Australia decommissions Armidale-class patrol boat HMAS Maitland

The HMAS Maitland (ACPB-88). Photo c/o RAN.

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has recently decommissioned one of its Armidale-class patrol boat, the HMAS Maitland (ACPB-88) after 16 years of service.

The patrol boat was retired during ceremonies at HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin, Western Australia on 28 April 2022.

The RAN Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan has recognized the service of both the patrol boat and the boat’s crew’s contribution to protect the country’s borders and offshore maritime interests.

The HMAS Maitland was commissioned on 29 September 2006 and is the sixth ship of the Armidale-class patrol boats, and is the third ship of the class to be decommissioned from service.

It was named after the City of Maitland in New South Wales, and the World War II naval training center located in Newcastle, New South Wales.

There are still 11 Armidale-class patrol boats in service with the RAN, but all will be temporarily replaced by the Enhanced Cape-class patrol boat until their eventual replacement, the Arufara-class offshore patrol vessel, enters service a few years later.

[1] Australia Department of Defence

[2] Newcastle Weekly