Australia's maritime frontline has been strengthened with the commissioning of HMAS Eyre in a ceremony at Fleet Base West.
Eyre is the second of six planned Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels (ACOPV) to enter service, following the commissioning of sister ship HMAS Arafura in 2025.
The 80-metre-long ACOPV will help patrol and secure Australia's maritime border alongside the Evolved Cape-class patrol boats.
Together, they conduct a wide range of operations, including maritime border patrol, fisheries protection and humanitarian and disaster relief.
Eyre has a range of 4000 nautical miles and can perform roles previously requiring numerous vessels.
The ship has further enhanced living quarters and amenities to better support sailors and officers deployed at sea.
'She'll bring a modern, flexible capability that will contribute directly to the security of Australia's maritime waters.'
Commanding Officer Eyre Lieutenant Commander Amy Brauns said it was an honour to command the newest ship in the fleet.
"Commissioning a ship is more than ceremony, it is the moment a vessel truly comes to life," she said.
"Not because of the steel she was built from, but because the people who serve within her and commit themselves to something greater than themselves.
"She'll bring a modern, flexible capability that will contribute directly to the security of Australia's maritime waters."
Lieutenant Commander Brauns saved the final word of praise for her crew.
"As commanding officer, I'm deeply honoured by what the ship represents, by the capability she brings and the role she will play in serving our nation," she said.
"But above all, I am proud of this crew. Every sailor and officer here today, and those who have been part of Eyre from the beginning, and have shaped this ship's identity.
"Long before this ceremony, they demonstrated exactly what kind of ship's company we are. Through hard work, resilience, humour and teamwork, they've built a culture I'm privileged to be part of."
Civmec Defence Industries, formerly Luerssen Australia, built Eyre at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia. The next four ACOPVs are under construction at the Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia.
