HMAS Melbourne (FFG 05) 80cm – RAN Guided Missile Frigate

The HMAS Melbourne (FFG 05) was an Adelaide-class guided-missile frigate that served in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) from 1992 to 2019. Named after the city of Melbourne, this ship was the last of her class to be decommissioned in the RAN and became known for her versatile capabilities in various maritime roles, including air defense, surface and undersea warfare, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Built in the United States and launched in 1989, Melbourne served with distinction, undertaking missions worldwide, from peacekeeping and anti-piracy operations to disaster relief and regional security missions. The ship’s service history is a testament to Australia’s naval legacy and the dedication of those who served aboard her.

To commemorate this iconic vessel, the handcrafted model of the HMAS Melbourne (FFG 05) has been meticulously crafted from premium timber, showcasing intricate details that capture the essence of the ship. Each model takes skilled artisans over 12 weeks to complete, carefully referencing original plans and photographs to ensure authenticity. The model includes precise details of the ship’s structure, weaponry, and distinctive markings, making it a remarkable tribute to one of Australia’s notable naval assets. Mounted on a wooden base with a name plaque, this model serves as a proud keepsake for collectors and enthusiasts of naval history alike.

Key Feature of the HMAS Melbourne FFG 05 model:

• Realistic recreation of the HMAS Melbourne (FFG 05) ship, designed with immense attention to detail.
• Designed and hand-crafted from scratch with real-life markings and equipment.
• Frame built and constructed by hand, pained by hand, for the utmost realism.
• No plastic used, this is made entirely from wooden planks which are hand-placed.
• The model comes with a brass nameplate on the base, and a history sheet included.
• Dimensions: 81cm long x 12cm wide x 31cm high, Scale: 1:170

The history of the HMAS Melbourne FFG 05

The ship itself was commissioned alongside five sister ships to be powered using gas turbines. Combined with a new repair policy ensured that these ships would be more readily available than any other in Australian military history. They would also be provided with various propulsion units so that the ship could retain elite movement speed and function even in tight areas.

The ship itself was first laid down in July 1985, before being launched in May 1989 and remaining in service until October 2019. The ship was equipped with then state-of-the-art computer command and control systems, allowing for elite integration of its various weapons suites. This allowed for rapid deployment of weapons, ensuring the HMAS Melbourne III could react to any potential threat.

With space for up to 232 officers, too, this was a vessel that provided enough space for full operations to flow seamlessly. For the most part, the service record of the HMAS Melbourne III revolves around being part of the Gulf War, serving as part of the United Nations response to Iraq. It also played a key role in the Middle East conflict in 2010, 2013, and 2015, when it joined as part of the Combined Maritime Force to promote security and stability within the endangered region.
Part of what made the HMAS Melbourne III so spectacular was the capability of using the MH-60R Romeo helicopter. Space was specifically built on-board so that these helicopters could be included, further expanding the range and support power of the vessel itself. This ensured that it was capable of offering the kind of all-around support that was needed as the Middle East situation escalated further.

After close to 30 years of service, though, the time arrived in 2019 for the HMAS Melbourne III to be decommissioned and brought to an end as a service vehicle. This took place in October 2019, when the HMAS Melbourne III was taken to Garden Island, Fleet Base East, where it was decommissioned and put to rest for one final time.