.

Left and centre: HMAS Geraldton (II) conducting a ceremonial sunset at the HMAS Sydney Memorial, Geraldton, WA, circa October 2006. Right: Training Ship Morrow with HMAS Geraldton (II) at the HMAS Sydney Memorial.

HMAS Geraldton (II)’s decomissioning crew.

Commanding Officers of HMAS Geraldton (II)