New ship for Australian Navy

The Royal Australian Navy’s newest ship HMAS Choules has arrived at its homeport at Fleet Base East in Sydney for the first time after being formally commissioned into service in Fremantle in December 2011.

Family and friends lined the wharf to welcome the Navy's latest amphibious ship and her crew of 158.

Commander of Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore  joined HMAS Choules for her maiden voyage through Sydney Heads, before officially handing over command to the new Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Tim Barrett .

The acquisition of HMAS Choules will ensure that the Royal Australian Navy has the amphibious capability it needs for operations and humanitarian support in our region in the period leading up to the arrival of the Royal Australian Navy’s Landing Helicopter Dock Ships in 2014 and 2015.