Cape Peron commanding officer Jonathan Webb and crew during an official welcome to home port HMAS Cairns (Lauren Pugsley)

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Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Cape Peron has been formally welcomed to her home port at HMAS Cairns.

It's the second Evolved Cape-class boat to be based at Cairns, with ADV Cape Otway arriving in June.

Cape Peron Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Jonathan Webb, said the ship’s company was happy to arrive at their home port and were ready for work.

“The entire crew has worked hard to get to this point and we’re all eager to put our extensive training into action,” Lieutenant Commander Webb said.

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Cape Peron is 58 metres long, has a beam of 10.6 metres and a draught of three metres.

It can carry a crew of 25, with a top speed of 26 knots and a range of 4000 nautical miles at 12 knots per hour.

The Cape Class patrol boats replace the Armidale Class and will primarily be used on border protection missions.

Able Seaman Daniel Shearsmith said he’s been very fortunate to have his first sea posting on a vessel that has its home port in his home town.

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“I feel very fortunate to have been posted back to my home region as I grew up in Edmonton and it’s great to be close to my family and friends.”

Eight Evolved Cape-class vessels are scheduled for delivery to the RAN by shipbuilder Austal Australia which is based in Western Australia.

MARITIME

Main points

  • Navy welcomes ADV Cape Peron to HMAS Cairns
  • It joins ADV Cape Otway
  • Their primary purpose is supporting border security
I feel really lucky to have been posted to the newest vessel in the fleet.
Daniel Shearsmith
Royal Australian Navy