Patrol Boat Commissioned

Australia's newest Armidale Class Patrol Boat has been commissioned during a ceremony in the West Australian city of Albany. A Defense spokesman said HMAS Albany joined three sister ships in the Australian fleet. It is said the Armidale Class vessels substantially improved the Royal Australian Navy's capability to intercept and apprehend vessels suspected of illegal fishing and quarantine, customs or immigration offences.

The four Armidale Class ships were built by Austal Ships in Perth as part of a $553m contract between the federal government and the Defence Maritime Services. Compared to the current Fremantle Class patrol boats, the Armidales are more than 14 metres longer, with longer range and endurance - 3,000 nautical miles more than the Fremantle Class. Source: AAP