HMAS Parramatta will boast improved crew internet connectivity and other services when she emerges from her first significant maintenance period since mid-2018, following a strong year of deployments and achievements. Cosmetically, the ship will also receive a re-painted hull and super-structure. The Anzac Class Frigate recently entered the Captain Cook Graving Dock, where she will undertake a maintenance package focused on the ship’s systems and propulsion plant, as well as the installation of a ‘Quality of Life’ system that will improve communications while at sea. The major docking would be followed by a full work-up process in early 2021 to return to operational capability.
Earlier this year Parramatta undertook a three-month Asia deployment, sailing more than 24,000 nautical miles and working with partner navies in the region to strengthen interoperability. Parramatta recently returned to her home port in Sydney following a busy 12 months of deployments that earned her the coveted Duke of Gloucester’s Cup for 2019 for demonstrating a high level of proficiency in all activities. The Duke of Gloucester’s Cup has been part of Royal Australian Navy tradition since 1946 and recognises the unit, squadron, clearance diving team or establishment that has displayed the highest overall level of skill in areas such as seamanship, training, administration, morale, maintenance and resourcefulness.
HMAS Parramatta (IV) is the fifth of eight Anzac Class Frigates built for the Royal Australian Navy by Tenix Marine Systems, Williamstown, Victoria. The design is based on the German Meko 200 frigate. Parramatta is a long-range frigate capable of air defence, surface and undersea warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction. Anzac’s combat capabilities have been significantly improved under the Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgrade program, a world class program that provides an enhanced sensor and weapons systems capability. Parramatta is fitted with an advanced package of air and surface surveillance radars; omni-directional hull mounted sonar and electronic support systems that interface with the state-of-the-art 9LV453 Mk3E combat data system.
The ship’s main armament comprises one Mark 45 capable of firing 20 rounds per minute, ship launched Mark 46 torpedoes and a Mark 41 vertical launch system for the Evolved Sea Sparrow missile. Parramatta also has eight anti-ship/land attack canister launched harpoon missiles. The ship’s other defence systems include the Nulka active missile decoy system, offboard chaff and a torpedo countermeasures system. The ship can embark Navy’s latest multi-role Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk helicopter which has enhanced anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare and Search and Rescue capabilities. Embarkation of a helicopter also provides the ship with the capability to deliver air-launched missiles and torpedoes.
