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Following upgrades to radar capabilities, communications systems and crew-habitable areas, the ship was lowered out of the dry dock at the Australian Marine Complex at Henderson, Western Australia.
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With the motto ‘Fight and Flourish’, the long-range frigate is capable of air defence, surface and undersea warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction, and is home-ported at Garden Island, Rockingham, Western Australia.
Commanding Officer Perth, Commander Anthony Nagle said the complexity of the manoeuvres to get her back in the water required precise coordination.
“The undocking itself is a lengthy process – moving a vessel that is 118 metres long, nearly 15 metres wide and that weighs 3,900 tonnes requires meticulous management,” CMDR Nagle said.
“This is a significant step towards the completion of Perth’s upgrade, which will now move on to the final stages, enabling the ship to return to the fleet and undertake deployments and exercises with our regional partners in 2022.”
The vessel has the rare honour of being home-ported in her namesake city, which offers special opportunities for connection and engagement, including the crew of Perth exercising their right to Freedom of the City, which last occurred in 2009.
“The ability for our ship to remain engaged with its city namesake is very important to us and we look forward to being able to build an even stronger connection as we prepare to return Perth to sea and to operational service,” CMDR Nagle said.
“We are honoured to represent Perth, and we want the people of Perth to be as proud of our ship as we are to carry the name HMAS Perth.”
Perth is the third vessel to carry the name.
Perth I was a modified Leander Class cruiser that served with distinction during World War II and was lost during the Battle of Sunda Strait.
Perth II was a modified Perth Class guided missile destroyer that served with distinction during the Vietnam War, and received a US Navy Unit Commendation and a Meritorious Unit Commendation.
The latest Perth will conduct sea trials and certification early next year following the final steps in her upgrade process.
[Related: Overseas warships visit Garden Island]
