Editing Royal Australian Navy

{{short description|Naval warfare branch of the Australian Defence Force}}
{{Use Australian English|date=July 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2016}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = Royal Australian Navy
| image                         = File:Logo_of_the_Royal_Australian_Navy.svg
| image_size                    = 200x200px
| caption                       = 
| start_date                    = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1901|3|1}}
| dates                         = 
| country                       = {{flag|Australia}}
| branch                        = [[Navy]]
| type                          = 
| role                          = [[Naval warfare]]
| size                          = {{plainlist|
* 16,000 permanent personnel 
* 4,607 reserve personnel 
* 27 commissioned ships 
* 11 non-commissioned ships<ref>{{cite web |title=Ships, boats and submarines |url=https://www.navy.gov.au/capabilities/ships-boats-and-submarines |website=navy.gov.au |access-date=5 December 2024}}</ref>}}
| command_structure             = [[Australian Defence Force]]
| garrison                      = [[Russell Offices]], [[Canberra]]
| garrison_label                = Headquarters
| motto                         = To fight and win at sea<ref>{{Cite web|title=About the Royal Australian Navy|url=https://www.navy.gov.au/about-royal-australian-navy|url-status=live|access-date=2 November 2021|website=Navy (Royal Australian)|archive-date=1 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101230714/https://www.navy.gov.au/about-royal-australian-navy}}</ref>
| march                         = "[[Royal Australian Navy (march)|Royal Australian Navy]]"
| equipment                     = {{plainlist|
*2 [[Canberra-class landing helicopter dock|landing helicopter docks]]
*1 [[Bay-class landing ship|landing ship dock]]
*6 [[Collins-class submarine|submarines]]
*3 [[Hobart-class destroyer|destroyers]]
*7 [[Anzac-class frigate|frigates]]
*3 [[Armidale-class patrol boat|Armidale-class patrol boats]]
*9 [[Cape-class patrol boat|Cape-class patrol boats]]
*2 [[Huon-class minehunter|minehunters]] 
*1 [[Leeuwin-class survey vessel|survey ship]]
*2 [[Supply-class replenishment oiler|replenishment oilers]]}}
| equipment_label               = [[List of active Royal Australian Navy ships|Fleet]]
| mascot                        = 
| battles                       = {{plainlist|
* [[First World War]]
* [[Second World War]]
* [[Korean War]]
* [[Malayan Emergency]]
* [[Indonesian Confrontation]]
* [[Vietnam War]]
* [[Gulf War]]
* [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|War in Afghanistan]]
* [[Iraq War]]}}
| anniversaries                 = 10 July
| website                       = {{URL|www.navy.gov.au/}}
<!-- Commanders -->| commander1                    = Admiral [[David Johnston (admiral)|David Johnston]]
| commander1_label              = [[Chief of the Defence Force (Australia)|Chief of the Defence Force]]
| commander2                    = Air Marshal [[Robert Chipman]]
| commander2_label              = [[Vice Chief of the Defence Force (Australia)|Vice Chief of the Defence Force]]
| commander3                    = Vice Admiral [[Mark Hammond (admiral)|Mark Hammond]]
| commander3_label              = [[Chief of Navy (Australia)|Chief of Navy]]
| commander4                    = Rear Admiral [[Jonathan Earley]]
| commander4_label              = [[Deputy Chief of Navy (Australia)|Deputy Chief of Navy]]
| commander5                    = Rear Admiral [[Christopher Smith (admiral)|Christopher Smith]]
| commander5_label              = [[Commander Australian Fleet]]
<!-- Aircraft -->| aircraft_helicopter           = 
| aircraft_helicopter_multirole = [[MH-60R|MH-60R Seahawk]]
| aircraft_helicopter_utility   = 
| aircraft_helicopter_trainer   = [[Eurocopter EC135|EC-135T2+]]
| identification_symbol         = [[File:Naval Ensign of Australia.svg|200px|border]]
| identification_symbol_label   = [[Australian White Ensign|Naval ensign]]
| identification_symbol_2       = [[File:Flag of Australia (converted).svg|200px|border]]
| identification_symbol_2_label = [[Naval jack]]
| identification_symbol_3       = [[File:Royal Navy commissioning pennant (with outline).svg|center|100px]]
| identification_symbol_3_label = [[Commissioning pennant|Pennant]]
| identification_symbol_4       = [[File:Queen's Colour for the Royal Australian Navy.svg|border|centre|100px]]
| identification_symbol_4_label = [[Military colours, standards and guidons|King's Colours]]
}}

The '''Royal Australian Navy''' ('''RAN''') is the [[navy|naval branch]] of the [[Australian Defence Force]] (ADF). The professional head of the RAN is [[Chief of Navy (Australia)|Chief of Navy]] (CN)<ref>{{cite web |title=Senior Leadership Team |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/about/senior-leadership-team |website=Royal Australian Navy |publisher=Australian Government Department of Defence |access-date=3 January 2019 |language=en |date=26 July 2018 |quote="The Chief of Navy Australia is the most senior appointment in the Royal Australian Navy. The rank associated with the position is Vice Admiral (3-star)." |archive-date=3 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103161224/http://www.navy.gov.au/about/senior-leadership-team |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Vice admiral (Australia)|Vice Admiral]] [[Mark Hammond (admiral)|Mark Hammond]]. The Chief of Navy is also jointly responsible to the [[Minister for Defence (Australia)|Minister for Defence]] (MINDEF) and the [[Chief of the Defence Force (Australia)|Chief of the Defence Force]] (CDF). The [[Department of Defence (Australia)|Department of Defence]], which is a part of the [[Australian Public Service]], administers the ADF, and ergo, the Royal Australian Navy.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Defence Act (1903) – SECT 9 Command of Defence Force and arms of Defence Force|url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/da190356/s9.html|url-status=live|access-date=4 May 2021|website=Australasian Legal Institute|archive-date=30 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130015232/http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/da190356/s9.html}}</ref> In 2023, the [[Surface Fleet Review]] was introduced to outline the future of the Navy.

The navy was formed in 1901 as the '''Commonwealth Naval Forces''' ('''CNF''') through the amalgamation of the [[colonial navies of Australia]] following the [[federation of Australia]]. Although it was originally intended for local defence, it became increasingly responsible for regional defence as the British Empire started to diminish its influence in the South Pacific.

The Royal Australian Navy was initially a [[green-water navy]], as the [[Royal Navy]] provided a [[Blue-water navy|blue-water]] force to the [[Australian Squadron]], which the Australian and New Zealand governments helped to fund; the squadron was assigned to the [[Australia Station]]. This period lasted until 1913, when naval ships purchased from Britain arrived, although the [[British Admiralty]] continued to provide blue-water defence capability in the Pacific and Indian Oceans up to the early years of the Second World War.<ref name="Oxcom">{{cite book|last=Dennis|first=Peter|title=The Oxford Companion to Australian Military History|author2=Grey, Jeffrey|author3=Morris, Ewan|author4=Prior, Robin|date=2008|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-551784-2|edition=2nd|location=South Melbourne, VIC|oclc=271822831}}</ref>

During its history, the Royal Australian Navy has participated in a number of major wars, including the First and Second World Wars, Korean War, Malayan Emergency, Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation and the Vietnam War. As of 2024, the RAN consists of over 52 commissioned vessels, 11 non-commissioned vessels and over 16,000 personnel. The navy is one of the largest and most sophisticated naval forces in the South [[Pacific Rim|Pacific region]], with a significant presence in the Indian Ocean and worldwide operations in support of military campaigns and peacekeeping missions.

==History==
{{Main|History of the Royal Australian Navy}}

=== Formation ===
The Commonwealth Naval Forces were established on 1 March 1901, with the amalgamation of the six separate [[Colonial navies of Australia|colonial naval forces]], following the [[Federation of Australia]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Greg |first=Swinden |date=2011-06-14 |title=Australasian Naval Forces and Commonwealth Naval Forces |url=https://navyhistory.au/australasian-naval-forces-and-commonwealth-naval-forces/ |access-date=2024-02-16 |website=Naval Historical Society of Australia |language=en-AU}}</ref> The Royal Australian Navy initially consisted of the former New South Wales, Victorian, Queensland, Western Australian, South Australian and Tasmanian ships and resources of their disbanded navies.

The ''[[Defence Act 1903]]'' established the operation and command structure of the Royal Australian Navy.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Defence Act 1903|url=https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2019C00188|url-status=live|access-date=6 November 2020|website=Federal Register of Legislation|date=10 June 2019 |archive-date=22 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822041605/https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2019C00188}}</ref> When policymakers sought to determine the newly established force's requirements and purpose, there were arguments about whether Australia's naval force would be structured mainly for local defence or designed to serve as a fleet unit within a larger imperial force, controlled centrally by the [[British Admiralty]].<ref name="Dennis516">Dennis et al. 1995, p. 516.</ref> In 1908–09, a compromise solution was pursued, with the Australian government agreeing to establish a force for local defence but that would be capable of forming a fleet unit within the Royal Navy, albeit without central control. As a result, the navy's force structure was set at "one battlecruiser, three light cruisers, six destroyers and three submarines". The first of the RAN's new vessels, the destroyer [[HMAS Yarra (I)|HMAS Yarra]], was completed in September 1910, and by the outbreak of the [[First World War]] the majority of the planned fleet had been realised.<ref name="Whitley17">Whitley 2000, p. 17.</ref> On 10 July 1911, the CNF was granted "Royal" status by King [[George V]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/history/feature-histories/ran-brief-history |title=The R.A.N. – A Brief History |last=Stevens |first=David |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |access-date=10 August 2013 |archive-date=3 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203012946/http://www.navy.gov.au/history/feature-histories/ran-brief-history |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== World War I ===

==== Pacific ====
Following [[British entry into World War I|the British Empire's declaration of war on Germany]], the [[British War Office]] tasked the capture of [[German New Guinea]] to the [[Australian Government]]. This was to deprive the [[Imperial German Navy]]'s [[East Asia Squadron]] of regional intelligence by removing their access to wireless stations. On 11 August, three destroyers and [[HMAS Sydney (I)|HMAS ''Sydney'']] prepared to engage the squadron at German Anchorages in New Guinea, which did not eventuate as the vessels were not present. Landing parties were placed on [[Rabaul]] and [[Herbertshohe]] to destroy its German wireless station; however, the objective was found to be further inland and an expeditionary force was required. Meanwhile, [[HMAS Australia (I)|HMAS ''Australia'']] was tasked with scouring the Pacific Ocean for the German squadron.

The [[Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force]] (ANMEF) began recruiting on the same day that the taskforce arrived in [[New Britain]], and consisted of two battalions: one of 1,000 men, and the other with 500 serving and former seamen. On 19 August, the ANMEF departed [[Sydney]] for training in [[Townsville]] before the rendezvous with other RAN vessels in [[Port Moresby]].<ref name=":2" /> On 29 August, four cruisers and HMAS ''Australia'' assisted New Zealand's [[Samoa Expeditionary Force]] in landing at [[Apia]], and committing a bloodless takeover of German Samoa. Additionally, the RAN captured German merchant vessels, disrupting German merchant shipping in the Pacific. On 7 September, the ANMEF, now including HMAS ''Australia'', three destroyers, and two each of cruisers and submarines, departed for Rabaul.

A few days later, on 9 September, [[HMAS Melbourne (I)|HMAS ''Melbourne'']] landed a party to destroy the island's wireless station, though the German administration promptly surrendered. Between 11 and 12 September, landings were put ashore at Kabakaul, Rabaul and Herbertshohe; it was during this period that the first Australian casualties and deaths of the war occurred. On 14 September, [[HMAS Encounter (1902)|HMAS ''Encounter'']] barraged an enemy position at Toma with shells; it was the first time the RAN had fired upon an enemy and had shelled an inland location. On 17 September, German New Guinea surrendered to the encroaching ANMEF, with the overall campaign a success and exceeded the objectives set by the War Office. However, the RAN submarine [[HMAS AE1|HMAS ''AE1'']] became the first ever vessel of the new navy to be sunk.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Before Gallipoli – Australian Operations in 1914|url=https://www.navy.gov.au/history/feature-histories/gallipoli-australian-operations-1914|url-status=live|access-date=13 September 2021|website=Navy|archive-date=13 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913000343/https://www.navy.gov.au/history/feature-histories/gallipoli-australian-operations-1914}}</ref> The Australian Squadron was placed under control of the [[British Admiralty]],<ref>Dennis et al. 1995, p. 517.</ref> and was moreover tasked with protecting Australian shipping.<ref name=":2" />

On 1 November, the RAN escorted the [[First Australian Imperial Force]] convoy from [[Albany, WA]] and set for the [[Khedivate of Egypt]], which was soon to become the [[Sultanate of Egypt]]. On 9 November, HMAS ''Sydney'' began hunting for [[SMS Emden|SMS ''Emden'']], a troublesome German coastal raider. The SMS ''Emden'' and HMAS ''Sydney'' met in the Battle of Cocos, the ''Emden'' was destroyed in Australia's first naval victory. Following the almost complete destruction of the East Asia Squadron in the [[Battle of the Falklands]] by the Royal Navy, the RAN became able to be reassigned to other naval theatres of the war.<ref name=":2" />

==== Atlantic and Mediterranean ====
On 28 February 1915, the [[Royal Australian Naval Bridging Train]] (RANBT) was formed with members of the [[Royal Australian Naval Reserve]] who could not find billets in the RAN.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Perryman|first1=John|last2=Swinden|first2=Greg|title=1st Royal Australian Naval Bridging Train|url=https://www.navy.gov.au/history/feature-histories/1st-royal-australian-naval-bridging-train|url-status=live|access-date=1 October 2021|website=Navy|archive-date=30 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930235545/https://www.navy.gov.au/history/feature-histories/1st-royal-australian-naval-bridging-train}}</ref> Following the entrance of the Ottoman Empire in alliance with the Central Powers, [[HMAS AE2|HMAS ''AE2'']] was committed to the initial naval operation of the [[Gallipoli campaign]]. After the failure of the naval strategy, an amphibious assault was planned to enable the Allies' warships to pass through the [[Dardanelles]] and capture [[Constantinople]]. The RANBT was sent ashore, along with the invasion, for engineering duties.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Stevens|first=David|title=Gallipoli as a Joint Maritime Campaign|url=https://www.navy.gov.au/history/feature-histories/gallipoli-joint-maritime-campaign|url-status=live|access-date=2 October 2021|website=Navy|archive-date=1 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001234705/https://www.navy.gov.au/history/feature-histories/gallipoli-joint-maritime-campaign}}</ref>

Later in the war, most of the RAN's major ships operated as part of [[Royal Navy]] forces in the Mediterranean and North Seas, and then later in the Adriatic, and then the Black Sea following the surrender of the [[Ottoman Empire]].<ref name="Whitley17" />

=== Interwar years ===
In 1919, the RAN received a force of six destroyers, three sloops and six submarines from the Royal Navy,<ref>Gillett & Graham 1977, p. 193.</ref> but throughout the 1920s and early 1930s, the RAN was drastically reduced in size due to a variety of factors including political apathy and economic hardship as a result of the [[Great Depression]].<ref name=Gillett61>Gillett & Graham 1977, p. 61.</ref> In this time the focus of Australia's naval policy shifted from defence against invasion to trade protection,<ref name=Dennis518>Dennis et al. 1995 p. 518.</ref> and several fleet units were sunk as targets or scrapped. By 1923, the size of the navy had fallen to eight vessels,<ref name=Gillett61/> and by the end of the decade it had fallen further to five, with just 3,500 personnel.<ref name=Dennis518/> In the late 1930s, as international tensions increased, the RAN was modernised and expanded, with the service receiving primacy of funding over the [[Australian Army|Army]] and [[Royal Australian Air Force|Air Force]] during this time as Australia began to prepare for war.<ref name=Dennis518/>

=== World War II ===
Early in the [[Second World War]], RAN ships again operated as part of Royal Navy formations, many serving with distinction in the [[Battle of the Mediterranean|Mediterranean]], the [[East African Campaign (World War II)|Red Sea]], the [[Anglo-Iraqi War|Persian Gulf]], the [[Battle of Madagascar|Indian Ocean]], and off the [[Battle of Dakar|West African coast]].<ref>Gillett & Graham 1977, pp. 69–76.</ref> Following the outbreak of the [[Pacific War]] and the virtual destruction of Allied naval forces in [[Southeast Asia]], the RAN operated more independently, defending against [[Axis naval activity in Australian waters]], or participating in [[United States Navy]] offensives. As the navy took on an even greater role, it was expanded significantly and at its height the RAN was the fourth-largest navy in the world, with 39,650 personnel operating 337 warships, but no active submarines.<ref name=Dennis518/> A total of 34 vessels were lost during the war, including three cruisers and four destroyers.<ref>Gillett & Graham 1977, p. 93.</ref>

=== Post war to present ===
[[File:Wessex 92.jpg|thumb|RAN Wessex helicopter in 1962]]
After the Second World War, the size of the RAN was again reduced, but it gained new capabilities with the acquisition of two aircraft carriers, [[HMAS Sydney (R17)|''Sydney'']] and [[HMAS Melbourne (R21)|''Melbourne'']].<ref>Gillett & Graham 1977, p. 94.</ref> The RAN saw action in many [[Cold War]]–era conflicts in the Asia-Pacific region and operated alongside the Royal Navy and United States Navy off Korea, Malaysia, and Vietnam.<ref>Dennis et al. 1995, pp. 519–520.</ref> Since the end of the Cold War, the RAN has been part of Coalition forces in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean, operating in support of [[Operation Slipper]] and undertaking counter piracy operations. It was also deployed in support of Australian peacekeeping operations in [[INTERFET|East Timor]] and the [[RAMSI|Solomon Islands]].<ref name=workingpaper>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/w/images/Working_Paper_18.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227081723/http://www.navy.gov.au/w/images/Working_Paper_18.pdf |title=Database of Royal Australian Navy Operations, 1990–2005 |publisher=Sea Power Centre |series=Working Paper No. 18 |archive-date=27 February 2012 |access-date=24 August 2014}}</ref>

The high demand for personnel in the Second World War led to the establishment of the [[Women's Royal Australian Naval Service]] (WRANS) branch in 1942, where over 3,000 women served in shore-based positions. The WRANS was disbanded in 1947, but then re-established in 1951 during the Cold War. It was given permanent status in 1959, and the RAN was the final branch to integrate [[women in the Australian military]] in 1985.<ref name=Dennis607>Dennis et al. 1995, pp. 607–608.</ref>

==Structure==

===Command structure===
The strategic command structure of the RAN was overhauled during the New Generation Navy changes.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Sea Power Centre |first1=Australia |title=The Spirit of the Navy |journal=Semaphore |date=April 2009 |issue=5 |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/Semaphore_2009_5.pdf |access-date=3 January 2019 |publisher=Australian Government Department of Defence |language=en |archive-date=3 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103161213/http://www.navy.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/Semaphore_2009_5.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The RAN is commanded through Naval Headquarters (NHQ) in [[Canberra]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Navy Strategic Command |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/about/organisation/navstratcom |website=Royal Australian Navy |publisher=Australian Government Department of Defence |access-date=3 January 2019 |language=en |date=6 June 2018 |quote="Navy Strategic Command [...] is headquartered in Canberra" |archive-date=3 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103161205/http://www.navy.gov.au/about/organisation/navstratcom |url-status=live }}</ref>  NHQ is responsible for implementing policy decisions handed down from the [[Department of Defence (Australia)|Department of Defence]] and for overseeing tactical and operational issues that are the purview of the subordinate commands.<ref>{{cite web |title=Defence Organisational Structure Chart |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/Publications/docs/DefenceOrgChart.pdf |website=Australian Government Department of Defence |publisher=Commonwealth of Australia |access-date=3 January 2019 |language=en |date=17 December 2018 |archive-date=3 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103110507/http://www.defence.gov.au/Publications/docs/DefenceOrgChart.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

Beneath NHQ are two subordinate commands:
* '''Fleet Command''': fleet command is led by [[Commander Australian Fleet]] (COMAUSFLT). COMAUSFLT holds the rank of [[Rear admiral (Australia)|rear admiral]]; previously, this post was Flag Officer Commanding HM's Australian Fleet (FOCAF), created in 1911,<ref>[http://homepage.ntlworld.com/bob.cumberbatch/C%20L%20Cumberlege.htm C L Cumberlege] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303185328/http://homepage.ntlworld.com/bob.cumberbatch/C%20L%20Cumberlege.htm |date=3 March 2016 }}</ref> but the title was changed in 1988 to the Maritime Commander Australia. On 1 February 2007, the title changed again, becoming Commander Australian Fleet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS/editions/5001/topstories/briefs.htm|title=Top Stories|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310222452/http://www.defence.gov.au/news/navynews/editions/5001/topstories/briefs.htm|archive-date=10 March 2007|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The nominated at-sea commander is Commodore Warfare (COMWAR), a one-star deployable task group commander. Fleet command has responsibility to CN for the full command of assigned assets, and to Joint Operations command for the provision of operationally ready forces.
* '''[[Navy Strategic Command]]''': the administrative element overseeing the RAN's training, engineering and logistical support needs. Instituted in 2000, the Systems Commander was appointed at the rank of [[Commodore (rank)|commodore]]; in June 2008, the position was upgraded to the rank of rear admiral.

Fleet Command was previously made up of seven [[Force Element Group]]s, but after the New Generation Navy changes, this was restructured into four Force Commands:<ref>{{cite book |title=Australian Maritime Doctrine |page=124 |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/media-room/publications/australian-maritime-doctrine |access-date=10 August 2013 |archive-date=3 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203042617/http://www.navy.gov.au/media-room/publications/australian-maritime-doctrine |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Fleet Air Arm (RAN)|Fleet Air Arm]] (previously known as the Australian Navy Aviation Group), responsible for the navy's aviation assets and capability. As of 2018, the FAA consists of two front line helicopter squadrons (one focused on anti-submarine and anti-shipping warfare and the other a transport unit), two training squadrons and a trials squadron.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fleet Air Arm |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/fleet-air-arm |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |access-date=30 October 2018 |archive-date=30 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030170513/http://www.navy.gov.au/fleet-air-arm |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Mine Warfare, Clearance Diving, Hydrographic, Meteorological and Patrol Forces, an amalgamation of the previous [[Australian Patrol Boat Group|Patrol Boat]], [[Royal Australian Navy Hydrographic Service|Hydrographic]], and Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving Forces, operating what are collectively termed the RAN's "minor war vessels"
* [[Royal Australian Navy Submarine Service|Submarine Force]], (Royal Australian Navy Submarine Service) operating the {{sclass|Collins|submarine|1}}s
* Surface Force, covering the RAN's surface combatants (generally ships of [[frigate]] size or larger)

===Fleet===
The Royal Australian Navy consists of over 50 commissioned vessels and over 16,000 personnel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navy.gov.au/fleet|title=The Fleet|access-date=10 April 2021|archive-date=16 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116163923/http://www.navy.gov.au/fleet|url-status=live}}</ref> Ships commissioned into the RAN are given the prefix HMAS ([[Her Majesty's Australian Ship|His/Her Majesty's Australian Ship]]).<ref>Frame 2004, p. 96.</ref>

The RAN has two primary bases for its fleet: the first, [[Fleet Base East]], is located at {{HMAS|Kuttabul|naval base|6}}, Sydney and the second, [[Fleet Base West]], is located at {{HMAS|Stirling}}, near Perth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.gov.au/establishments/fleet-base-east|title=Fleet Base East|publisher=Royal Australian Navy|access-date=31 August 2014|archive-date=27 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327064042/https://www.navy.gov.au/establishments/fleet-base-east|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.gov.au/establishments/fleet-base-west|title=Fleet Base West|publisher=Royal Australian Navy|access-date=31 August 2014|archive-date=16 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316154724/https://www.navy.gov.au/establishments/fleet-base-west|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, three other bases are home to the majority of the RAN's minor war vessels: {{HMAS|Cairns|naval base|6}}, in Cairns, {{HMAS|Coonawarra}}, in Darwin, and {{HMAS|Waterhen|naval base|6}}, in Sydney.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.gov.au/establishments/hmas-cairns|title=HMAS Cairns|publisher=Royal Australian Navy|access-date=31 August 2014|archive-date=3 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403210718/https://www.navy.gov.au/establishments/hmas-cairns|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.gov.au/establishments/hmas-coonawarra|title=HMAS Coonawarra|publisher=Royal Australian Navy|access-date=31 August 2014|archive-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413115533/https://www.navy.gov.au/establishments/hmas-coonawarra|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.gov.au/establishments/hmas-waterhen|title=HMAS Waterhen|publisher=Royal Australian Navy|access-date=31 August 2014|archive-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413172054/https://www.navy.gov.au/establishments/hmas-waterhen|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Clearance Diving Branch===
[[File:Clearance Diving Team 1 - HYDRACRAB 2019.png|thumb|Australian Clearance Diving Team One conduct direct-action tactical manoeuvring during HYDRACRAB]]
{{Main|Clearance Diving Branch (RAN)}}
The Clearance Diving Branch is composed of two ''Clearance Diving Teams'' (CDT) that serve as parent units for naval clearance divers:
* Clearance Diving Team 1 (AUSCDT ONE), based at HMAS ''Waterhen'' in [[New South Wales]]; and
* Clearance Diving Team 4 (AUSCDT FOUR), based at HMAS ''Stirling'' in Western Australia.

When clearance divers are sent into combat, Clearance Diving Team Three (AUSCDT THREE) is formed.

The CDTs have two primary roles:
* Mine counter-measures (MCM) and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD); and
* Maritime tactical operations.

==Personnel==
[[File:Able Seaman Maritime Logistics-Support Operations Codie-Lee Reid on HMAS Canberra at RIMPAC 2016.jpg|thumb|A female RAN sailor in 2016. Women serve in the RAN in combat roles and at sea.]]

As of June 2023, the RAN has 14,745 permanent full-time personnel, 172 gap-year personnel, and 4,607 reserve personnel.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |title=Defence Annual Report 2022-2023 |publisher=The Australian Department of Defence |year=2023 |isbn=978-1-925890-48-8 |url=https://www.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-10/Defence-Annual-Report-2022-23.pdf |pages=95 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407173427/https://www.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-10/Defence-Annual-Report-2022-23.pdf |archive-date= Apr 7, 2024 }}</ref> The permanent full-time trained force consists of 3,070 commissioned officers, and 9,695 enlisted personnel.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book |title=Defence Annual Report 2022-23 |publisher=The Australian Department of Defence |year=2023 |isbn=978-1-925890-48-8 |url=https://www.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-10/Defence-Annual-Report-2022-23.pdf |pages=98 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407173427/https://www.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-10/Defence-Annual-Report-2022-23.pdf |archive-date= Apr 7, 2024}}</ref> Male personnel made up 75.9% of the permanent full-time force, while female personnel made up 24%. The RAN has the second-highest percentage of women in the permanent forces, compared to the RAAF's 26.6% and the Army's 15.3%.<ref name=":3" /> Throughout the 2022-23 financial year 1,141 enlisted in the RAN on a permanent basis while 1,354 left, representing a net loss of 213 personnel. <ref name=":0" />              

The following are some of the current senior Royal Australian Navy officers:
* [[Admiral (Australia)|Admiral]] [[David Johnston (admiral)|David Johnston]] – [[Chief of the Defence Force (Australia)|Chief of the Defence Force]]
* Vice Admiral [[Mark Hammond (admiral)|Mark Hammond]] – [[Chief of Navy (Australia)|Chief of Navy]]
*Vice Admiral [[Jonathan Mead]] – Chief Nuclear-Powered Submarine Taskforce
* [[Rear admiral (Australia)|Rear Admiral]] [[Jonathan Earley]] – [[Deputy Chief of Navy (Australia)|Deputy Chief of Navy]]
* Rear Admiral [[Christopher Smith (admiral)|Christopher Smith]] – [[Commander Australian Fleet]]
*Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley – Head Nuclear-Powered Submarine Capability
* Rear Admiral Stephen Hughes – Head Navy Capability
* Rear Admiral Rachel Durbin – Head Navy Engineering
* Rear Admiral [[David Greaves]] – Director-General [[Australian Navy Cadets]]
* [[Warrant Officer#Australia|Warrant Officer]] [[Andrew Bertoncin]] – [[Warrant Officer of the Navy]]

==Ranks and uniforms==
[[File:Safety briefing aboard HMAS Tobruk in 2010.jpg|thumb|Royal Australian Navy sailors in 2010]]
{{See also|Australian Defence Force ranks}}

===Commissioned Officers===
Commissioned officers of the Australian Navy have pay grades ranging from S-1 to O-10.<ref name="Ranks">{{cite web |title=Ranks of the Royal Australian Navy |url=https://seapower.navy.gov.au/about/organisation/ranks |website=Royal Australian Navy |access-date=26 October 2024}}</ref> The highest rank achievable in the current Royal Australian Navy structure is O-10, an admiral who serves as the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) when the position is held by a Naval Officer. The navy has a O-11 position [[Admiral of the fleet (Australia)|Admiral of the Fleet]] that is honorary and is currently held by [[Charles III]], [[King of Australia]].<ref name="Ranks"/><ref>{{cite press release |title=Australian Defence Force Honorary Ranks for His Majesty The King |url=https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/releases/2024-10-19/australian-defence-force-honorary-ranks-his-majesty-king |website=Department of Defence |access-date=26 October 2024 |date=19 October 2024}}</ref>

O-8 (rear admiral) to O-11 (admiral of the fleet) are referred to as [[flag officer]]s, O-5 (commander) and above are referred to as [[Military rank#Field or senior officers|senior officers]], while S-1 (midshipman) to O-4 (lieutenant commander) are referred to as [[junior officer]]s. All RAN Officers are issued a commission by the [[Governor General of Australia|Governor-General]] as [[Commander-in-Chief]] on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III.

Naval officers are trained at the [[Royal Australian Naval College]] (HMAS ''Creswell'') in [[Jervis Bay Territory|Jervis Bay]] as well as the [[Australian Defence Force Academy]] in Canberra.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/navy/Training/officer.aspx |title=Navy Training: Officer Training |publisher=Defence Jobs |access-date=31 August 2014 |archive-date=3 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903043644/http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/navy/Training/officer.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{Clear}}

{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background:#f7f8ff; text-align:center; padding:5px;"

|- style="background:#CCCCCC"
!Width=12%|[[NATO|NATO Code]]
|Width=7% colspan=1|OF-10
|Width=7% colspan=1|OF-9
|Width=7% colspan=1|OF-8
|Width=7% colspan=1|OF-7
|Width=7% colspan=1|OF-6
|-
|- style="background:#DFDFDF"
!Width=12%|Aus/US Code
|Width=7% colspan=1|O-11
|Width=7% colspan=1|O-10
|Width=7% colspan=1|O-9
|Width=7% colspan=1|O-8
|Width=7% colspan=1|O-7
|-
!{{flagdeco|Australia|variant=naval}} Australia ''Flag Officer {{avoid wrap|rank insignia}}''<ref name="badges-insignia">{{cite web |title=Australian Defence Force Badges of Rank and Special Insignia |url=https://www.navy.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/ADF_badges_of_rank.pdf |publisher=Australian Defence Force |access-date=23 March 2023 |date=20 October 2008 |id=DPS: APR025/08}}</ref>
|[[File:Australia-Navy-OF-10-collected.svg|100px]]
|[[File:Australia-Navy-OF-9-collected.svg|100px]]
|[[File:Australia-Navy-OF-8-collected.svg|100px]]
|[[File:Australia-Navy-OF-7-collected.svg|100px]]
|[[File:Australia-Navy-OF-6-collected.svg|100px]]
|-
!Rank title:
|colspan=1|[[Admiral of the Fleet (Australia)|Admiral of the Fleet]]
|colspan=1|[[Admiral (Australia)|Admiral]]
|colspan=1|[[Vice Admiral (Australia)|Vice Admiral]]
|colspan=1|[[Rear Admiral (Australia)|Rear Admiral]]
|colspan=1|[[Commodore (Australia)|Commodore]]
|-
!Abbreviation:
|colspan=1|AF
|colspan=1|ADML
|colspan=1|VADM
|colspan=1|RADM
|colspan=1|CDRE
|- style="background:#CCCCCC"
|}
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background:#f7f8ff; text-align:center; padding:5px;"

|- style="background:#CCCCCC"
!Width=12%|[[NATO|NATO Code]]
|Width=7% colspan=2|OF-5
|Width=7% colspan=2|OF-4
|Width=7% colspan=2|OF-3
|Width=7% colspan=2|OF-2
|Width=14% colspan=2|OF-1
|Width=7% |[[Officer candidate|OF(D)]]
|-
|- style="background:#DFDFDF"
!Width=12%|Aus/US Code
|Width=7% colspan=2|O-6
|Width=7% colspan=2|O-5
|Width=7% colspan=2|O-4
|Width=7% colspan=2|O-3
|Width=7% colspan=1|O-2
|Width=7% colspan=1|O-1
|Width=7% |O-0
|-
!{{flagdeco|Australia|variant=naval}} Australia ''Officer rank insignia''<ref name="badges-insignia" />
| colspan=2| [[File:Australia-Navy-OF-5-collected.svg|100px]]
| colspan=2| [[File:Australia-Navy-OF-4-collected.svg|100px]]
| colspan=2| [[File:Australia-Navy-OF-3-collected.svg|100px]]
| colspan=2| [[File:Australia-Navy-OF-2-collected.svg|100px]]
| colspan=2| [[File:Australia-Navy-OF-1-collected.svg|100px]]
| [[File:Royal_Australian_Navy_OF_(D).svg|50px]]
|-
!Rank title
|colspan=2|[[Captain (Australia)|Captain]]
|colspan=2|[[Commander#Australia|Commander]]
|colspan=2|[[Lieutenant Commander#Australia|Lieutenant Commander]]
|colspan=2|[[Lieutenant (Australia)|Lieutenant]]
|[[Sub Lieutenant#Australia|Sub Lieutenant]]
|[[Acting Sub Lieutenant#United Kingdom and Commonwealth|Acting Sub Lieutenant]]
|[[Midshipman]]
|-
!Abbreviation
|colspan=2|CAPT
|colspan=2|CMDR
|colspan=2|LCDR
|colspan=2|LEUT
|SBLT
|ASLT
|MIDN

|}

===Sailors===
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background:#f7f8ff; text-align:center; padding:5px;"

|- style="background:#CCCCCC"
! width="10%" |[[NATO|NATO Code]]
| width="27%" |OR-9*
|OR-9
| colspan="1" width="18%" |OR-8
| colspan="2" | OR-6
| colspan="2" width="10%" |OR-5
| width="9%" |OR-3
|OR-2
|OR-1
|-
|- style="background:#DFDFDF"
! width="10%" |Aus/US Code
| width="27%" |E-9
|E-9
| colspan="1" width="18%" |E-8
| colspan="2" |E-6
| colspan="2" width="10%" |E-5
| width="9%" |E-3
|E-2
|E-1
|-
!{{flagdeco|Australia|variant=naval}} Australia ''Other Ranks Insignia''
|[[File:Royal_Australian_Navy_OR-9b.svg|70px]]
|[[File:Royal_Australian_Navy_OR-9a.svg|70px]]
|[[File:Royal_Australian_Navy_OR-8.svg|70px]]
| colspan="2" width="9%" |[[File:Royal_Australian_Navy_OR-6.svg|70px|Petty Officer]]
| colspan="2" |[[File:Royal_Australian_Navy_OR-5.svg|70px|Leading Seaman]]
|[[File:Royal_Australian_Navy_OR-3.svg|70px|Able Seaman]]
|[[File:Royal_Australian_Navy_OR-2.svg|70px|Seaman]]
| colspan="2" width="9%" |''No insignia''{{hr|4}}
|-
!Rank Title:
|[[Warrant Officer of the Navy]]
| colspan="1" |[[Warrant Officer#Australia|Warrant Officer]]
| colspan="1" |[[Chief Petty Officer#Australia|Chief Petty Officer]]
| colspan="2" |[[Petty Officer]]
| colspan="2" |[[Leading Seaman]]
|[[Able Seaman (rank)|Able Seaman]]
| colspan="1" |[[Seaman (rank)|Seaman]] 
|[[Military recruitment|Recruit]]
|-
!Abbreviation:
| colspan="1" |WO-N
| colspan="1" |WO
| colspan="1" |CPO
| colspan="2" |PO
| colspan="2" |LS
|AB
| colspan="1" |SMN/SMN*
|RCT
|
|}

=== Rate Insignia ===
[[File:CIS Department Halifax.jpg|thumb|Royal Australian Navy sailors from HMAS ''Sydney'' during Operation Northern Trident 2009]]

Royal Australian Navy Other Ranks wear "right arm rates" insignia, called "Category Insignia" to indicate specialty training qualifications.<ref name="RAN Website">{{cite web |title=Category Badges |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/about/organisation/category-badges |url-status=live |archive-url=https://www.navy.gov.au/category-badges |archive-date=1 December 2022 |access-date=1 December 2022 |website=Navy (dot) Gov. |publisher=Royal Australian Navy}}</ref> This is a holdover from the Royal Navy.

====Special insignia====
The [[Warrant Officer of the Navy]] (WO-N) is an appointment held by the most senior sailor in the RAN and holds the rank of warrant officer (WO). However, the WO-N does not wear the WO rank insignia; instead, they wear the special insignia of the appointment.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/about/senior-leadership-group |title=Defence Leaders: Navy |publisher=www.defence.gov.au |access-date=10 August 2013 |archive-date=14 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514144405/http://www.navy.gov.au/about/senior-leadership-group |url-status=live }}</ref> The WO-N appointment has similar equivalent appointments in the other services, each holding the rank of warrant officer, each being the most senior sailor/soldier/airman in that service, and each wearing their own special insignia rather than their rank insignia. The Australian Army equivalent is the [[Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army]] (RSM-A)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.army.gov.au/Who-we-are/Leaders/Regimental-Sergeant-Major-Army |title=Regimental Sergeant Major – Army |publisher=www.army.gov.au |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609091654/http://www.army.gov.au/Who-we-are/Leaders/Regimental-Sergeant-Major-Army |archive-date=9 June 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and the Royal Australian Air Force equivalent is the [[Warrant Officer of the Air Force]] (WOFF-AF).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airforce.gov.au/leaders/woff-af.aspx |title=Warrant Officer of the Air Force |publisher=www.airforce.gov.au |access-date=21 June 2012 |archive-date=9 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609220503/http://www.airforce.gov.au/leaders/woff-af.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Chaplains and Maritime Spiritual Wellbeing Officers ====
[[File:Royal Australian Navy Chaplain and MSWO Rank Insignia.png|thumb|Rank Insignia for Royal Australian Navy Chaplains and Maritime Spiritual Wellbeing Officers (from 2021).]]Chaplains in the Royal Australian Navy are commissioned officers who complete the same training as other officers in the RAN at the Royal Australian Naval College, HMAS Creswell. From July 2020, Maritime Spiritual Wellbeing Officers (MSWOs) were introduced to the Navy Chaplaincy Branch, designed to give Navy people and their families with professional, non-religious pastoral care and spiritual support.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Defence|first=Department of|date=2020-05-11|title=New chaplaincy branch reflects secular care option|url=https://news.defence.gov.au/service/new-chaplaincy-branch-reflects-secular-care-option|access-date=2021-11-01|website=news.defence.gov.au|language=en|archive-date=1 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101060109/https://news.defence.gov.au/service/new-chaplaincy-branch-reflects-secular-care-option|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the Royal Australian Navy, Chaplains and MSWOs are commissioned officers without rank. For reasons of protocol, ceremonial occasions and for saluting purposes, they are, where appropriate, normally grouped with Commanders (O-5).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navy.gov.au/about-navy/ranks |title=Ranks |author=Royal Australian Navy |date= |website=navy.gov.au |access-date=2024-01-01 |quote=...&nbsp;Chaplains and MSWOs are commissioned officers without rank. However, for ceremonial and protocol purposes they are, where appropriate, normally grouped with Commanders (O-5).&nbsp;...}}</ref> The more senior Division 4 Senior Chaplains are grouped with Captains (O-6) and Division 5 Principal Chaplains are grouped with Commodores (O-7), but their rank slide remains the same. Principal Chaplains and MSWOs, however, have gold braid on the peak of their white service cap.{{Citation needed|date=June 2017}}

From January 2021, MSWOs and all chaplains wear the branch's new non-faith-specific rank insignia of a fouled anchor overlaying a compass rose, which represents a united team front, encompassing all faiths and purpose. Chaplains and MSWOs have insignia that reflect their religion on collar mounted patches (Cross for Christian, Crescent for Muslim etc, Compass rose for MSWOs.)<ref>{{Cite web|author=Royal Australian Navy|title=Chaplains|url=https://www.navy.gov.au/chaplains|access-date=2021-11-01|website=www.navy.gov.au|language=en|archive-date=1 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101060120/https://www.navy.gov.au/chaplains|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Ships and equipment ==

=== Current ships ===
{{Further|List of active Royal Australian Navy ships}}
The RAN currently operates 33 commissioned vessels, made up of 10 ship classes, plus 12 non-commissioned vessels. In addition, [[DMS Maritime]] operates a [[List of Defence Maritime Services vessels|large number of civilian-crewed]] vessels under contract to the Australian Defence Force.
{| class="toccolours" style="width: 100%; font-size:95%;"
|-
!Image !! Class/name !! Type !! Number !! Entered service !! Details
|- style="background:#ccc;"
! colspan="6"  style="background:lavender" | Commissioned vessels
|-
| [[File:HMAS Collins Kockums photo.jpg|150px|centre|HMAS ''Collins'', ''Collins'' class]] || {{sclass|Collins|submarine|4}} || Submarine || 6 || 1996 || Anti-shipping, intelligence collection. [[Diesel-electric transmission|Diesel-electric]] powered.
|-
| [[File:HMAS Canberra arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for RIMPAC 2016.jpg|150px|centre|HMAS ''Canberra'', ''Canberra'' class]] || {{sclass|Canberra|landing helicopter dock|4}} || Landing helicopter dock || 2 || 2014 || Amphibious warfare ships with [[aircraft carrier]] capacity.
|-
|[[File:HMAS Hobart December 2017.jpg|centre|149x149px]] || {{sclass|Hobart|destroyer|4}} || Destroyer || 3 || 2017 || Air warfare destroyer.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Warship Sydney commissions at sea|url=https://news.navy.gov.au/en/May2020/Fleet/5862/Warship-Sydney-commissions-at-sea.htm|last=Navy|first=Royal Australian|website=Navy Daily|language=en|access-date=2020-05-19|archive-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029071914/https://news.navy.gov.au/en/May2020/Fleet/5862/Warship-Sydney-commissions-at-sea.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| [[File:HMAS Perth entering Pearl Harbor in June 2012.jpg|150px|centre|HMAS ''Perth'', ''Anzac'' class]] || {{Sclass|Anzac|frigate|4}} || Frigate || 7 || 1996 || Anti-submarine and anti-aircraft frigate with one helicopter. Two more were built for the [[Royal New Zealand Navy]].
|-
| [[File:HMAS Broome (ACPB 90).jpg|150px|centre|HMAS ''Broome'', ''Armidale'' class]] || {{sclass|Armidale|patrol boat|4}} || Patrol boat || 3 || 2005 || Coastal defence, maritime border, and fishery protection.
|-
| [[File:ADV Cape Otway at Austal shipyards in Henderson, Western Australia, October 2021 10.jpg|150px|centre|An as yet unnamed Cape-class patrol boat at Austal shipyards in Henderson, Western Australia]] || {{sclass|Cape|patrol boat|4}} || Patrol boat || 8 || 2017 || Eight Cape-class vessels commissioned as of May 2025 with the remaining four operating un-commissioned.
|-
| [[File:RAN-IFR 2013 D3 81.JPG|150px|centre|HMAS ''Yarra'', ''Huon'' class]] || {{sclass|Huon|minehunter|4}} || Minehunter || 2 || 1997 || Minehunting. 
|-
| [[File:RAN-IFR 2013 D3 179.JPG|150px|centre|HMAS ''Leeuwin'', ''Leeuwin'' class]] || {{sclass|Leeuwin|survey vessel|4}} || Survey ship || 1 || 2000 || Hydrographic survey
|-
| [[File:HMAS Choules FBE 2014.JPG|150px|centre|HMAS ''Choules'' FBE 2014]] || {{sclass|Bay|landing ship|4}} || Landing ship dock || 1 || 2011 || Heavy sealift and transport
|-
| [[File:HMAS Stalwart (A304) participating in the International Fleet Review 2022.jpg|150px|centre|HMAS ''Stalwart'']]
| {{sclass|Supply|replenishment oiler|4}}
|Replenishment oiler
|2
|2021
|Replenishment at sea and afloat support.
|- style="background:#ccc;"
! colspan="6" style="background:lavender" | Non-commissioned vessels
|-
| [[File:ADV Cape Otway at Austal shipyards in Henderson, Western Australia, October 2021 10.jpg|150px|centre|An as yet unnamed Cape-class patrol boat at Austal shipyards in Henderson, Western Australia]] || {{sclass|Cape|patrol boat|4}} || Patrol boat || 4 || 2017 || Maritime border and fishery protection, augmenting the ''Armidale'' class. Two more under construction.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Naval News |date=2022-11-04 |title=Austal delivers 3rd Evolved Cape-Class Patrol Boat to RAN |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/11/austal-delivers-3rd-evolved-cape-class-patrol-boat-to-ran/ |access-date=2022-11-04 |website=Naval News |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| [[File:ADV Ocean Protector at HMAS Stirling, December 2022 02.jpg|150px|centre|ADV Ocean Protector at HMAS Stirling, December 2022 02]] || {{Ship|ADV|Ocean Protector}} || Auxiliary || 1 || 2016 || [[auxiliary ship|Auxiliary vessel]], manned and managed by Teekay.
|-
| [[File:ADV Guidance at Fleet Base East November 2023.jpg|150px|centre|ADV Guidance at Fleet Base East November 2023]] || {{Ship|ADV|Guidance}} || Auxiliary || 1 || 2023 || [[auxiliary ship|Auxiliary vessel]] / undersea support vessel, manned and managed by Teekay.
|-
| [[File:ADV Reliant May 2024.jpg|150px|centre|ADV Reliant at Fleet Base East May 2024]] || {{Ship|ADV|Reliant}} || Auxiliary || 1 || 2022|| [[auxiliary ship|Pacific support vessel]], manned and managed by Teekay.
|-
| [[File:Melbourne International Tall Ship Festival 2013 (9713636920).jpg|150px|centre|STS ''Young Endeavour'']] || {{Ship|STS|Young Endeavour I}} || Sail training ship || 1||1988 || Tall ship, operated under the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme.
|-
| [[File:Blank image 140x96.png|150px|centre|Blank image 140x96]] || MV Admiral's Barge || Ceremonial and VIP transport || 1 || 1993 || The main Admiral's Barge belonging to the VIP Boat Squadron and based at [[Fleet Base East]].
|-
| [[File:Blank image 140x96.png|150px|centre|Blank image 140x96]] || MV Admiral Hudson || Ceremonial and VIP transport || 1 || 1995 || A Kingfisher 54 cruiser used as an admiral's barge belonging to the VIP Boat Squadron and based at Fleet Base East.
|}

=== Fleet Air Arm ===
{{Main|Fleet Air Arm (RAN)}}
{| class="toccolours" style="width: 100%; font-size:95%;"
|-
!Image !! Squadron !! Equipment !! Number !! Role !! Details
|- style="background:#ccc;"
! colspan="6"  style="background:lavender" | Operational Squadrons
|-
| [[File:N48-005 at the 2016 ADFA Open Day.jpg|150px]] || [[816 Squadron RAN|816 Squadron]] || [[MH-60R]] || 8 || Anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue || The RAN operates 23 MH-60Rs, 8 of which are usually deployed at sea at any one time with the rest in maintenance and training.<ref name="MH-60R">{{Cite web|title=MH-60R Seahawk|url=https://www.navy.gov.au/aircraft/mh-60r-seahawk|website=Royal Australian Navy|access-date=11 October 2021|archive-date=11 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011111629/https://www.navy.gov.au/aircraft/mh-60r-seahawk|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=816 Squadron|url=https://www.navy.gov.au/about/organisation/fleet-air-arm/816-squadron|website=Royal Australian Navy|access-date=11 October 2021|archive-date=21 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121121627/https://www.navy.gov.au/about/organisation/fleet-air-arm/816-squadron|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="MH-60RDitch">{{cite press release |title=Three aircrew safe after helicopter ditched in the Philippine Sea |url=https://news.defence.gov.au/media/media-releases/three-aircrew-safe-after-helicopter-ditched-philippine-sea |website=Department of Defence |access-date=9 January 2022 |date=14 October 2021 |archive-date=21 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021104624/https://news.defence.gov.au/media/media-releases/three-aircrew-safe-after-helicopter-ditched-philippine-sea |url-status=live }}</ref> One was ditched in the [[Philippine Sea]] in October 2021 while embarked on HMAS ''Brisbane''.<ref name="MH-60RDitch"/>
|-
| [[File:N48-005 at the 2016 ADFA Open Day.jpg|150px]] || [[808 Squadron RAN|808 Squadron]] || [[MH-60R]] || || Transport and resupply || In April 2022, the RAN ceased flying the MRH-90 Taipan and the fleet was placed into storage.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hurst |first1=Daniel |title=Australia pays to maintain trouble-plagued Taipan helicopters no longer being used by navy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/nov/09/australia-pays-to-maintain-trouble-plagued-taipan-helicopters-no-longer-being-used-by-navy |access-date=22 March 2023 |work=[[Guardian Australia|The Guardian]] |date=9 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author1=Department of Defence |title=Portfolio Budget Statements October 2022-23 - Defence Portfolio |date=2022 |publisher=Commonwealth of Australia |location=Canberra |isbn=9781925890587 |page=57 |url=https://www.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-10/October_2022-23_Defence_PBS_00_Complete.pdf |access-date=22 March 2023}}</ref> In May 2022, the Australian government announced that the [[MRH-90]] would be replaced by additional MH-60R Seahawks.<ref>{{cite press release |author1=Prime Minister Scott Morrison |author2=Minister for Defence Peter Dutton|author3=Minister for Defence Industry, Minister for Science and Technology Melissa Price |title=Securing our national security and local defence jobs and skills |url=https://www.liberal.org.au/latest-news/2022/05/09/securing-our-national-security-and-local-defence-jobs-and-skills |website=Liberal Party of Australia |access-date=1 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509013723/https://www.liberal.org.au/latest-news/2022/05/09/securing-our-national-security-and-local-defence-jobs-and-skills |archive-date=9 May 2022 |date=9 May 2022 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author1=Department of Defence |title=2020 Force Structure Plan |date=2020 |publisher=Commonwealth of Australia |isbn=9780994168061 |url=https://www1.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-11/2020_Force_Structure_Plan.pdf |page=37 |access-date=2 October 2021 |archive-date=13 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413080645/https://www1.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-11/2020_Force_Structure_Plan.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2022, the government ordered 12 MH-60Rs.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Lockheed Martin to produce 12 more MH-60R Seahawk Helicopters for the Royal Australian Navy |url=https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2022-09-20-Lockheed-Martin-to-Produce-12-More-MH-60R-SEAHAWK-Helicopters-for-the-Royal-Australian-Navy |website=Lockheed Martin |access-date=5 October 2022 |date=20 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release|title=Australia – MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters and related defense services|url=https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/australia-mh-60r-multi-mission-helicopters-and-related-defense|website=Defense Security Cooperation Agency|date=8 October 2021|series=Transmittal No. 21-61|access-date=11 October 2021|archive-date=9 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009072204/https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/australia-mh-60r-multi-mission-helicopters-and-related-defense|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! colspan="6"  style="background:lavender" |Training Squadrons
|-
| [[File:N48-005 at the 2016 ADFA Open Day.jpg|150px]] || [[725 Squadron RAN|725 Squadron]] || [[MH-60R]] || 15 || Conversion training and maintenance ||
|-
| [[File:Joint Helicopter Aircrew Training School (N52-014) Airbus Helicopter EC135T2+ at Wagga Wagga Airport.jpg|150px]] || [[723 Squadron RAN|723 Squadron]] || [[Eurocopter EC135|EC-135T2+]]|| 15 || Helicopter aircrew training
|
|-
! colspan="6"  style="background:lavender" |Experimental Squadron
|-
| [[File:US Navy 1005268-N-RC844-159 A Scan Eagle Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).jpg|150px]] || rowspan="2" | [[822X Squadron RAN|822X Squadron]] || [[Boeing Insitu ScanEagle|ScanEagle]] || || rowspan="2" | Unmanned aerial vehicle trials || 
|-
| [[File:Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100.jpg|150px]] || [[Schiebel Camcopter S-100|S-100 Camcopter]] || ||
|-
|}

=== Small arms ===
RAN personnel utilise the following small arms:<ref name=":4">{{cite web |url=https://www.navy.gov.au/fleet/weapons/small-arms |title=Small arms |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |access-date=25 April 2021 |archive-date=25 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425022848/https://www.navy.gov.au/fleet/weapons/small-arms |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Steyr AUG|EF88 Austeyr]]
* [[FN Minimi|F89A1 Minimi]]
*[[Browning Hi-Power]]
*[[Remington Model 870|870P Shotgun]]
*[[M2 Browning|M2HB-QCB]]
*[[M4 carbine#M4A1|M4A1 carbine]]
*[[FN MAG|MAG 58]]

=== Future ===
{{Main|Future of the Royal Australian Navy}}
There are currently several major projects underway that will see upgrades to RAN capabilities.

*''Project SEA 1180 Phase 1'' is building six {{sclass|Arafura|offshore patrol vessel|1}}s based on the [[Lürssen]] OPV80 design, to replace ''Armidale''-class patrol boats. Construction started in November 2018, with the first vessel, HMAS ''Arafura'' to enter service in 2022.<ref name="OPV">{{cite web |url=https://www.navy.gov.au/fleet/ships-boats-craft/future/opv |title=Arafura Class OPV |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |access-date=13 November 2021 |archive-date=8 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108031112/https://www.navy.gov.au/fleet/ships-boats-craft/future/opv |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Offshore Patrol Vessels|url=http://www.defence.gov.au/casg/EquippingDefence/SEA1180PH1_OffshorePatrolVessels|access-date=29 June 2018|website=Department of Defence (Australia)|archive-date=29 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629050202/http://www.defence.gov.au/casg/EquippingDefence/SEA1180PH1_OffshorePatrolVessels|url-status=live}}</ref>
*''Project SEA 1905'' is the acquisition of a further two ''Arafura''-class offshore patrol vessels in a mine counter-measures configuration.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=18 June 2020|title=Draft Infrastructure & Land Use Plan|url=https://www.jtsi.wa.gov.au/docs/default-source/silup-2020/draft-strategic-infrastructure-and-land-use-plan-18-june-2020.pdf?sfvrsn=deef711c_2|website=Western Australian Government|access-date=30 June 2020|archive-date=2 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702033859/https://www.jtsi.wa.gov.au/docs/default-source/silup-2020/draft-strategic-infrastructure-and-land-use-plan-18-june-2020.pdf?sfvrsn=deef711c_2|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Project SEA 1654 Phase 3'' acquired two {{sclass|Supply|replenishment oiler|0}} replenishment ships based on the Spanish [[Spanish oiler Cantabria|''Cantabria''-class oiler]]. HMAS ''Supply'' was launched in November 2018<ref>{{cite web|date=26 November 2018|title=RAN's next oiler ship launched in Spain|url=http://www.australiandefence.com.au/defence/sea/ran-s-next-oiler-ship-launched-in-spain|publisher=Australian Defence Magazine|access-date=12 February 2019|archive-date=13 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213010140/http://www.australiandefence.com.au/defence/sea/ran-s-next-oiler-ship-launched-in-spain|url-status=live}}</ref> and replaced {{HMAS|Success|OR 304|6}}, while the second, HMAS ''Stalwart'' replaced HMAS ''Sirius''.
*''Project SEA 1445 Phase 1'' is the acquisition of ten Evolved {{sclass|Cape|patrol boat|4}} patrol boats to be built by [[Austal]] in [[Henderson, Western Australia|Henderson]].<ref>{{cite press release |author1=Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds |author2=Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price |title=New patrol boats to boost Navy capability |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/minister/melissa-price/media-releases/new-patrol-boats-boost-navy-capability|website=Department of Defence Ministers |access-date=17 September 2022 |date=1 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |author1=Prime Minister Scott Morrison |author2=Minister for Defence Peter Dutton |author3=Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price |title=Keeping our borders safe and supporting Australian industry |url=https://www.liberal.org.au/latest-news/2022/04/18/keeping-our-borders-safe-and-supporting-australian-industry |website=Liberal Party of Australia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521184427/https://www.liberal.org.au/latest-news/2022/04/18/keeping-our-borders-safe-and-supporting-australian-industry |archive-date=21 May 2022 |date=18 April 2022 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The RAN decided to acquire the Evolved {{sclass|Cape|patrol boat|4}} boats instead of extending the life of six {{sclass|Armidale|patrol boat|4}} patrol boats as it transitions to the new {{sclass|Arafura|offshore patrol vessel|4}} offshore patrol vessel.<ref>{{cite book |author1=Australian National Audit Office |title=Department of Defence's Procurement of Six Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats |date=2021 |publisher=The Auditor-General |location=Canberra |isbn=9781760337001|url=https://www.anao.gov.au/sites/default/files/Auditor-General_Report_2021-22_15.pdf |access-date=20 March 2023|series=ANAO Report No.15 2021–22 |pages=14–15}}</ref>
*''Project SEA 3000'' is the [[Australian general purpose frigate program|General Purpose Frigate program]] aimed to replace the ''Anzac-''class frigates in the Tier 2 role.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Arthur |first=Gordon |date=2024-06-07 |title=Australia fast-tracks its hunt for replacement frigates |url=https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2024/06/07/australia-fast-tracks-its-hunt-for-replacement-frigates/ |access-date=2024-06-21 |website=Defense News |language=en}}</ref>
*''Project SEA 4000 Phase 6'' will upgrade the existing three [[Hobart-class destroyer|''Hobart-class'' destroyers]] with [[Aegis Combat System|Aegis Baseline 9]] combat system.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Manov |first=Elyse |title=Hobart Class Destroyers |url=https://defencesa.com/projects/hobart-class-destroyers/ |access-date=2024-06-21 |website=Defence SA |language=en-AU}}</ref>
*''Project SEA 5000 Phase 1'' is acquiring six {{sclass|Hunter|frigate|1}}s based on the British [[Type 26 frigate|Type 26 Global Combat Ship]], to replace the ''Anzac''-class frigates in the Tier 1 ASW role from 2034. The vessels will be built in Adelaide by BAE Systems, with the first three to be named HMA Ships ''Hunter'', ''Flinders'' and ''Tasman''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wroe |first=David |date=2018-06-28 |title=British frigate program to seed Australia's own warship industry, Turnbull says |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/british-frigate-program-to-seed-australia-s-own-warship-industry-turnbull-says-20180628-p4zofd.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628142826/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/british-frigate-program-to-seed-australia-s-own-warship-industry-turnbull-says-20180628-p4zofd.html |archive-date=28 June 2018 |access-date=2018-06-28 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref>
*''Surface Fleet Review'' announced the acquisition of six ''Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels (LOSVs)'' which will be constructed in partnership with the [[United States Navy]].

==== Submarines ====
*''Project SEA 1429 Phase 2'' is upgrading the {{sclass|Collins|submarine|1}}s with the Mk48 Mod 7 CBASS torpedo.<ref name="ANAO1429">{{cite web|title=ANAO Report No. 26 2017–18|url=https://www.anao.gov.au/files/anao-mpr-2016-17-pdss22-hwtorpedopdf|access-date=12 February 2019|publisher=Australian National Audit Office|pages=331–338|archive-date=13 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213011546/https://www.anao.gov.au/files/anao-mpr-2016-17-pdss22-hwtorpedopdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Initial Operational Capability (IOC) was achieved in May 2008<ref name="ANAO1429" /> with Final Operational Capability (FOC) due in December 2018, 60 months late.<ref name="ANAO1429" />
*''Project SEA 1439 Phase 3'' is upgrading the ''Collins''-class submarine platform systems to improve 'reliability, sustainability, safety and capability'. IOC was achieved in October 2007, FOC is due in September 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|date=December 2017|title=Collins Class Submarine reliability and sustainability|url=http://www.defence.gov.au/casg/EquippingDefence/SEA1439PH3-CollinsUpgrades|access-date=12 February 2019|website=Department of Defence (Australia)|archive-date=28 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128080942/http://www.defence.gov.au/casg/EquippingDefence/SEA1439PH3-CollinsUpgrades|url-status=live}}</ref>
*''Project SEA 1439 Phase 4A'' is replacing the ''Collins''-class submarines' combat system with the AN/BYG-1(V)8 developed in conjunction with the US Navy<ref>{{cite web|date=2019|title=Collins Class Submarine Replacement Combat System|url=https://www.dst.defence.gov.au/projects/collins-class-submarine-replacement-combat-system|access-date=12 February 2019|publisher=Department of Defence Science & Technology|archive-date=13 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213005830/https://www.dst.defence.gov.au/projects/collins-class-submarine-replacement-combat-system|url-status=live}}</ref> IOC Expected to achieve Final Operating Capability in December 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|date=February 2018|title=Collins Replacement Combat System|url=http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/EquippingDefence/SEA1439PH4A-CollinsRCS|access-date=29 June 2018|website=Department of Defence (Australia)|archive-date=29 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629050048/http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/EquippingDefence/SEA1439PH4A-CollinsRCS|url-status=live}}</ref> IOC was in May 2008 with FOC planned for December 2018.
* ''Project SEA 1450'': In September 2021, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that the ''Collins''-class submarines will receive a Life of Type Extension (LOTE) from 2026 that will cost up to A$6.4 billion.<ref>{{cite press release |author1=Prime Minister |author2=Minister for Defence |author3=Minister for Finance |title=Key naval projects confirmed for South Australia |url=https://www.pm.gov.au/media/key-naval-projects-confirmed-south-australia |website=Prime Minister of Australia |date=16 September 2021 |archive-date=16 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916023649/https://www.pm.gov.au/media/key-naval-projects-confirmed-south-australia |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Raytheon to support Collins combat systems |url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/defence/sea/raytheon-to-support-collins-combat-systems |access-date=22 March 2023 |work=Australian Defence Magazine |date=12 October 2022}}</ref>
* [[SSN-AUKUS]]: In March 2023, Prime Minister [[Anthony Albanese]] announced that Australia will build nuclear-powered SSN-AUKUS class submarines.<ref name="AUKUSMar23"/> The UK Submersible Ship Nuclear Replacement (SSNR) design was renamed SSN-AUKUS in March 2023, under the [[AUKUS]] trilateral security partnership, when Australia joined the project and additional US technology was incorporated into the design.<ref>{{OGL-attribution|version=3.0|{{cite web |author1=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] |author2=[[Defence Nuclear Organisation]] |title=The AUKUS Nuclear Powered-Submarine Pathway: A Partnership for the Future |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1142588/The_AUKUS_nuclear_powered_submarine_pathway_a_partnership_for_the_future.pdf |access-date=17 March 2023 |date=14 March 2023 |ref={{sfnref|Ministry of Defence|2023}} |pages=7, 23}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Design work begins on successor to Astute-class submarines in £170m deal |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2021/september/17/20210917-astute-successor |website=Royal Navy |access-date=19 March 2023 |date=17 September 2021}}</ref> The construction of the first boat is to begin by the end of the 2030s with the boat delivered in the early 2040s.{{sfn|Ministry of Defence|2023|pages=7,23}} Five boats are planned to be built.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Briggs |first1=Peter |title=How many nuclear-powered submarines for Australia? |url=https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/how-many-nuclear-powered-submarines-for-australia/ |website=The Strategist — [[Australian Strategic Policy Institute]] |access-date=15 October 2023 |date=12 October 2023}}</ref>
* {{Sclass|Virginia|submarine|4}}: In March 2023, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Australia intends to purchase three nuclear-powered ''Virginia'' class submarines from the US, subject to [[United States Congress|congressional approval]], to ensure there is no capability gap as the RAN transitions to the SSN-AUKUS.<ref name="AUKUSMar23">{{cite press release |author1=Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese |author2=Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak |author3=President of the United States of America Joseph R. Biden |title=Joint Leaders Statement on AUKUS |url=https://www.pm.gov.au/media/joint-leaders-statement-aukus |website=Prime Minister of Australia |date=14 March 2023 |access-date=14 March 2023}}[[File:CC-BY_icon.svg|50x50px]] This article contains quotations from this source, which is available under a [[creativecommons:by/4.0/|Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence]].</ref>{{sfn|Ministry of Defence|2023|pages=8}} The first boat is planned to be delivered in 2033.<ref name="Aust14March23">{{cite news |last1=Stewart |first1=Cameron |title=Big gamble, but even bigger benefits in AUKUS subs |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/defence/aukus-alliance-submarines-are-a-big-gamble-but-even-bigger-benefits/news-story/88b8f4ceb16a16d94c866f019a0d8138 |access-date=17 March 2023 |work=[[The Australian]] |date=14 March 2023|url-access=subscription}}</ref> If there are delays with the SSN-AUKUS class program, Australia has the option of purchasing up to two additional ''Virginia'' class boats.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Defence Minister Richard Marles |author2=Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy |title=Press conference - Parliament House, Canberra |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/transcripts/2023-03-14/press-conference-parliament-house-canberra |website=Department of Defence Ministers |access-date=16 March 2023 |date=14 March 2023}}</ref><ref name="Aust14March23" />
* East coast base: In March 2022, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that a "new submarine base will be built on the east coast of Australia" and "three preferred locations on the east coast have been identified, being [[Brisbane]], [[Newcastle, New South Wales|Newcastle]], and [[Port Kembla harbour|Port Kembla]]".<ref>{{cite press release |author1=Prime Minister |author2=Minister for Defence Peter Dutton |title=Australia to build additional submarine base |url=https://www.pm.gov.au/media/australia-build-additional-submarine-base |website=Prime Minister of Australia |access-date=25 September 2021 |date=7 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309040703/https://www.pm.gov.au/media/australia-build-additional-submarine-base |archive-date=9 March 2022 |url-status=dead}}[[File:CC-BY_icon.svg|50x50px]] This article contains quotations from this source, which is available under a [[creativecommons:by/4.0/|Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence]].</ref>

== Current operations ==
{{Main|Current Australian Defence Force deployments}}
The RAN currently has forces deployed on seven major operations:<ref>{{cite web|title=Operations|url=http://www.navy.gov.au/navy-today/operations|access-date=31 August 2014|publisher=Royal Australian Navy|archive-date=17 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817164527/http://www.navy.gov.au/navy-today/operations|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Operation Resolute: border protection and fisheries patrol.
* Operation Manitou: counter-piracy, counterterrorism and maritime stability in the Middle East and
* Operation Accordion: support operation to provide sustainment to forces deployed on Operation Manitou.
* Operation Solania: contribute to maritime surveillance in the Pacific.
* Operation Gateway: operate maritime patrols in the Indian Ocean and South China Sea, alongside Malaysia.
* Operation Render Safe: safely dispose of remnant explosives of [[World War II]] on Pacific nations.
* Operation Dyurra: integrate space capabilities into other operations.

==See also==
* [[Australian Navy Cadets]]
* [[Australian White Ensign]]
* [[Battle and theatre honours of the Royal Australian Navy]]
* [[Royal Australian Navy Band]]
* [[Royal Australian Navy School of Underwater Medicine]]
*[[List of ships of the Royal Australian Navy]]
*[[Navy News (Australia)|''Navy News'' (Australia)]]

==References==
===Notes===
{{reflist}}

===Bibliography===
*{{cite journal|last1=Bogart|first1=Charles H.|year=2006|title=The Royal Australian Navy: A Pictorial Look at the 1980s|journal=Warship International|volume=XLIII|issue=2|pages=195–221 |issn=0043-0374}}
* {{cite book|last1=Dennis|first1=Peter|last2=Grey|first2=Jeffrey|author-link2=Jeffrey Grey |last3=Morris|first3=Ewan|last4=Prior|first4=Robin|year=1995 |title=The Oxford Companion to Australian Military History |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Melbourne |isbn=0-19-553227-9}}
* {{cite book |last=Frame |first=Tom |author-link=Tom Frame (bishop) |title=No Pleasure Cruise: The Story of the Royal Australian Navy |year=2004 |publisher=Allen & Unwin |location=Crows Nest, New South Wales |isbn=1-74114-233-4}}
* {{cite book |last1=Gillett |first1=Ross |last2=Graham |first2=Colin |title=Warships of Australia|year=1977 |publisher=Rigby |location=Adelaide, South Australia |isbn=0-7270-0472-7}}
* {{cite book |last=Whitley |first=M. J. |title=Destroyers of World War Two: An International Encyclopedia |year=2000 |orig-year=1988 |publisher=Cassell |location=London |isbn=1-85409-521-8 }}
* {{cite book|title=Defence Annual Report 2020-2021|date=2021|publisher=Defence Publishing Service|page=117|last=Department of Defence|first=(Australia)|url=https://www1.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-10/AR-2020-21.pdf}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* [http://www.navy.gov.au/fleet/ships-boats-craft/available-ship-histories Historical listing of RAN ships]
* [http://www.maritimequest.com/warship_directory/australia/royal_australian_navy_main_page.htm Maritimequest Royal Australian Navy photo gallery]
* [http://www.navy.gov.au/about/senior-leadership-group Biographies of senior RAN officers]
* [http://www.naval-history.net/ Royal and Dominion Navies in World War II, Campaigns, Battles, Warship losses]
* [http://www.defence.gov.au/PayAndConditions/ADF/chapter-1/Part-4/default.asp ADF Pay & Conditions Manual – Equivalent ranks and classifications]

{{Royal Australian Navy}}
{{Australian Defence Force}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Royal Australian Navy| ]]
[[Category:1901 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1901]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Australia with royal patronage]]