Glowing Reviews for Armidale Class

“There’s no denying that the Armidale Class Patrol Boats boast a very well thought out design, particularly in terms of the amount of space provided on board. The crew really have many home comforts available to them.

As for sea-keeping, the smooth ride it offers while at speed is impressive. I’m sure that the mixture of comfort and performance, along with its extensive array of high-tech equipment, would make it an attractive vessel for many modern international navies.”

Former Royal Australian Navy Warrant Officer Jamie Robinson
19 September 2007

“I regard Wollongong as like a Ferrari sports car. She's fast, comfortable, has longer range than the Fremantles and has very modern equipment.”

Royal Australian Navy Commanding Officer, LCDR Mark Taylor
Extract from "Driving Sleek Ferrari of the Sea", by Graham Davis, 13 August 2007

“I think the Maitland - and the other 13 Armidale Class vessels - are fantastic boats. These patrol boats are held in high esteem by other navies and we will be showing what we can do.”

Royal Australian Navy Lieutenant Commander Troy Van Tienhoven
Extract from "Maitland sails into unchartered waters", by Alan Hardie, 08 January 2008

“HMAS Launceston, with her state-of-the-art design, will provide considerable improvements in both operational capability as well as crew habitability. The Fremantle Class Patrol Boats conducted sterling work over the past 27 years, but these new vessels will add a new dimension to border security.”

Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Nigel Coates
Extract from Navy's Twelfth Armidale Class Patrol Boat Commissions, 24 September

“These boats represent a significant step up from the retiring Fremantle Class boats, themselves an order of magnitude beyond the very early Attack Class introduced in the mid 1960's. The Armidales represent about 40 years learning by the Royal Australian Navy.”

Vice Admiral (Rtd) David Shackleton, AO former Chief, Royal Australian Navy
July 2005

“The Armidale Class Patrol Boat is the vessel for the navy of the future. They are without doubt the most crew-friendly operating platform the Royal Australian Navy has ever had. These vessels are both operator friendly and environmentally friendly, due to the extensive amount of high-tech equipment fitted to each vessel.”

Ex Royal Australian Navy Marine Technician, Daniel Klein
27, September 2007

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