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.

Launching of Ipswich (II).

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: Booklet from the launching ceremony of HMAS Ipswich II on 25 September 1982. Right: Booklet from the commissioning ceremony of HMAS Ipswich II on 13 November 1982 at HMAS Cairns.

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 it's 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.

Commanding Officers of HMAS Ipswich (II)

13 Nov 1982 - 12 Sep 1984	Lieutenant Commander RG Cook, RAN
12 Sep 1984 - 18 Dec 1985	Lieutenant Commander CP Barr, RAN
18 Dec 1985 - 05 Dec 1986	Lieutenant Commander MJ Storrs, RAN
05 Dec 1986 - 20 Apr 1988	Lieutenant Commander MJ Stewart, RAN
20 Apr 1988 - 29 Sep 1988	Lieutenant Commander JW Paterson, RAN
29 Sep 1988 - 20 Apr 1990	Lieutenant Commander CW Darby, RAN
20 Apr 1990 - 11 Oct 1991	Lieutenant Commander RA Kehl, RAN
11 Oct 1991 - 06 Nov 1992	Lieutenant Commander JM Barton, RAN
06 Nov 1992 - 22 Apr 1994	Lieutenant Commander PJ Kraus, RAN
22 Apr 1994 - 26 Apr 1996	Lieutenant Commander NJ Wark, RAN
26 Apr 1996 - 24 Oct 1997	Lieutenant Commander BC Smyth, RAN
24 Oct 1997 - 27 May 1999	Lieutenant Commander RP Watson, RAN
27 May 1999 - 05 Oct 2000	Lieutenant Commander PJ Martin, RAN
05 Oct 2000 - 05 Jul 2002	Lieutenant Commander JA Hielscher, RAN
05 Jul 2002 - 15 Dec 2003	Lieutenant Commander MC Doherty, RAN
15 Dec 2003 - 31 Dec 2004	Lieutenant BGP Wood, RAN
01 Jan 2005 - 05 Jul 2005	Lieutenant Commander BGP Wood, RAN
05 Jul 2005 - 11 May 2007	Lieutenant Commander DG Grogan, RAN