Former HMPNGS Rabaul completes final voyage
Pacific Patrol Boat the former HMPNGS Rabaul has completed its final voyage to Port Macquarie in Australia from Lombrum Naval Base on Manus Island, after 31 years of service with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.
The patrol boat was gifted to Papua New Guinea by Australia in 1987 under the Pacific Patrol Boat programme. The country received a total of four vessels under this programme.
Rabaul will now undergo environmentally responsible disposal. The crew will travel to the Defence International Training Centre and then to Western Australia for training before receiving the first of its four Guardian-class replacement vessels in late November 2018.
The replacement vessels are being delivered under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement programme. Under the programme, Australia is giving 19 Guardian-class vessels to 12 Pacific Island nations. The programme also includes a region-wide aerial maritime surveillance capability, enhancements to regional coordination, sustainment and training support.
The new Guardian-class patrol boats, being built by Austal, will offer enhanced capability to strengthen the region’s maritime security, fisheries protection and response to transnational crime.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme]()
US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme
The US Navy intends to enhance the integration and lethality of the Aegis capabilities onboard its cruisers and destroyers.
-
![Austal signs long-delayed shipbuilding pact as industry risks persist]()
Austal signs long-delayed shipbuilding pact as industry risks persist
Austal signs long-delayed Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, but schedule risks and programme delays still loom over Canberra’s naval plans.
-
![Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs]()
Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
-
![Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027]()
Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027
The US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyer is a stealth ship originally designed to consist of a fleet of 32 but has been cut back to three. Conceived for a land-attack role, it is now being fitted with a hypersonic missile capability.
-
![How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?]()
How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?
Although both countries still operate Cold War-era platforms, they possess capable nuclear-powered and armed submarines and are investing in the development of new, advanced capabilities.
