The Bundaberg RSL Sub-branch has endorsed a call by Mayor Jack Dempsey for a new HMAS Bundaberg to be commissioned in the Royal Australian Navy.
Mayor Dempsey wrote last month to Defence Minister Linda Reynolds and Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan.
The Government has committed to building nine new Hunter-class frigates as part of an $89 billion naval shipbuilding plan, however the first three frigates have already been named.
The ships will begin entering service in the late 2020s, replacing the eight Anzac Class frigates, which have been in service since 1996.
Mayor Dempsey said the Navy has a practice of reusing names in later generations of ships to build tradition and foster a sense of esprit de corps among ship's companies.
“The first HMAS Bundaberg launched on 1 December 1941 and saw active service in the Second World War,” he said.
“On 28 October 1945 she arrived at the Port of Bundaberg where she was given an official reception by our grateful citizens.”
Bundaberg paid off at Brisbane on 26 March 1946, having steamed 112,199 miles since commissioning.
“The second HMAS Bundaberg was commissioned on 3 March 2007, continuing the tradition of having a vessel bearing our city’s name,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“Unfortunately, she was destroyed by fire on 11 August 2014.
“Bundaberg Regional Council and the Bundaberg RSL Sub-Branch request that a new HMAS Bundaberg be commissioned at the earliest opportunity.”
RSL sub-branch president Graham Crowden said it's important for veterans of the two HMAS Bundaberg vessels to have the tradition continue.
“It's very much a point of pride, especially for those who served on the previous HMAS Bundabergs,” he said.
“I'm very supportive of the Mayor wanting to have a new ship named Bundaberg.”
