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Commissioning booklet for HMAS BROOME (II)

Publisher Royal Australian Navy (Printing)

Date10 February 2007

Object number00042386

NameBooklet

MediumInk on paper

Dimensions296 x 210 x 2 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Defence Public Affairs WA

Terms

booklets

DescriptionCommissioning ceremonies mark the formal introduction of a ship as a unit into the Navy. This booklet was given to guests at the ceremony for the Armidale class patrol boat HMAS BROOME (II) on 10 February 2007 at Broome Port, Western Australia. It provides details of the ship's technical information, a ceremony Order of Service and a history of the naval vessel.HistoryHMAS BROOME is the eighth of 14 Armidale class patrol boats - the Royal Australian Navy's principal contribution to the nation's fisheries protection, immigration, customs and drug law enforcement operations. BROOME was built by Austal Ships in Western Australia for the Royal Australian Navy and commissioned in February 2007 under Lieutenant James Harper with Mrs Anne Zilko (daughter of BROOME (I) survivor Cmdr Bill Ritchie Ret'd) as Commissioning Lady. The Armidale class patrol boats work hand-in-hand with other Government agencies and each year they provide up to 3,000 patrol days as part of the Coastwatch-managed national surveillance effort. In the event of war they would be tasked to control the waters close to the Australian mainland. They are highly capable and versatile warships which are able to conduct a wide variety of missions and tasks. One of their primary duties is the contribution to the 'Civil Surveillance Program'. Surveillance and boarding operations conducted by the Royal Australian Navy safeguard Australia's sovereignty and significantly contribute to the security of the nation. Their operations protect against unauthorised entry, breaches of customs, immigration and drugs legislation, other illegal activity and in support of law enforcement, preserve the integrity of national fish-stocks, marine environment and other natural resources. HMAS BROOME has a range of 3,000 nautical miles at 12 knots and a maximum speed of about 25 knots. It is equipped with high-definition navigational radar, high and ultra high frequency communications equipment, gyro compasses and echo sounder. BROOME is also fitted with a satellite navigation system that enables the ship's position to be determined with great accuracy (Information courtesy Sea Power Centre, Australia). This commissioning booklet was produced for guests attending the formal commissioning of the patrol boat into the Royal Australian Navy and provides technical details, an Order of Service and a short history of the first HMAS BROOME. SignificanceThe booklet demonstrates the continuing traditions and ceremonial procedures of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and provides details about HMAS BROOME.