Patrol vessel docks
The HMAS Larrakia II was on patrol defending WA’s coastline when it docked in Dampier to refuel last Thursday.
Commanding officer Lieutenant Justine Archer said her ship, which is based in Darwin, played an important part protecting the North West.
“En route to WA we’ve gone through onshore gas installations on the North West Shelf as part of the ongoing Government policy of protecting our strategic assets,” she said.
“We’re trying to make our presence known in the region to continue that defence link in this widely important area and see the north coast of Australia.”
HMAS Larrakia’s mission involved clamping down on illegal fisherman, boat surveillance, monitoring fishing stocks and patrolling for illegal boat arrivals.
Lt Archer said her crew was well equipped to board illegal boats if discovered and said the North West had a strong defence presence.
“There are no soldiers on board at the moment, but under Operation Resolute, which is the military’s response to border protection, we are now starting to get in the army and air force personnel to be security elements,” she said.
“In the Pilbara region we’ve got the Pilbara Regiment … I think Curtin’s still a standby air force base, you’ve also got Learmonth down in Exmouth and so you’ve got a fair bit of defence presence around here.”
One of the lesser known duties of the 30-strong crew is environmental management.
Readings and images are taken of whale migrations and turtle numbers which is sent to Canberra for distribution to relevant agencies such as the CSIRO.
Lt Archer said the stop provided a welcome opportunity for crew members to call home and speak to their loved ones.
