A significant part of Townsville’s naval history has be preserved for generations to come with Port of Townsville partnering with Maritime Museum of Townsville to put the former patrol boat HMAS Townsville on public display. The vessel has been relocated from the Townsville Marine Precinct where she has undergone remediation works, to a new display position at the historical slipway on Ross Street, South Townsville.
The HMAS Townsville relocation is the first step in works being undertaken to beautify and increase connectivity on Port lands on the banks of the Ross Creek from Lighthouse Park on Palmer Street to Quayside Terminal, with upgraded footpaths and the installation of a viewing platform for residents and visitors to see the HMAS Townsville close up.
Commissioned in 1981 Townsville was among fifteen Fremantle class vessels built to patrol Australia’s coastline. For 26 years, the ship patrolled Australia’s waters, often working with other government agencies, mainly in Australia’s northern waters, but also deployed to countries in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
Representing Navy at the event, Commanding Officer HMAS Cairns Commander Andrew Thorpe said it was a proud moment for the Navy and Townsville. “The ship was gifted to the community as a way to recognise the close connection between the Navy and the City of Townsville,” Commander Thorpe said.
Townsville’s motto, ‘Bold and Ready’, illustrates the philosophy embraced in support of her mission as she patrolled the expansive waters of Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Action taken against vessels found to be involved in illegal activities often led to seizure, arrest and handover to the relevant government agency for subsequent prosecution by the authorities. Notably, the ship supported the Pacific region and participated in major operations, notably Operation Morris Dance off Fiji in 1987. Townsville also gained fame beyond her duties by starring in the popular Australian TV series ‘Patrol Boat’.
HMAS Townsville was decommissioned on 11 May 2007 in Cairns. The vessel was gifted to the Museum by the Commonwealth Department of Defence in the same month. HMA shipsTownsville and Gladstone, likewise a museum vessel, are the only preserved FCPBs in Australia.
The Townsville Maritime Museum is searching for former members of the Townsville’s ship’s company for them to share their personal stories about life on board. For more information see: https://www.tmml.org.au/hmas-townsville/
Sources: RAN, the Port of Townsville & the Townsville Maritime Museum
