HMAS

Perth

(III)

HMAS Perth (III) is the 8th and final Anzac Class frigate to be built by Tenix Defence Systems at Williamstown, Victoria for the Royal Australian Navy. The design is based on the German Meko 200 frigate.

The first steel for Perth (III) was cut on 23 August 2000 and the keel was laid on 24 July 2003. The ship was launched by Ms Margaret Gee, daughter of Perth (I) survivor Allan Gee, on 20 March 2004 and was commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy on Saturday 26 August 2006.

Perth is a long-range frigate capable of air defence, surface and undersea warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction. Perth's combat capabilities have been significantly improved under the Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgrade program, a world class program that provides an enhanced sensor and weapons systems capability. The upgrade showcases Australian design and integration capability, with new Phased Array Radar technology designed by CEA Technologies in Canberra, upgrades to combat systems performed by Saab Systems in South Australia, and platform integration design by BAE Systems in Victoria.

HMAS Perth sails through the oil rigs located in the North West Shelf off the coast of Western Australia.

Perth is fitted with an advanced package of air and surface surveillance radars; omni-directional hull mounted sonar and electronic support systems that interface with the state-of-the-art 9LV453 Mk3E combat data system. The ship can counter simultaneous threats from aircraft, surface vessels and submarines.

The ship's main armament comprises one Mark 45 capable of firing 20 rounds per minute, ship launched Mark 46 torpedoes and a Mark 41 vertical launch system for the Evolved Sea Sparrow missile. Perth also has eight anti-ship/land attack canister launched harpoon missiles. The ship's other defence systems include the Nulka active missile decoy system, offboard chaff and a torpedo countermeasures system.

HMAS Perth prepare to take over patrol from HMAS Darwin in the Middle East Region as part of Operation MANITOU.

HMAS Perth, like her sister frigates HMA Ships Anzac, Arunta, Ballarat, Parramatta, Perth, Stuart, Toowoomba and Warramunga features a "combined diesel or gas" (CODOG) propulsion plant which enables the ship to sustain sprint speeds of greater than 27 knots and allows an operational range in excess of 6000 nautical miles at 18 knots.

HMAS Perth keeps an eye on proceedings as the ships boarding team board and inspect a vessel of interest off the coast of Africa during one of Perth's patrols for Operation MANITOU in the Middle East region.

The ship can embark Navy's latest multi-role Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk helicopter which has enhanced anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare and Search and Rescue capabilities. Embarkation of a helicopter also provides the ship with the capability to deliver air-launched missiles and torpedoes.

HMAS Perth battle honours.

Perth was the fourth Anzac class frigate to undergo the Anzac Mid-Life Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP) upgrade at the Australian Marine Complex in Henderson, Western Australia.

The upgrade was performed by the Warship Asset Management Agreement (WAMA) Alliance and included the replacement of the Long Range Air search radar, IFF (Identification, Friend or Foe) and secondary surveillance radar capabilities. Anzac also underwent a platform systems obsolescence program to improve platform reliability and maintainability. Work was also performed to improve the ship’s habitability for the crew as well as an upgrade to the ship’s communications systems to resolve a number of obsolescence issues.

The name Perth carries with it the proud histories of two former RAN warships. HMAS Perth (I) was a modified Leander Class cruiser that served with distintion during World War II and was lost during the Battle of Sunda Strait. HMAS Perth (II) was a modified Perth Class guided missile destroyer that served during the Vietnam War and was awarded a US Navy Unit Commendation and a Meritorous Unit Commendation for her service during the conflict.

HMAS Perth sails through a misty sunset typical of the Middle East region in summer.

HMAS Perth sails back into to her home port of Fleet Base West, Rockingham after six-months deployed on Operation MANITOU.