Navy

In pictures: HMS Tamar sailors get hands-on with Abrams and ASLAV during stop in Oz

Major Lamb from the Australian Army outlines the capabilities of the Abrams to Cdr Lindsey (Picture: Royal Navy)

Tamars CO Cdr Thomas Lindsey enjoys the view from the turret (Picture: Royal Navy)

The Abrams rolls around Lavarack Base (Picture: Royal Navy)

The sailors pose on the tanks turret (Picture: Royal Navy)

Aussie tank crews introduce the sailors to the Abrams main battle tank (Picture: Royal Navy)

Townsville had not seen a Royal Navy ship since HMS Monmouth visited in 1995.

Over the New Year period, HMS Tamar ended that 30-year gap with a stop in the north-east Australian city to resupply and link up with soldiers from the Australian Army's 2nd Cavalry Regiment.

The Queensland city is home to Lavarack Barracks, the Australian Army's largest garrison with around 8,000 troops, including the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and its new Abrams main battle tanks.

The tropical port sits about 180 miles south of Cairns and roughly 700 miles up the coast from Brisbane.

TMS Tamar becomes first Royal Navy ship to visit Townsville since 1995 (Picture: Royal Navy)

TMS Tamar welcomed to Townsville (Picture: Royal Navy)

Royal Navy News from December 1995 detailing HMS Monmouth visit (Picture: Royal Navy)

For some of HMS Tamar's ship's company, the visit meant trading shipboard routines for a close-up look at armoured warfare.

Sailors were offered rides in the Abrams, a 66-tonne tank armed with a 120mm gun and a 1,500HP engine, and the chance to operate the turret of an ASLAV armoured reconnaissance vehicle.

"The friendly welcome and tour of the facilities would have been more than enough to take away as a cherished memory; however, being given the opportunity to take a ride in a 66-tonne Abrams main battle tank will go down as a highlight of my career," said Petty Officer Carl Tester.

Royal Navy warships HMS Spey and HMS Tamar reunite Carins Australia — HMS Tamar and HMS Spey have been on deployment in the Indo-Pacific for five years (Picture: Royal Navy)

"Exchanges like this are essential in building shared links and connections between the Royal Navy and our allies, ensuring a stronger team to support regional security," said Commander Thomas Lindsey, HMS Tamar's Commanding Officer.

"The Royal Navy and the UK are committed to supporting the ongoing security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region, alongside our partners and allies."

HMS Tamar (and her sister ship, HMS Spey) have been deployed to the Indo-Pacific region since 2021.

The River-class Offshore Patrol has been involved in maritime surveillance, conducting anti-piracy patrols and protecting fisheries.

She also provided humanitarian relief in Tonga after a volcanic eruption in 2022, and took part in the Carrier Strike Group 2025 deployment.