HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155)

HMAS "Ballarat" (FFH 155) is an "Anzac" class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

Construction

"Ballarat" was laid down by Tenix Defence Systems at Williamstown, Victoria on 4 August 2000.cite web |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/HMAS_Ballarat |title=HMAS Ballarat |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |accessdate=2008-08-23] She was launched on 25 May 2002 and commissioned on 26 June 2004. She was the eighth ship of the class to be constructed, and the sixth to enter service in the Royal Australian Navy.

The motto and badge of HMAS "Ballarat" are references to the events Eureka Stockade, which occurred at Ballarat in 1854.Fact|date=August 2008

Operational history

At the start of 2005, "Ballarat" was involved in Operation Relex II, a border protection operation in Australia's northern waters.cite news |url=http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/news/general/navy-opens-frigate-probe/231229.aspx |title=Navy opens frigate probe |date=23 January 2005 |accessdate=2008-08-23 |publisher=The Courier]

"Ballarat" ran aground off Christmas Island near Flying Fish Cove on 22 January 2005 causing damage to the rudder and propellers from the sand and coral. There were no injuries to the crew. She was able to return to Melbourne for repairs in drydock at Tenix after further checks in Fremantle.Fact|date=August 2008

In March 2006, "Ballarat" was deployed to the Persian Gulf in support Operation Catalyst, the Australian Defence Force's contribution to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq.Fact|date=August 2008

In December 2006, a request by members of the crew led to a re-launching of Ballarat Bitter, a beer originally brewed in Ballarat but stopped in 1989.cite news |url=http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/news/general/buying-up-big-on-bertie-beer/463890.aspx |title=Buying up big on Bertie beer |date=12 December 2006 |accessdate=2008-08-23 |publisher=The Courier] Proceeds from the sale of the two limited releases were donated to the United Way charities.

References