HMAS Stirling

HMAS "Stirling" is a Royal Australian Navy (RAN) base that is part of Fleet Base West situated on the west coast of Australia. The base is located on Garden Island in the state of Western Australia, near the city of Perth. Garden Island also has its own military airport on the island . HMAS "Stirling" is currently under the command of Captain Ainsley Morthorpe, CSM, RAN.
History.
HMAS "Stirling" is named after Admiral Sir James Stirling (28 January 1791 – 23 April 1865). Stirling, a Royal Navy officer and colonial administrator, landed on Garden Island, Western Australia in 1827 and returned as commander of the barque "Parmelia" in June 1829 to establish and administer the Swan River Colony in Western Australia. He was the first Governor of Western Australia, serving between 1828 and 1838.
The planning of "Stirling" began in 1969 when, after it was decided to create the Two-Ocean Policy, a feasibility study into the use of Garden Island as a naval base was begun. The causeway linking the island with the mainland was completed in June 1973. Construction of the wharves and workshops began in early 1973 and accommodation in 1975 with the facility, including the new Fleet Base West, being formally commissioned on 28 July 1978.
The first major unit to call "Fleet Base West" home was HMAS "Stuart", having first been assigned to "Stirling" in 1984 for several years and, after refitting in the east, again in 1988 until decommissioning in 1991. The first submarine to be based at "Stirling" was HMAS "Oxley" in 1987. Later, the headquarters of the Australian Submarine Squadron was relocated there in 1994.
"Stirling" has expanded significantly within its existing boundaries and is the largest of the RAN's shore establishment, with a base population of approximately 2,300 service personnel, 600 defence civilians and 500 contractors. Amenities included berthing and wharves, vessel repair and refit services, a ship-lift, and a helicopter support facility, as well as medical facilities, fuel storage and accommodation. The base also hosts the Submarine Escape Training Facility – one of only six in the world and the only one in the Southern Hemisphere.
Garden Island.
Garden Island is in length, wide, and is in area, with "Stirling" occupying approximately 28% of that area. The remaining portion of the Island is nature reserve, the navy has been active in the removal of introduced flora and fauna species. The island has its own quarantine conditions, which prohibit bringing of plants and animals to the island.
Ships stationed.
"Stirling" is home port to 11 fleet units, including five "Anzac" class frigates, all six of the "Collins" class submarines operated by the Royal Australian Navy Submarine Service, and a replenishment vessel.