The RAN comprised 324 vessels, ranging from 4 cruisers, to 44 miscellaneous craft. Of this number, 19, (six destroyers and 13 minesweepers), were serving overseas with the Eastern Fleet. The total personnel strength was 35,359 men and women. Of the 1,748 women, 1,715 were WRANS, and 33 were nurses. The 33,611 officers and men were disposed as follows:- Australia Station 13,817; Eastern Fleet 2,285; Overseas with the RN 1,119; At advanced bases in the Pacific 2,404; Missing or POWs 874; New entries 2,766; Ashore in Australia 10,346; The following vessels were building in Australia: 1 Tribal class destroyer; 9 frigates; 5 minesweepers; 8 Fairmiles; 9 HDMLs.
The Bathurst class minesweeper, (corvette), HMAS KIAMA, (LCDR S. G. Benson, RANR), was commissioned. KIAMA was laid down in Evans Deakin Yard, Brisbane, on 26 November 1942, and launched on 9 July 1943. Mrs G. Lawson, (Wife of the Minister for transport), performed the launching ceremony.