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Anzac Class frigate HMAS Arunta has rejoined the Royal Australian Navy fleet after completing its Anzac Midlife Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP) upgrade.
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A number of elders from the Arrernte Tribe were on hand to mark the occasion, with the tribe the inspiration for the ship's name.
The elders travelled from the Northern Territory to Western Australia to undertake the traditional smoking ceremony, while a welcome to country was provided by local Noongar elders.
Arunta’s Commanding Officer, Commander Troy Duggan, said the ship was proud to re-establish its connection with the Arrernte people, as it was important to give the crew a sense of the rich cultural heritage they are now a part of.
“The presence of tribal representatives from both the Arrernte and Noongar people at the ceremony was greatly appreciated by the entire ship’s company,” he said.
“Our long connection with our Indigenous namesake tribe remains an internationally unique and precious link – no matter what challenges and difficulties we face, I am sure we will face them with the same strength and resilience that our namesake people have done for the past 30,000 years.
“Rejoining the fleet marks an incredible achievement by the ship’s company, our support organisations, and our Australian defence industry partners in the Warship Asset Management Agreement Alliance.
“We have worked hard together to deliver one of the world’s most advanced warships, and are looking forward to getting underway for sea trials very soon.”
Arunta is the first Anzac Class frigate to undergo the AMCAP upgrade, which aimed to provide "significant improvements to the ship's key sensor and communications systems".
A key component of the upgrade improves the Anzac Class air search capability by replacing the legacy long-range air search radar with a new digital phased array radar developed by Australian company CEA Technologies. This radar complements the existing anti-ship missile defence system.
HMAS Arunta will soon proceed to sea to complete extensive testing and sea trials as part of the AMCAP upgrade.
