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New supply ship Stalwart to call Geraldton home

Edward ScownGeraldton Guardian
The crew of NUSHIP Stalwart gather in front of their ship for the first time alongside Navantia crew on the ship's bridge at Fleet Base West in Western Australia.
Camera IconThe crew of NUSHIP Stalwart gather in front of their ship for the first time alongside Navantia crew on the ship's bridge at Fleet Base West in Western Australia. Credit: Picture: LSIS Ronnie Baltoft

The Royal Australian Navy has confirmed Geraldton as the home port of a soon-to-be commissioned supply ship.

NUSHIP Stalwart was launched on August 30, 2019 from a shipyard in Spain, and is planned to enter service on November 13. It is the third ship to bear the name after two S-class destroyers.

Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said Geraldton and the Navy had a long and shared history.

“Geraldton is home to a memorial acknowledging that HMAS Sydney II was sunk off the coast in 1941, and two ships have previously been named after the city,” she said.

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“Today’s announcement strengthens ties between the Royal Australian Navy and Geraldton, and will foster meaningful engagement opportunities.”

Commander Steve McCracken, the ship’s commanding officer, said his crew was looking forward to interacting with the Geraldton community.

“We hope to bring Stalwart to Geraldton in the near future and will look for an opportunity to host an open day and support local events,” he said.

Stalwart is the Navy’s second auxiliary oiler replenishment vessel, which will replace the existing supply fleet.

The double-hulled 173.9m ship will carry fuel, dry cargo, water, food, ammunition, equipment and spare parts to provide logistical support to naval combat units at sea.

The AOR vessels can also be used to provide humanitarian support following natural disasters.

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