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John on watch aboard HMAS GERALDTON Darwin July 2003
John on watch aboard HMAS GERALDTON Darwin July 2003

John on watch aboard HMAS GERALDTON Darwin July 2003

Artist (Australian, born 1954)
Date2003
Object number00030086
NamePainting
MediumPaper, watercolour paint
DimensionsOverall: 570 x 760 mm
Copyright© Robert McRae
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
Descriptionpainting by Robert McRae of the Fremantle class patrol boat HMAS GERALDTON in the port of Darwin in July 2003 in its capacity of surveillance of Australian fishing zones for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The ship's Coat of Arms with the title 'GERALDTON fortune to the brave' can be seen in the centre of the painting.HistoryThe Royal Australian Navy (RAN) operated 15 Fremantle class patrol boats including HMAS GERALDTON for the primary purpose of protecting Australian fisheries and enforcing immigration, customs and drug laws. The Fremantle class boat replaced the Attack class patrol boats including HMAS ADVANCE, currently moored at the Australian National Maritime Museum (2009). The Fremanltle class itself was replaced by the Armidale class. Commissioned on 10 December 1983 HMAS GERALDTON featured high definition navigational radar, high and ultra high frequency communications, gyro compasses and an echo sounder. It was the second ship to be called HMAS GERALDTON, having been named after a Bathurst class corvette (minesweeper) built during World War II. GERALDTON (II) undertook successful operations in Australia's northern waters during 2002, 2003 and 2004 against illegal Indonesian fishing boats before being decommissioned on 7 October 2006 During a number of visits to Darwin the artist Robert (Bob) McRae was granted access to view and sketch the Royal Australian Navy ships stationed in port. Located at the north of Australia within close distance to Asia, Darwin acts as an important strategic station for the Royal Australian Navy. McRae has been portraying naval ships since 1999 and has illustrated a number of books. He was also present in Darwin during 1999 when Australian and international forces were preparing for operations in East Timor.SignificanceThis painting represents the Royal Australian Navy patrol boat HMAS GERALDTON and its role protecting Australia's coastline from illegal fishing, immigration, customs and drug crime during the early 21st century.