Navy has introduced a new capability to its surface fleet with the commissioning of HMAS Arafura at Fremantle, Western Australia.
The Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) will improve Defence's ability to contribute to maritime patrol, response and constabulary missions.
Commanding Officer Arafura Lieutenant Commander Marc Beecroft said it was an honour to be the commissioning CO of Navy's newest addition to the fleet, and represented a significant milestone in his career.
"It's a great privilege to be commanding a ship that will play such an important role in the fleet," Lieutenant Commander Beecroft said.
"I'm particularly proud of the way the ship's company has risen to the challenges involved in commissioning the ship, and the way they have come together as a highly efficient and capable crew."
The commissioning represents Navy's ongoing commitment to modernise and enhance its fleet, with the OPVs set to play an important role in Navy's commitment to supporting the long-term aims of the National Defence Strategy.
Arafura-class OPVs will primarily patrol and secure Australia's maritime border, working in hand-in-hand with Navy's and Australian Border Force's shared fleet of Evolved Cape-class patrol boats.
'It's a great honour to be part of the commissioning crew of HMAS Arafura.'
Arafura's youngest member, combat systems operator Seaman Caitlin Elford, said she was proud to be part of the ship's crew.
"Even though I've only been in the Navy for a relatively short time, I feel this will be one of the highlights of my career," Seaman Elford said.
"It's a great honour to be part of the commissioning crew of HMAS Arafura."
The OPVs are larger and have a greater range and endurance than their predecessor, the Armidale-class patrol boats, and can also perform a number of tasks and roles which previously required several different classes of vessels.
They are also able to undertake humanitarian and disaster relief operations, enhanced regional engagement and support other Navy missions as required.
Arafura and the second-of-class OPV NUSHIP Eyre were built by Luerssen Australia. The remaining four ships are under construction at the Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia.
