The River class, (modified type 12 frigate), destroyer escort, HMAS STUART, (CMDR M. L. Molony, RAN), was commissioned. STUART was laid down in Cockatoo Island Dockyard, Sydney, on 20 March 1959, and launched on 8 April 1961. Mrs J. Gorton, (Wife of the Minister for the Navy), performed the launching ceremony.