The crew of the
Royal Australian Navy Patrol Boat, HMAS Larrakia today joined
the Governor-General of Australia, Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, at
a wreath laying ceremony at the Changi Chapel and Museum in
Singapore. The ceremony, organised by the Australian High
Commission, acknowledged the sacrifices made by Australia
in the defence of Singapore and the bond between the two nations.
“We are honoured to join the Governor-General to commemorate
the sacrifices and commitment made by Australia’s service
men and women. The ship’s company were moved by the heroism
of those who served in World War II,” said the Commanding
Officer of Larrakia, Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Nic Zillman.
The Armidale Class Patrol Boat (ACPB) is currently undertaking
a South East Asia deployment with port visits to Singapore
and Palau, to engage Australia’s regional neighbours
and strengthen international defence relationships.
The ACPBs are manned on a rotational basis. As a result, this
is the first time that the Attack Three crew has sailed north
to South East Asia since it was stood up in February 2006.
“This deployment is a great opportunity for Attack Three
to showcase one of the newest additions to the Royal Australian
Navy fleet to our counterparts in Singapore and Palau,”
said LCDR Zillman.
The primary role of all ACPBs is to support Operation Resolute,
the Australian Defence Force’s contribution to Australian
whole-of-government efforts to protect Australia’s Exclusive
Economic Zone. Larrakia is due to arrive back in Darwin on
5 December before returning to duties in support of Operation
Resolute.