New pier in Perth

Southwest of the Australian city of Perth lies an island around ten kilometres long, which is connected to the mainland by a bridge. In 1827, Captain James Stirling christened it Garden Island, released some farm animals there and disappeared again for two years. When he returned in 1829, the animals had died due to the lack of water, but he brought with him a few settlers and above all soldiers, who established their first base here. It was also the first European settlement in Western Australia, and its location made it an ideal trading centre for the routes across the Indian Ocean to Europe. While the importance of the harbour for cargo ships quickly dwindled at the beginning of the 20th century, the soldiers remained on site. After the First World War, the area was converted into a holiday resort, but during the Second World War coastal batteries were stationed there again and a training camp for commando soldiers was set up. At the end of the war, the area was again converted into a holiday resort, but at the same time the natural harbour was chosen as a home for the ships of the Australian Reserve Fleet. Due to the conditions, it was decided at the end of the 1960s to develop Garden Island into a large naval base. This work lasted until 1978 and since then Fleet Base West has served as home to significant parts of the Royal Australian Navy. Incidentally, the historical roots were remembered when naming the base, as it is now officially known as HMAS Stirling. The base has now grown to become the largest in Australia, with 3600 people working here. Fleet Base West is home to twelve ships, including five frigates from the Anzac-class, six submarines of the Collins-class and a tanker. There are also training, repair and logistics facilities. Further new ships are expected in the coming years, including the frigates of the Hunter-class.

This growth requires new, modern facilities. The Australian Navy has therefore launched an extensive investment programme to expand its infrastructure. The visible result is the redesigned Armament Wharf, which has now been completed after a year of construction. It has been extended by 156 metres and is between 25 and 33 metres wide. Larger units can moor at three additional dolphins. This makes the pier particularly suitable for extensive or dangerous loading and unloading operations, such as the transfer of ammunition.

The soldiers of the Bavaria the new pier. One of the next stops on its journey through the Indo-Pacific will be Perth on Australia's west coast.

Text: mb; Photo: Royal Australian Navy