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{{Short description|Royal Australian Navy base in the Northern Territory}}
{{ref improve|date=December 2012}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:HMAS ''Coonawarra''}}
{{Infobox Military Structure
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2017}}
|name=HMAS ''Coonawarra''
{{Use Australian English|date=August 2017}}
|location=Darwin, Northern Territory
{{Infobox military installation
|image=]
| name = HMAS ''Coonawarra''
|caption=] at Stokes Hill Wharf, Darwin March 1975 (after ]).
| ensign =
|type=Navy base
| ensign_size =
|built=1940
| native_name =
|materials=
| partof = <!-- for elements within a larger site -->
|used=1935–current
| location = ], ]
|controlledby=] ] (1935-1967)<br/>{{navy|Australia}} (1967-Present)
| nearest_town = <!-- used in military test site infobox -->
|garrison=
| country = Australia
|commanders=] Ben Favelle, ]
| image = HMAS Coonawarra.png
|battles=
| alt =
| caption = ] of HMAS ''Coonawarra''
| image2 = <!--secondary image, major command emblems for airfields -->
| alt2 =
| caption2 =
| type = ]
| coordinates = {{coord|12|27|31|S|130|49|18|E|region:AU-NT_type:city(109,419)|display=title,inline}}<!-- {{Coord}} -->
| gridref =
| image_map =
| image_mapsize =
| image_map_alt =
| image_map_caption =
| pushpin_map = Northern Territory
| pushpin_mapsize =
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in the ]
| pushpin_relief = 1
| pushpin_image =
| pushpin_label =
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_mark =
| pushpin_marksize =
| ownership = ]<!-- government department such as the MoD or the United States DoD -->
| operator = {{navy|Australia|1913}} (1935{{spaced endash}} 1967)<br/>{{nowrap|{{navy|Australia}} (1967{{spaced endash}} present)}}<!-- where different from ownership such as the RAF or the USAF -->
| controlledby = <!-- such as RAF Bomber Command or the Eighth Air Force -->
| open_to_public = <!-- for out of use sites/sites with museums etc -->
| site_other_label = <!-- for renaming "Other facilities" in infobox -->
| site_other = <!-- for other sorts of facilities - radar types etc -->
| site_area = <!-- area of site m2, km2 square mile etc -->
| code = <!--facility/installation code, applies to US -->
| built = {{Start date|1940}}
| used = 1935{{spaced endash}} current<!--{{End date|1946}} -->
| builder =
| materials =
| height = <!-- height of tallest part, not above sea level -->
| length = <!-- for border fences or other DMZs -->
| fate = <!--changed from demolished parameter-->
| condition =
| battles =
| events =
| current_commander = ] Viktor Pilicic, RAN<!-- current commander -->
| past_commanders = <!-- past notable commander(s) -->
| garrison = <!-- such as the 25th Bombardment Group -->
| occupants = <!-- squadrons only -->
| website = {{URL|navy.gov.au/establishments/hmas-coonawarra}}
| footnotes = <!-- catchall in case it's needed to preserve something in infobox that doesn't work in new code -->
}} }}
'''HMAS ''Coonawarra''''' is a ] base located in ], ] and is home to twelve fleet units of the Royal Australian Navy. '''HMAS ''Coonawarra''''' is a ] (RAN) ] located in ], ], and is home to seven fleet units of the RAN. The current commander is ] Moses Raudino, ADC, RAN.


==History== ==History==
During ], ] had been used as a coaling station for naval ships, but it was not considered a naval base. Later, during the 1930s, the RAN constructed oil fuel tanks on the harbour front, holding about {{convert|90000|ST|t|order=flip}} of oil. All were destroyed in the ] on 19 February 1942.<ref name=RANcoonawarra>{{cite web |url=https://www.navy.gov.au/establishments/hmas-coonawarra |title=HMAS Coonawarra |work=] |publisher=Australian Government |access-date=5 August 2017 }}</ref>
]
During ] ] port had been used as a coaling station for naval ships, but it was not considered a naval base. Later, during the 1930s, the ] constructed oil fuel tanks on the harbour front, holding about 90,000&nbsp;tons of oil. All were destroyed in the ] on 19 February 1942.


The first naval depot at Darwin was established in January 1935. This was a naval reserve depot, commanded by Lieutenant Commander H.P. Jarrett. At this time, Darwin was part of the ]. In 1937, the ] was separated from the Queensland District, and the first District Naval Officer, Lieutenant Commander J.H. Walker, was appointed. In 1939, under the recommendation of the ], a high-powered ] was constructed. The period leading up to ] saw a build up of personnel, the establishment of fuelling facilities, a boom depot and later the Navy paid for improvements to Darwin's water supply in order to provide an adequate supply of water for visiting naval ships. The first naval depot at Darwin was established in January 1935. This was a naval reserve depot, commanded by Lieutenant Commander H.P. Jarrett. At this time, Darwin was part of the ]. In 1937, the ] was separated from the Queensland District, and the first District Naval Officer, Lieutenant Commander J.H. Walker, was appointed. In 1939, under the recommendation of the ], a high-powered ] was constructed. The period leading up to ] saw a buildup of personnel, the establishment of fuelling facilities, a boom depot and later the Navy paid for improvements to Darwin's water supply in order to provide an adequate supply of water for visiting naval ships.<ref name=RANcoonawarra/>


At the outbreak of ], the Naval depot in Darwin was named HMAS ''Penguin'', and on 1 August 1940 was formally commissioned as ]. Throughout ], the Wireless Transmitting Station provided essential communications service in support of Allied Operations in the South West Pacific regions. The base suffered significant damage during the Japanese bombing raids on the city. At the outbreak of World War II, the naval depot in Darwin was named HMAS ''Penguin'', and on 1 August 1940 was formally commissioned as {{HMAS|Melville|naval base|6}}. Throughout World War II, the Wireless Transmitting Station provided essential communications service in support of Allied Operations in the South West Pacific regions. The base suffered significant damage during the Japanese bombing raids on the city.<ref name=RANcoonawarra/>


]).]]
After ], the base continued to be known as HMAS ''Melville''. The development of Darwin during the 1950s and 1960s saw the size of ''Melville'' shrink, the problem was intensified by the continued growth of naval personnel in Darwin. It was decided to decommission ''Melville'' and relocate the RAN's Darwin base to naval Wireless Transmitting Station ''Coonawarra''. Although the base was transferred over and commissioned at HMAS ''Coonawarra'' on 16 March 1970, facilities at ''Melville'' remained operational until their destruction by ] on 25 December 1974.
After World War II, the base continued to be known as HMAS ''Melville''. The development of Darwin during the 1950s and 1960s saw the size of ''Melville'' shrink, the problem was intensified by the continued growth of naval personnel in Darwin. It was decided to decommission ''Melville'' and relocate the RAN's Darwin base to naval Wireless Transmitting Station ''Coonawarra''. Although the base was transferred over and commissioned at HMAS ''Coonawarra'' on 16 March 1970, facilities at ''Melville'' remained operational until their destruction by ] on 25 December 1974.<ref name=RANcoonawarra/>


On 30 November 2012, fourteen firearms were stolen from an {{sclass|Armidale|patrol boat|2}} moored at the base.<ref name="guns recovered"/><ref name="guns stolen">{{cite web|title=Navy officer assaulted, weapons stolen|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/navy-officer-assaulted-weapons-stolen/story-fn3dxiwe-1226527398841|work=] |access-date=30 November 2012|date=30 November 2012}}</ref> The weapons were recovered the next day.<ref name="guns recovered">{{cite news|title=Police recover stolen navy weapons|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-01/police-recover-stolen-navy-weapons/4402808|access-date=1 December 2012|work=] |location=Australia |date=1 December 2012}}</ref>
Over recent years ''Coonawarra'' has been expanded into a modern naval facility.


==Facilities and operational units==
=== Incidents ===
The wharf can accommodate six vessels, berthed three abreast. Services such as fuel, electrical power, compressed air, sewerage out, oily waste suction, and defuelling is available at the berthing points. The facility has the capability to dock a vessel with a draught of up to {{convert|2|m|ft|spell=on}} at any tide, is capable of lifting or lowering a vessel up to {{convert|750|t|ST}} at a rate of {{convert|420|mm|in}} per minute, and is designed to withstand cyclones.
Early on 30 November 2012 an armed intruder stole fourteen firearms from an ] moored at the base. Two pump-action shotguns and twelve semi-automatic pistols were stolen.<ref name="guns recovered"/>
The balaclava clad intruder overwhelmed a crew member before using ] to restrain them.<ref name="guns stolen">{{cite web|title=Navy officer assaulted, weapons stolen|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/navy-officer-assaulted-weapons-stolen/story-fn3dxiwe-1226527398841|publisher=theaustralian.com.au|accessdate=30 November 2012|date=30 November 2012}}</ref>


In 2016 the Australian Government announced plans to significantly redevelop ''Coonawarra'' as one of northern Australia's key strategic naval bases. The plans announced projected that the base will support an increased maritime force, including some of the twelve new offshore patrol vessels that will be based in Darwin. An {{AUD}}1.2&nbsp;billion injection was expected to commence in 2025.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-25/nt-economy-set-for-massive-boost-on-back-of-defence-spending/7199816 |title=Defence White Paper: NT economy set for massive boost on the back of spending to match Asia's growing military presence |work=] |location=Australia |author=Shields, Wayne |date=25 February 2016 |access-date=5 August 2017 }}</ref>
The firearms were all recovered on 1 December when the Major and Serious Crime Squad raided a Darwin city unit at about 2:30pm. One man was taken into custody.<ref name="guns recovered">{{cite news|title=Police recover stolen navy weapons|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-01/police-recover-stolen-navy-weapons/4402808|accessdate=1 December 2012|newspaper=abc.net.au|date=1 December 2012}}</ref>


===Ships stationed===
==Facilities==
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|*''Armidale'' class:
The wharf can accommodate six vessels, berthed three abreast. Services such as fuel, electrical power, compressed air, sewerage out, oily waste suction, and defuelling is available at the berthing points. The facility has the capability to dock a vessel with a draught of up to two metres at any tide, is capable of lifting or lowering a vessel up to 750 tonnes at a rate of {{convert|420|mm|in}} per minute, and is designed to withstand cyclones.
**]
**]
**]
**]
}}
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|*''Cape'' class:
**]
**]
**]
**]
}}


==Ships Stationed== ==See also==
{{stack|}}
Armidale class
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]


==References== ==References==
{{reflist}} {{reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
* *


{{Portal bar|Australia|Royal Australian Navy}}
{{Royal Australian Navy}}
{{RAN Bases}} {{RAN Bases}}

{{coord|12|27|31|S|130|49|18|E|region:AU-NT_type:city(109,419)|display=title}}
] ]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 09:39, 22 December 2024

Royal Australian Navy base in the Northern Territory

HMAS Coonawarra
Darwin, Northern Territory in Australia
Ship's badge of HMAS Coonawarra
HMAS Coonawarra is located in Northern TerritoryHMAS CoonawarraHMAS CoonawarraLocation in the Northern Territory
Coordinates12°27′31″S 130°49′18″E / 12.45861°S 130.82167°E / -12.45861; 130.82167
TypeNaval base
Site information
OwnerDepartment of Defence
Operator Royal Australian Navy (1935 – 1967)
 Royal Australian Navy (1967 – present)
Websitenavy.gov.au/establishments/hmas-coonawarra
Site history
Built1940 (1940)
In use1935 – current
Garrison information
Current
commander		Commander Viktor Pilicic, RAN

HMAS Coonawarra is a Royal Australian Navy (RAN) base located in Darwin, Northern Territory, and is home to seven fleet units of the RAN. The current commander is Captain Moses Raudino, ADC, RAN.

History

During World War I, Port Darwin had been used as a coaling station for naval ships, but it was not considered a naval base. Later, during the 1930s, the RAN constructed oil fuel tanks on the harbour front, holding about 82,000 tonnes (90,000 short tons) of oil. All were destroyed in the Japanese attack on Darwin on 19 February 1942.

The first naval depot at Darwin was established in January 1935. This was a naval reserve depot, commanded by Lieutenant Commander H.P. Jarrett. At this time, Darwin was part of the Naval Reserve District of Queensland. In 1937, the Naval District of the Northern Territory was separated from the Queensland District, and the first District Naval Officer, Lieutenant Commander J.H. Walker, was appointed. In 1939, under the recommendation of the Committee of Imperial Defence, a high-powered radio transmitter was constructed. The period leading up to World War II saw a buildup of personnel, the establishment of fuelling facilities, a boom depot and later the Navy paid for improvements to Darwin's water supply in order to provide an adequate supply of water for visiting naval ships.

At the outbreak of World War II, the naval depot in Darwin was named HMAS Penguin, and on 1 August 1940 was formally commissioned as HMAS Melville. Throughout World War II, the Wireless Transmitting Station provided essential communications service in support of Allied Operations in the South West Pacific regions. The base suffered significant damage during the Japanese bombing raids on the city.

Attack-class patrol boats at Stokes Hill Wharf, Darwin March 1975 (after Cyclone Tracy).

After World War II, the base continued to be known as HMAS Melville. The development of Darwin during the 1950s and 1960s saw the size of Melville shrink, the problem was intensified by the continued growth of naval personnel in Darwin. It was decided to decommission Melville and relocate the RAN's Darwin base to naval Wireless Transmitting Station Coonawarra. Although the base was transferred over and commissioned at HMAS Coonawarra on 16 March 1970, facilities at Melville remained operational until their destruction by Cyclone Tracy on 25 December 1974.

On 30 November 2012, fourteen firearms were stolen from an Armidale-class patrol boat moored at the base. The weapons were recovered the next day.

Facilities and operational units

The wharf can accommodate six vessels, berthed three abreast. Services such as fuel, electrical power, compressed air, sewerage out, oily waste suction, and defuelling is available at the berthing points. The facility has the capability to dock a vessel with a draught of up to two metres (six point six feet) at any tide, is capable of lifting or lowering a vessel up to 750 tonnes (830 short tons) at a rate of 420 millimetres (17 in) per minute, and is designed to withstand cyclones.

In 2016 the Australian Government announced plans to significantly redevelop Coonawarra as one of northern Australia's key strategic naval bases. The plans announced projected that the base will support an increased maritime force, including some of the twelve new offshore patrol vessels that will be based in Darwin. An A$1.2 billion injection was expected to commence in 2025.

Ships stationed

See also

References

  1. ^ "HMAS Coonawarra". Royal Australian Navy. Australian Government. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
  2. ^ "Police recover stolen navy weapons". ABC News. Australia. 1 December 2012. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  3. "Navy officer assaulted, weapons stolen". The Australian. 30 November 2012. Retrieved 30 November 2012.
  4. Shields, Wayne (25 February 2016). "Defence White Paper: NT economy set for massive boost on the back of spending to match Asia's growing military presence". ABC News. Australia. Retrieved 5 August 2017.

External links

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