The upgrade
showcases Australian design and integration capability, with new Phased
Array Radar technology designed by CEA Technologies in Canberra, upgrades
to combat systems performed by Saab Systems in South Australia, and
platform integration design by BAE Systems in Victoria. In addition
to this a substantial maintenance package is also completed to ensure
compliance with the tenets of seaworthiness.
In a significant moment for Navy, Warramunga is the first fleet unit
to be painted in the new 'Haze Grey' paint scheme. This new scheme replaces
over 60 years of the 'Storm Grey'. This new polysiloxane paint has improved
durability and fire resistance qualities over the older polyurethane
paints. Moreover, near infrared reflecting pigments means that the new
grey paint scheme has improved tactical utility.
HMAS Warramunga will remain at Fleet Base West to complete the maintenance
package and the long process of Harbour Acceptance Trials and seaworthiness
boards. Concurrent with this effort, the ship's company is also preparing
HMAS Parramatta to enter the upgrade in the coming weeks.
On 31 March a naming ceremony was undertaken at Fleet Base West to recognise
the official transfer of the ship's company from HMAS Parramatta to
HMAS Warramunga. The date was symbolic as it was the 14th birthday of
HMAS Warramunga II, which was commissioned in the Navy at Station Pier,
Port Melbourne in 2001.
"It is appropriate that we chose today, Warramunga's 14th birthday,
to take the Warramunga name and make it ours," Commanding Officer
Commander Andrew Willis said.
During the ceremony the Frigate Group Capability Manager, Captain Malcolm
Wise, passed Warramunga's command weight to Commander Willis to signify
the assumption of command. The accompanying change of ball caps and
uniform patches symbolised the transfer of the ship's company.
On completion of trials, Warramunga will return to her new home port
- Sydney, in September 2015. |
