HMAS Broome (II) visits its namesake town for the final time
Published on 05 August 2024
HMAS Broome (II) visited its namesake town last week for the final time before its decommissioning in Darwin on August 29.
The Armidale-Class Patrol Boat is the second Royal Australian Navy vessel to be named after the Kimberley town.
Launched in February 2007, it visited Broome the following May when the Shire granted Freedom of Entry to its company, which proudly marched through the town.
More than 17 years later, the boat's final visit was another joyous affair, with the crew enjoying Broome's sights and literally getting their skates on to engage with local youth.
On Friday , August 2, four crew members including the HMAS Broome Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Christopher Wardle visited The Skill Engineer program, which helps young people raise their literacy and numeracy and embark on vocational activities that can be linked to future career pathways.
The sailors spoke with some of the program participants about life in the navy and the trade training opportunities they have received, They then toured the workshop where they were particularly impressed with the e-scooters the participants build for themselves.
As well as teaching the young people new skills, the e-scooters provide transport for them to attend job interviews and get to job placements or employment.
On Friday evening, about a dozen crew members visited the PCYC Roller Disco held in conjunction with the Shire's A Sporting Chance youth diversionary program.
They were quickly kitted out with skates to help some of the children find their feet. though in some cases the kids had to return the favour.
Lieutenant Commander Wardle said it was a privilege to engage with both programs and to continue the bond between HMAS Broome and the Broome community on the boat's final visit prior to decommissioning.
HMAS Broome left Broome on Sunday for its final journey to Darwin.
During its 17 years in service it spent most of its time carrying out border protection duties in Australia's northern waters.
In 2008 it took a little time out to be a TV star as one of two patrol boats to be used as the fictional HMAS Hammersley in series two on the popular Channel 9 drama Sea Patrol.