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NUSHIP Stalwart is expected to call the City of Greater Geraldton home following the supply ship’s commissioning into the Royal Australian Navy next month.
The Royal Australian Navy’s new supply ship, NUSHIP Stalwart, is expected to call Geraldton home after its commissioning ceremony next month, with Minister for Defence Industry and member for Durack Melissa Price noting that the partnership with strengthen the city’s ties with the RAN.
“Navy and Geraldton have a long, shared history,” Minister Price said.
“Geraldton is home to a memorial acknowledging that HMAS Sydney II was sunk off the coast in 1941, and two ships have previously been named after the city.
“Today’s announcement strengthens ties between the Royal Australian Navy and Geraldton, and will foster meaningful engagement opportunities.”
Commander Steve McCracken, Commanding Officer of the NUSHIP Stalwart acknowledged that the crew is excited to work with the local community.
“The crew is proud to be associated with the City of Geraldton and we look forward to building local connections and sharing our ship with the community,” CMDR McCracken said.
“We hope to bring Stalwart to Geraldton in the near future and will look for an opportunity to host an open day and support local events.”
The NUSHIP Stalwart is one of two Supply Class auxiliary oiler replenishment (AORs) procured by the RAN this year.
Defence hopes that the capability improvements will enable Task Groups to spend yet longer at sea, enabling a greater array of deployment opportunities.
While NUSHIP Stalwart is expected to operate from Fleet Base West in WA, the Stalwart’s sister AOR, HMAS Supply, is based at Fleet Base East in NSW.
[Related: Defence receives NUSHIP Stalwart, RAN’s second Supply Class AOR]
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