HMAS Stuart (FFH 153)

Last updated

HMAS Stuart FBE 2014.JPG
HMAS Stuart in 2014
History
Naval Ensign of Australia.svgAustralia
Builder Tenix Defence
Laid down25 July 1998
Launched17 April 1999
Commissioned17 August 2002
Homeport Fleet Base West
Motto"Always Prepared"
Nickname(s)"The Tartan Terror"
Honours and
awards		Eight inherited battle honours
StatusActive as of 2023
General characteristics
Class and type Anzac-class frigate
Displacement3,600 tonnes full load
Length118 m (387 ft)
Beam15 m (49 ft)
Draught4 m (13 ft)
Propulsion
  • 1 × General Electric LM 2500 gas turbine providing 30,000 hp (22.5 mW)
  • 2 × MTU 12v 1163 TB83 diesels providing 8,840 hp (6.5 mW)
Speed27 knots (50 km/h; 31 mph)
Range6,000 nautical miles (11,000 km; 6,900 mi) at 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph)
Complementapproximately 170 sailors
Sensors and
processing systems
  • Sonars: Thomson Sintra Spherion B Mod 5; hull-mounted; active search and attack; medium frequency. Provision for towed array
  • Air search radar: Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)8 ANZ (C/D-band)
  • Surface search radar: CelsiusTech 9LV 453 TIR (Ericsson Tx/Rx) (G-band)
  • Navigation: Atlas Elektronik 9600 ARPA (I-band)
Electronic warfare
& decoys
  • ESM: Racal modified Sceptre A (radar intercept), Telefunken PST-1720 Telegon 10 (comms intercept)
  • Countermeasures: Decoys: G & D Aircraft SRBOC Mk 36 Mod 1 decoy launchers for SRBOC
Armament
  • Guns and missiles: 1 × 5 in/54 (127 mm) Mk 45 Mod 2 gun, various machine guns and small arms, 2 × 4 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, Mk 41 Mod 5 VLS for Sea Sparrow and Evolved Sea Sparrow
  • Torpedoes: 2 × triple 324 mm Mk 32 Mod 5 tubes
  • Fire control: CelsiusTech 9LV 453 (J-band)
  • Combat data systems: CelsiusTech 9LV 453 Mk 3.Link 11
  • Weapons control: CelsiusTech 9LV 453 optronic director with Raytheon CW Mk 73 Mod 1
Aircraft carried1 × Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk

HMAS Stuart (FFH 153) is an Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). She was built at Williamstown in Victoria, and commissioned into the RAN in 2002. The frigate is operational as of 2021.

Contents

Design and construction

The Anzac class originated from RAN plans to replace the six River-class destroyer escorts with a mid-capability patrol frigate. [1] [2] [3] The Australian shipbuilding industry was thought to be incapable of warship design, so the RAN decided to take a proven foreign design and modify it. [1] [3] Around the same time, the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) was looking to replace four Leander-class frigates; a deterioration in New Zealand-United States relations, the need to improve alliances with nearby nations, and the commonalities between the RAN and RNZN ships' requirements led the two nations to begin collaborating on the acquisition in 1987. [4] [5] Tenders were requested by the Anzac Ship Project at the end of 1986, with 12 ship designs (including an airship) submitted. [1] [6] By August 1987, the tenders were narrowed down in October to Blohm + Voss's MEKO 200 design, the M class (later Karel Doorman class) offered by Royal Schelde, and a scaled-down Type 23 frigate proposed by Yarrow Shipbuilders. [5] [7] In 1989, the Australian government announced that Melbourne-based shipbuilder AMECON (which became Tenix Defence) would build the modified MEKO 200 design. [3] [5] [7] The Australians ordered eight ships, while New Zealand ordered two, with an unexercised option for two more. [8] [9]

The Anzacs are based on Blohm + Voss' MEKO 200 PN (or Vasco da Gama-class) frigates, modified to meet Australian and New Zealand specifications and maximise the use of locally built equipment. [10] [3] Each frigate has a 3,600-tonne (3,500-long-ton; 4,000-short-ton) full load displacement. [11] The ships are 109 metres (358 ft) long at the waterline, and 118 metres (387 ft) long overall, with a beam of 14.8 metres (49 ft), and a full load draught of 4.35 metres (14.3 ft). [11] A Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion machinery layout is used, with a single, 30,172-horsepower (22,499 kW) General Electric LM2500-30 gas turbine and two 8,840-horsepower (6,590 kW) MTU 12V1163 TB83 diesel engines driving the ship's two controllable-pitch propellers. [11] [3] Maximum speed is 27 knots (50 km/h; 31 mph), and maximum range is over 6,000 nautical miles (11,000 km; 6,900 mi) at 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph); about 50% greater than other MEKO 200 designs. [11] [3] [12] The standard ship's company of an Anzac consists of 22 officers and 141 sailors. [11]

As designed, the main armament for the frigate is a 5-inch 54 calibre Mark 45 gun, supplemented by an eight-cell Mark 41 vertical launch system (for RIM-7 Sea Sparrow or RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles), two 12.7-millimetre (0.50 in) machine guns, and two Mark 32 triple torpedo tube sets (initially firing Mark 46 torpedoes, but later upgraded to use the MU90 Impact torpedo). [11] [3] [13] They were also designed for but not with a close-in weapons system (two Mini Typhoons fitted when required from 2005 onwards), two quad-canister Harpoon anti-ship missile launchers (which were installed across the RAN vessels from 2005 onwards), and a second Mark 41 launcher (which has not been added). [3] [14] [15] The Australian Anzacs use a Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopter; plans to replace them with Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprites were cancelled in 2008 due to ongoing problems. [3] [16] [17]

Stuart was laid down at Williamstown, Victoria on 25 July 1998. [8] The ship was assembled from six hull modules and six superstructure modules; the superstructure modules were fabricated in Whangarei, New Zealand, and hull modules were built at both Williamstown and Newcastle, New South Wales, with final integration at Williamstown. [3] She was launched on 17 April 1999 [8] by the wife of Admiral Chris Barrie, the Chief of the Defence Force,[ citation needed ] and commissioned into the RAN on 17 August 2002. [8]

Operational history

In April 2003, Stuart was used to capture Pong Su, a North Korean-owned freighter involved in drug smuggling operations. [18] Several people were arrested ashore as part of an Australian Federal Police operation on 16 April, but Pong Su refused police orders to sail to the nearest port. [18] A New South Wales Police launch attempted to detain the ship, off Eden, New South Wales on 18 April, but was unable to do so because of heavy seas. [18] Stuart was deployed to board and capture the merchantman after scrounging sailors from other ships to make up for those on leave for the Easter weekend, embarking a Seahawk helicopter, and taking onboard special forces personnel from the Special Air Service Regiment and the Clearance Diving Team. [18] Accompanied by two police launches, Stuart intercepted Pong Su90 nautical miles (170 km; 100 mi) off Sydney on 20 April. [18] The special forces successfully boarded the ship, and she was sailed to Sydney by a RAN steaming party. [18]

In 2004, Stuart was deployed to the Persian Gulf as part of Operation Catalyst. On 24 April, Stuart, the patrol boat USS Firebolt, and the cruiser USS Yorktown were patrolling around the Al Başrah Oil Terminal (ABOT) and Khor Al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT), with Stuart's commanding officer in tactical control of the two American warships. [19] Around 19:00, a dhow sailed into the KAAOT security zone. [19] Firebolt sent a RHIB to board the dhow and order the vessel away, but as the RHIB drew alongside, the dhow exploded. [19] Stuart, 4.1 nautical miles (7.6 km; 4.7 mi) away, began sailing to assist, while the Australian ship's S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopter, 6 nautical miles (11 km; 6.9 mi) away diverted to the explosion site. [19] The Seahawk and a RHIB from Stuart began assisting survivors from Firebolt's boarding party; after experiencing difficulty in handling the injured Americans, the Seahawk's sensor operator dived into the water to assist. [19] Casualties were brought aboard Firebolt, then transferred by helicopter and boat to Stuart. [19] Meanwhile, two more dhows attempted to attack ABOT—the explosion of the first dhow was the prelude to a coordinated attack on the oil terminal—but were fended off by the facility's Iraqi security team and detonated before reaching their targets. [19] Three of the seven personnel aboard Firebolt's RHIB were killed, and the other four were seriously injured. [20] The Seahawk's sensor operator was later awarded the Medal for Gallantry for his actions during the incident. [21]

Stuart arriving at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in 2006 shortly before participating in that year's RIMPAC training exercise HMAS Stuart FFH 153.jpg
Stuart arriving at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in 2006 shortly before participating in that year's RIMPAC training exercise

In February 2006, fire broke out about HMNZS Te Mana, Stuart's sister ship, during an exercise off the coast of Australia. Te Mana's Seasprite helicopter was diverted to Stuart, while the fire was put out by the crew. [22]

On the morning of 13 March 2009, Stuart was one of seventeen warships involved in a ceremonial fleet entry and fleet review in Sydney Harbour, the largest collection of RAN ships since the Australian Bicentenary in 1988. [23] The frigate was one of the thirteen ships involved in the ceremonial entry through Sydney Heads, and anchored in the harbour for the review.

On 22 March 2011, while operating off Somalia as part of Combined Task Force 151, Stuart machine-gunned an unmanned skiff being towed by MV Sinar Kudus, a hijacked cargo carrier operating as a pirate mother ship. [24] [25] The skiff was destroyed. [24] This was the first time an Australian warship had fired in anger at Somali pirates. [24]

On 11 April 2011, Stuart interdicted the Yemeni-flagged dhow named Al Shahar 75. A boarding party from the frigate rescued three crew members being held hostage, while the fifteen Somali pirates, who had surrendered as Stuart approached, were allowed to return to their skiff and sail to shore after their weapons and equipment were disposed of. [26]

In October 2013, Stuart participated in the International Fleet Review 2013 in Sydney. [27]

In November 2014, Stuart and sister ship Parramatta were deployed to shadow a Russian naval force operating in international waters off Australia during the 2014 G-20 Brisbane summit. [28] The Russian deployment was believed to be in response to troubled recent relationships between the two nations. [28]

Stuart is the last ship of the Anzac class to undergo the Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) upgrade. [29] The upgrade will include the fitting of CEA Technologies' CEAFAR and CEAMOUNT phased array radars on new masts, a Vampir NG Infrared Search and Track system, and Sharpeye Navigational Radar Systems, along with improvements to the operations room equipment and layout. [30] Work commenced in early 2016, and is due to be completed by 2017. [29]

HMAS Stuart joined KDB Darulehsan, HMAS Sirius, USS Rafael Peralta and RSS Supreme on their way to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in preparation for RIMPAC 2020 on 6 August. RIMPAC 2020 will scheduled to start on 17 August. [31]

Related Research Articles

HMAS <i>Darwin</i> (FFG 04) Adelaide-class frigate

HMAS Darwin, named for the capital city of the Northern Territory, was an Adelaide-class guided-missile frigate, formerly in service with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). One of four ships ordered from the United States, Darwin entered service in 1984. During her career, she has operated in the Persian Gulf, as part of the INTERFET peacekeeping taskforce, and off the Solomon Islands. The frigate underwent a major upgrade during 2007 and 2008. She was decommissioned on 9 December 2017 and was supposed to be scuttled as a dive wreck in Tasmania, but the deal was pulled by the Tasmanian Government and her fate remains uncertain.

HMAS <i>Adelaide</i> (FFG 01) Frigate of the Royal Australian Navy, lead ship of the class

HMAS Adelaide was the lead ship of the Adelaide class of guided missile frigates built for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), based on the United States Navy's Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates. She was built in the United States and commissioned into the RAN in 1980.

<i>Anzac</i>-class frigate Australian military ship class

The Anzac class is a ship class of ten frigates; eight operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and two operated by the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). During the 1980s, the RAN began plans to replace the River-class destroyer escorts with a mid-capability patrol frigate and settled on the idea of modifying a proven German design for Australian conditions. Around the same time, the RNZN was seeking to replace their Leander-class frigates while maintaining blue-water capabilities. A souring of relations between New Zealand and the United States of America in relation to New Zealand's nuclear-free zone and the ANZUS security treaty prompted New Zealand to seek improved ties with other nations, particularly Australia. As both nations were seeking warships of similar capabilities, the decision was made in 1987 to collaborate on their acquisition. The project name is taken from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps of the First World War.

HMAS <i>Parramatta</i> (FFH 154) Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy

HMAS Parramatta is an Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). One of ten warships built for the RAN and Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) based on the MEKO 200 design, Parramatta was laid down in 1999, launched in 2003, and commissioned into the RAN in 2003. During her career, the frigate has been deployed to the Middle East on several occasions. In early 2015, Parramatta was docked to undergo the Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) upgrade. She completed these upgrades in April 2016.

HMAS <i>Sydney</i> (FFG 03)

HMAS Sydney was an Adelaide-class guided-missile frigate of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The frigate was one of six modified Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates ordered from 1977 onwards, and the third of four to be constructed in the United States of America. Laid down and launched in 1980, Sydney was named for the capital city of New South Wales, and commissioned into the RAN in 1983.

HMAS <i>Anzac</i> (FFH 150) Anzac-class frigate of Royal Australian Navy

HMAS Anzac is the lead ship of the Anzac-class frigates in use with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). Entering Australian service in 1996, the frigate operated as part of the INTERFET peacekeeping taskforce in 1999. In 2003, she was involved in the Battle of Al Faw, and became the first RAN ship to fire in anger since the Vietnam War.

HMAS <i>Arunta</i> (FFH 151) Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy

HMAS Arunta is an Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The ship, named for the Arrernte people, was laid down in 1995 and commissioned in 1998. Since entering service, Arunta has performed a wide range of duties, including border protection patrols in northern Australian waters, and several deployments to the Persian Gulf.

HMNZS <i>Te Kaha</i> Anzac-class frigate of Royal New Zealand Navy

HMNZS Te Kaha (F77) is one of ten Anzac-class frigates, and one of two serving in the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). The name Te Kaha is Māori, meaning 'fighting prowess' or 'strength'.

HMAS <i>Perth</i> (FFH 157) Anzac-class frigate of Royal Australian Navy

HMAS Perth is an Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The last ship of the class to be completed, she was built by Tenix Defence and commissioned into the RAN in 2006. In 2007, Perth became the first major warship of the RAN to be commanded by a woman. During 2010 and 2011, the frigate was used as the testbed for a major upgrade to the Anzac class' ability to defend themselves from anti-ship missiles.

HMAS <i>Toowoomba</i> (FFH 156) Anzac-class frigate of Royal Australian Navy

HMAS Toowoomba is the seventh Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). She was laid down in 2002 by Tenix Defence and commissioned in 2005.

HMAS <i>Warramunga</i> (FFH 152) Anzac-class frigate of Royal Australian Navy

HMAS Warramunga is an Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). One of ten frigates built for the Australian and New Zealand navies, Warramunga was laid down by Tenix Defence in 1997 and commissioned in 2001. During her career, the frigate has operated in the Persian Gulf as part of Operation Catalyst, and undertaken anti-piracy operations off Somalia. Warramunga underwent the Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) upgrade during 2014. She is active as of October 2022.

HMAS <i>Ballarat</i> (FFH 155) Anzac-class frigate of Royal Australian Navy

HMAS Ballarat is an Anzac-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The frigate was laid down in 2000 and commissioned into the RAN in mid-2004. Since entering service, Ballarat has been involved in border protection as part of Operation Relex II, was deployed to the Gulf for Operation Catalyst, and was one of the two ships involved in the Operation Northern Trident 2009 round-the-world voyage. Ballarat has undergone the Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) upgrade, completing in 2015.

HMAS <i>Melbourne</i> (FFG 05) Adelaide-class guided missile frigate of the Royal Australian Navy

HMAS Melbourne was an Adelaide-class guided-missile frigate of the Royal Australian Navy, which entered service in 1992. Melbourne has been deployed to the Persian Gulf on several occasions, and served as part of the INTERFET peacekeeping taskforce in 2000. On 26 October 2019, Melbourne was decommissioned from the RAN, subsequently being transferred to Chile. The ship was commissioned into the Chilean Navy as Almirante Latorre on 15 April 2020.

HMAS <i>Canberra</i> (FFG 02) Guided missile frigate

HMAS Canberra was an Adelaide class guided missile frigate of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Based on the Oliver Hazard Perry class design, Canberra was one of four Adelaide class ships constructed in the United States of America, and one of six to serve in the RAN.

HMNZS <i>Te Mana</i> (F111) Anzac-class frigate of Royal New Zealand Navy

HMNZS Te Mana (F111) is one of ten Anzac-class frigates and one of two serving in the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). The name Te Mana is Māori, approximately translating as 'status' or 'authority'. The ship was laid down under the joint Anzac project by Tenix Defence at Williamstown, Victoria in 1996, launched in 1997, and commissioned into the RNZN in 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fleet Air Arm (RAN)</span> Naval aviation arm of the Royal Australian Navy

The Fleet Air Arm (FAA), known formerly as the Australian Navy Aviation Group, is the division of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) responsible for the operation of aircraft. The FAA was founded in 1947 following the purchase of two aircraft carriers from the Royal Navy. FAA personnel fought in the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and participated in later conflicts and operations from host warships.

The Royal Australian Navy, although a significant force in the Asia-Pacific region, is nonetheless classed as a medium-sized navy. Its fleet is based around two main types of surface combatant, with limited global deployment and air power capability. However, in 2009, a white paper, Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030, was produced by the Australian government which set out a programme of defence spending that will see significant improvements to the RAN's fleet and capabilities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite</span> Type of aircraft

The Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite is an American ship-based helicopter with anti-submarine, anti-surface threat capability, including over-the-horizon targeting. This aircraft extends and increases shipboard sensor and weapon capabilities against several types of enemy threats, including submarines of all types, surface ships, and patrol craft that may be armed with anti-ship missiles. It was originally developed for the United States Navy in the 1980s as a reengined version of the older Kaman SH-2 Seasprite.

HMAS <i>Canberra</i> (L02) Royal Australian Navy helicopter landing ship

HMAS Canberra (L02) is the first ship of the Canberra-class landing helicopter dock in service with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and is the second largest in the Navy, succeeded by its sister ship HMAS Adelaide (L01). Construction of the ship started in Spain in 2008, with the hull launched by Navantia in 2011. The hull was then transported to Australia in late 2012 for completion by BAE Systems Australia. Canberra was commissioned on 28 November 2014.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Jones 2001, p. 244
  2. ↑ Fairall-Lee 2007 , p. 336
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Grazebrook, A.W. (1 November 1996). "Anzac frigates sail diverging courses". Jane's Navy International. 101 (9). Jane's Information Group.
  4. ↑ Greener 2009, pp. 23–9
  5. 1 2 3 Jones 2001, p. 245
  6. ↑ Greener 2009, p. 30
  7. 1 2 Greener 2009, p. 31
  8. 1 2 3 4 Wertheim 2007, p. 20
  9. ↑ Greener 2009, pp. 43–4
  10. ↑ Wertheim 2007, pp. 20–1
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 JIG 1998, pp. 25, 470
  12. ↑ Wertheim 2007, p. 21
  13. ↑ Fish, Tim; Grevatt, Jon (24 June 2008). "Australia's HMAS Toowoomba test fires MU90 torpedo". Jane's Navy International. Jane's Information Group.
  14. ↑ Scott, Richard (16 December 2005). "Updating ANZACs to meet changed strategic posture". Jane's Navy International. Jane's Information Group.
  15. ↑ Scott, Richard (12 December 2007). "Enhanced small-calibre systems offer shipborne stopping power". International Defence Review. Jane's Information Group.
  16. ↑ Grevatt, Jon (5 March 2008). "Australia cancels troubled Super Seasprite programme". Jane's Defence Industry. Jane's Information Group.
  17. ↑ Forbes, Mark (17 June 2002). "How a helicopter deal flew into trouble". The Age. Retrieved 20 September 2011.
  18. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Cornford, Philip; Malkin, Bonnie (21 April 2003). "Drug chase ends in sea capture". The Age. Retrieved 29 October 2011.
  19. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Shovell, Damian (17 June 2004). "Terror in the Gulf". Navy News. Royal Australian Navy. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  20. ↑ Helmer, Kendra (27 April 2004). "Suicide bombing attack claims first Coast Guardsman since Vietnam War". Stars and Stripes. United States Armed Forces. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  21. ↑ "Navy Aircrewman Honoured at NSW Government House". Image Gallery: May 2009. Department of Defence. 7 May 2009. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  22. ↑ "Sailors fought fire at sea on Anzac warship". The New Zealand Herald. 27 March 2006. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  23. ↑ Brooke, Michael (2 April 2009). "Marching into History". Navy News. Department of Defence. p. 11. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  24. 1 2 3 Oakes, Dan (26 March 2011). "Navy takes its first shot at pirates". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  25. ↑ "MV SINAR KUDUS is pirated in the North Arabian Sea and is almost immediately used as a mothership". European Union Naval Force Somalia. 17 March 2011. Archived from the original on 5 November 2011. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  26. ↑ "Australian Navy rescues hostages off Somalia". Defence News. Department of Defence (Australia). 15 April 2011. Retrieved 4 July 2015.
  27. ↑ "Participating Warships". International Fleet Review 2013 website. Royal Australian Navy. 2013. Archived from the original on 10 December 2013. Retrieved 14 December 2015.
  28. 1 2 Nicholson, Brendan; Martin, Sarah; Markson, Sharri (13 November 2014). "Troubled waters as Russians send warships". The Australian Business Review. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
  29. 1 2 "BAE completes anti-ship missile defence upgrade of HMAS Ballarat". naval-technology.com. Kable. 3 September 2015. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
  30. ↑ "ASMD Upgrade commences on Perth". The Navy. 72 (2). The Navy League of Australia: 16–17. April 2010.
  31. ↑ Milne, Sandy (5 August 2020). "RAN commences exercises with warships from Singapore, Brunei". www.defenceconnect.com.au. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
Books
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.