HMAS FREMANTLE
Date2005
Object number00040522
NameShip in a bottle
MediumGlass, cork, string, plastic, paint, wood
DimensionsOverall: 105 x 270 x 90 mm
ClassificationsToys, games and souvenirs
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThe Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Fremantle class patrol boat HMAS FREMANTLE is depicted in this whisky bottle model. The patrol boat can be seen at sea proceeding with speed. HMAS FREMANTLE was one of fifteen patrol class boats put into commission by the RAN from 1979. Their main role included coastal surveillance to enforce fisheries, customs, immigration and quarantine laws, as well as training and air-sea rescue.HistoryThe 'Fremantle class' patrol boats of the Royal Australian Navy were replacements for the Attack class. Fifteen of the class were put into commission from 1979. The main role of the patrol boat group included coastal surveillance to enforce fisheries, customs, immigration and quarantine laws, training and air-sea rescue.
The Fremantle class was made up of HMA Ships BENDIGO, BUNBURY, CESSNOCK, DUBBO, FREMANTLE, GAWLER, GEELONG, GERALDTON, GLADSTONE, IPSWICH, LAUNCESTON, TOWNSVILLE, WARRNAMBOOL, WHYALLA, and WOLLONGONG.
This model represents the first in the class - HMAS FREMANTLE.
Their retirement was announced in 2001 and a decommissioning schedule published in 2004. From May 2005 they were replaced by the Armidale class patrol boats with the last two Fremantles decommissioning in May 2007.
As of 2008, TOWNSVILLE and GLADSTONE have been marked for preservation as museum ships in their namesake towns. The other thirteen ships of the class have either been sold for scrap, or are awaiting disposal. During late 2008, WOLLONGONG remained laid up alongside HMAS Waterhen in Waverton, Sydney for use as the alongside set for the TV drama series 'Sea Patrol'.SignificanceThis is an example of the type of ship models sailors often built as commemorative keepsakes of a vessel, voyage or event. This particular item pays tribute to the patrol boat FREMANTLE.
