HMAS Anzac Departs for the Middle East.

Australia's Finest doing their best

HMAS Anzac

HMAS Anzac is the first of her class and a modern warship, capable of operating in a multi-threat environment. Anzac's design is based on the German Meko 200 Class that uses modular construction methods. A feature of this method was the ability to share the construction of the 8 Australian and 2 New Zealand vessels throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Anzac is fitted with an advanced package of air surveillance radars; hull mounted sonar and electronic support systems that interface with state-of-the-art weapons systems. Anzac's armament comprises a five-inch (127-mm) gun, Harpoon missiles, Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles and Ship Launched Torpedoes.

The ship can embark a multi-role Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopter to enhance 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 torpedoes.

Anzac is the third Royal Australian Navy ship to carry the name of an Australian legend. Named after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during the First World War, the ANZAC's landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula as part of a larger Allied Force on the 25th of April 1915, meeting fierce resistance from the Turkish defenders. The campaign dragged on for a further eight months of hellish trench warfare, giving berth to a legend of endurance, selflessness, dedication to duty and mateship in the most demanding of environments. It is a shared memory of common sacrifice for the nations involved, regardless of nationality or religion, providing an enduring example for the men and women of the Australian Defence Force and Australian's as a whole. ANZAC Day is annually commemorated in Australia on the 25th of April. As such, Anzac proudly bears her name underpinned by the motto - "United We Stand".

In maintaining a close link with the rich traditions of the ANZAC spirit, during the Northern Trident 05 deployment, HMAS Anzac visited ANZAC Cove, Gallipoli for the 90th Anniversary of the landings. In company with warships of Britain, France and Turkey, Anzac provided a stunning backdrop to the official dawn service ceremony whilst some members of her crew participated in the services ashore. Anzac has been granted freedom of entry to the City of Albany, Western Australia, the departure port for the ANZAC's of old and also has a close association with the City of Rockingham. The Warnbro High School, near her homeport, has established the HMAS Anzac Learning Centre that promotes the education of our Navy and the history of Australia 's most costly war.

Other notable events Anzac participated in have included deployments to the Arabian Gulf, culminating in Naval Gunfire Support of British Royal Marines landings on Al Faw Peninsula, Iraq in 2003. During Northern Trident, Anzac celebrated the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar in the UK as part of the International Fleet Review. Anzac has also successfully contributed to Fisheries Protection, Border Protection and Maritime Rescue Operations through her over ten years in service.