HMAS Anzac (FFH 150)

HMAS "ANZAC" (FFH 150) is the lead ship of the "Anzac" class frigates in use with the Royal Australian Navy.

Construction

"Anzac" was laid down by Tenix Defence Systems at Williamstown, Victoria on 5 November 1993, launched on 16 September 1994 and commissioned on 13 May 1996.

Operational History

"Anzac" was deployed to the Persian Gulf from February until May 2003, as part of Operation Falconer.cite web |url=http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honours/honour_roll/search.cfm?aus_award_id=1055898&search_type=simple&showInd=true |title=It's An Honour - Honours |accessdate=2008-02-22 |quote=Citation: For sustained outstanding service in warlike operations in the Middle East Area of Operations between February and May 2003 whilst deployed on Operation FALCONER. ] She received the Meritorious Unit Citation on 27 November 2003 for her service during this deployment.

5 Inch Friday

On 21 March 2003 HMAS "Anzac" began naval gunfire in direct support of the British-led Royal Marine 40 Commando assault on Al Faw Peninsula in southern Iraq. For three days HMAS "Anzac" fired 42 shells on enemy positions, all falling on target. She was accompanied by the Royal Navy frigates HM Ships "Chatham", "Richmond" and "Marlborough". When "Anzac" began firing her 127 mm (5 inch) high explosive shells into military targets, it was the first time in 31 years a vessel of the RAN had fired her guns in anger. After withdrawing from the gun line HMAS "Anzac" received this message from 40 Commando:

The entire naval support operation was named "5 inch Friday" in recognition of the damage done by "Anzac"’s 127 millimetre gun.

Notes

External links

* [http://www.navy.gov.au/HMAS_Anzac HMAS "Anzac" web site]