Description
Description: RAN Tally Band – HMAS Aitape – circa 1970s
Maker’s Name: N/A
Condition: Very Good
Comments: Royal Australian Navy – Tally Band – HMAS Aitape – circa 1970s.
HMAS Aitape (P 84) was an Attack class patrol boat of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
The Attack class was ordered in 1964 to operate in Australian waters as patrol boats (based on lessons learned through using the Ton class minesweepers on patrols of Borneo during the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation, and to replace a variety of old patrol, search-and-rescue, and general-purpose craft.
Aitape was laid down by Walkers Limited at Maryborough, Queensland, launched on 6 July 1967 and commissioned on 13 November 1967, four days before lead ship HMAS Attack.
Aitape was one of five patrol boats transferred to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force on 14 November 1974.
