The Huon-class minehunter coastal (MHC) ships are a group of minehunters built for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Following problems with the Bay-class minehunters, a request for tender was issued in 1993 for a class of six coastal minehunters under the project designation SEA 1555. The tender was awarded in 1994 to the partnership of Australian Defence Industries (ADI) and Intermarine SpA, which was offering a variant of the Italian Gaeta-class minehunter.
HMAS Yarra in 2013
Aerial photograph of HMAS Waterhen. Three Huon-class minehunters are among the vessels berthed at the base's wharves
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is the naval force of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The professional head of the RAN is Chief of Navy (CN) Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AM, RAN. CN is also jointly responsible to the Minister of Defence (MINDEF) and the Chief of Defence Force (CDF). The Department of Defence as part of the Australian Public Service administers the ADF.
RAN Wessex helicopter in 1962
A female RAN sailor in 2016. Women serve in the RAN in combat roles and at sea.
Royal Australian Navy sailors in 2010
Royal Australian Navy sailors from HMAS Sydney during Operation Northern Trident 2009
