AUS Crew of Larrakia Supports Commander In Chief

Department of Defence Media Mail List
MSPA 368/08
Tuesday, 18 November 2008

Larrakia Supports Commander In Chief

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.

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