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Royal Australian Navy support ship, HMAS Sirius, was decommissioned in Perth’s Fleet Base West after 15 years of service this week.
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Throughout its operating life, the Sirius held a record for the RAN’s largest fuel replenishment at sea and supported the defence of Australia’s maritime boundaries.
The traditional decommissioning ceremony was held in Perth on the 18 December.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price commended the Sirius’ distinguished history in the RAN.
“The ship’s motto is ‘to serve and provide’ and I am very proud to say it has done exactly that,” Minister Price said.
“Sirius broke the previous Navy record for the biggest fuel replenishment at sea in 2013, passing almost 10,000 cubic metres of fuel to US Naval Ship Yukon over 13.5 hours.
“And in 2013 and 2014, Sirius also played an important role in protecting our borders as a key part of Operation Resolute, doing patrols as part of Navy’s contribution to our government’s effort to protect our borders.
“There is no doubt today’s decommissioning ceremony marks the end of an outstanding servant for our Navy.”
The decommissioning of the Sirius comes as Navy welcomed the HMA Ships Supply and Stalwart into operation. The two Supply Class ships represent $1.4 billion Commonwealth investment into the Navy.
HMAS Stalwart was commissioned in November in a ceremony at Fleet Base West.
“The Morrison government’s investment in Supply and Stalwart will enable the joint force to deploy further for longer, ensuring a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” Minister Price said.
“The new replenishment ships enhance operational support to Navy combat units at sea and increase the ADF’s ability to support operations in the region.
“Australian industry played a key role in the development of both vessels and I know industry will continue to play an important part in the ships’ longevity, with through-life sustainment of both ships projected to be at least $875 million.”
Throughout its service life, the Sirius executed 770 replenishments at sea, having travelled almost 900,000 kilometres.
[Related: First Arafura Class offshore patrol vessel launches in Osborne]
