The Royal Australian Navy's second Supply-class auxiliary oiler replenishment (AOR) ship, the future HMAS Stalwart, departed for Australia from the facilities of Spanish builder Navantia on Thursday, May 20.
The ship will now navigate for 30 days towards its homeport, HMAS Sterling, in Western Australia. Afterwards, it will undergo a final fit-out where the installation and testing of the combat and communications systems, as well as some logistics areas, will be completed by Australian suppliers.
Navantia said the acquisition contract for the two AOR vessels also includes their sustainment, for which Navantia Australia will be primarily responsible.
The future Stalwart will be formally handed over to the Australian government on August 31 of this year.
