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The HMAS Pirie was decommissioned in Darwin last Friday.
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The Royal Australian Navy decommissioned the HMAS Pirie in Darwin last Friday. Pirie, an Armidale Class patrol boat, was in service for 15 years and had undertaken a range of activities including intercept missions of foreign fishing vessels suspected of illegally entering Australian waters.
The decommissioning service held at HMAS Coonawarra was attended by Vice Admiral Michael Noonan AO, Chief of Navy.
“HMAS Pirie and her Ship’s Company have lived up to the ship’s motto ‘mark of quality’. They have served the people of Australia, protecting our nation’s borders and offshore maritime interests with dedication and professionalism,” VADM Noonan said.
“Today, we reflect on their contribution and look to our future.
“Pirie is the first of two Armidale Class patrol boats to be decommissioned this year as we transition to our 12 Arafura Class offshore patrol vessels.
“While there is a nostalgia in farewelling one of our workhorses, it is an exciting time to serve, as Navy undergoes the most significant recapitalisation of the fleet.
“The new Arafura Class offshore patrol vessels will provide a significant increase in capability and enhance our capacity to patrol our maritime territory and near region.”
Commanding Officer of the HMAS Pirie, Lieutenant Commander Sean Dalton, outlined that it had been an honour serving with the Pirie.
“Pirie has sailed more than 426,000 nautical miles in her lifetime, travelling from as far east as Samoa, west to the Cocos Keeling Islands, south to the Bass Strait, and as far north as Qingdao, China,” LCDR Dalton recounted.
[Related: Navy names NUSHIP Supply passageway]
Liam Garman
Editor – Defence and Security, Momentum Media
