On This Day

December 4, 2025

The RAN decommissioned the last three remaining Armidale class patrol boats, HMA Ships Albany, Bathurst and Childers in a ceremony at HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin. First introduced in 2005 with HMAS Armidale, the class was designed to replace the Fremantle-class patrol boats and enhance Australia’s maritime patrol capability

August 5, 2025

Defence Minister Richard Marles announced that the Govt had selected Japan’s upgraded Mogami frigate to replace the ANZAC clas frigates.The first three of the frigates are expected to be built in Japan, with the remaining eight to be built in Western Australia. The initial contract for the first three vessels is worth $10 billion, although that money will also help provide the workforce, ship-building facilities and missiles the whole fleet will need. Mr Marles said the first would come into service by the end of this decade.

June 28, 2025

HMAS Arafura commisisoned at Fremantle WA. HMAS Arafura is the first Arafura class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) of the Navy’s surface fleet.

December 12, 2024

Four of the Evolved Cape class patrol boats were commissioned into the RAN. Formerly ADV vessels they became HMA Ships Cape Pillar, Cape Naturaliste, Cape Woolamai and Cape Capricorn

December 5, 2024

HMAS Gascoyne II was decommissioned at HMAS Waterhen, Sydney

November 1, 2024

The Evolved Cape class patrol boat ADV Cape Schanck was officially accepted by the RAN

October 22, 2024

Fleet Review held In Sydney during visit of King Charles II.

Ships involved included HMAS Hobart III (guided missile destroyer), HMAS Warramunga II (helicopter frigate), HMAS Arunta II (helicopter frigate), HMAS Gascoyne II (coastal mine hunter), and HMAS Yarra IV (coastal mine hunter). Review included RAN Helicopters conducting a fly past

October 19, 2024

King Charles III was appointed to the honorary rank of Admiral of the Fleet of the Royal Australian Navy

August 29, 2024

HMAS Broome II was decommissioned at Darwin

August 8, 2024

HMAS Melville decommissioned at Cairns

August 1, 2024

The Evolved Cape class patrol boat ADV Cape Solander was officially accepted by the RAN

July 11, 2024

Following their completion of the Officers Nuclear Operator Course and Engineering Administration Course Lieutenant Commander James, Lieutenant Stephen and Lieutenant Isabella were the first Australian Navy officers assigned to UK Astute Class submarines.

May 30, 2024

HMAS Huon II decommissioned at HMAS Waterhen

May 18, 2024

HMAS Anzac III decommissioned at Fleet Base West

October 13, 2023

The Evolved Cape class patrol boat ADV Cape Pillar was officially accepted by the RAN

September 28, 2023

HMAS Maryborough (II) and HMAS Larraika (II) decommissioned at HMAS Coonawarra.

June 22, 2023

The Evolved Cape class patrol boat ADV Cape Woolamai was officially accepted

June 16, 2023

HMA Ships Benalla II and Shepparton II decommissioned at Cairns

June 1, 2023

HMAS Launceston II was decommissioned at Darwin

March 30, 2023

HMAS Armidale II decommissioned in Darwin

February 13, 2023

The Evolved Cape class patrol boat ADV Cape Capricorn was officially accepted

December 8, 2022

HMAS Wollongong II decommissioned at Cairns

November 4, 2022

The Evolved Cape class patrol boat ADV Cape Naturaliste was officially accepted

October 6, 2022

HMAS Glenelg II decommissioned in Darwin after 14 years of service

August 4, 2022

The Navy’s second Evolved Cape class patrol boat ADV Cape Peron was officially accepted