HMAS Darwin I - Historical page

HMAS Darwin I - Historical page Originally created to help keep the friends and family of crew members informed and updated on the Ship's activities throughout Operations and Exercises.

It now serves as an archive of the activities of DARWIN in the lead up to her Decommissioning in 2017 Welcome to HMAS Darwin's official fan page on Facebook, where you will find the most recent news and information on the ship and its crew. While this is an open forum, it's also a family friendly one, so please keep your comments and wall posts clean. In addition to keeping it family friendly, we

ask that you follow our posting guidelines here. If you don't comply, your message will be removed:

-We do not allow graphic, obscene, explicit or racial comments or submissions nor do we allow comments that are abusive, hateful or intended to defame anyone or any organisation.

-We do not allow solicitations or advertisements. This includes promotion or endorsement of any financial, commercial or non-governmental agency. Similarly, we do not allow attempts to defame or defraud any financial, commercial or non-governmental agency.

-We do not allow comments that suggest or encourage illegal activity.

-You participate at your own risk, taking personal responsibility for your comments, your username and any information provided.

- We do not feed trolls. Anyone undertaking troll like activity will be banned immediately. By joining this Facebook Fan page and using the provided service you agree to the above guidelines. Also, the appearance of external links (like Facebook ads) on this site does not constitute official endorsement on behalf of the RAN or Department of Defence. Congratulations to those who have made it this far. Now that all of that is said and done, we hope you'll check here often for news and information, and take the time to post on our wall or participate in discussions.

It is with sadness that we share news of the passing of former HMAS Darwin sailor Chief Petty Officer Andrew Coleman.And...
26/05/2026

It is with sadness that we share news of the passing of former HMAS Darwin sailor Chief Petty Officer Andrew Coleman.

Andrew served in HMAS Darwin and was part of the Darwin family. Many of those who sailed with him will have their own memories of time spent together at sea, alongside and on deployment.

Our thoughts are with Andrew’s wife Kirsty, children Ella and Kaleb, and all of his family, friends and shipmates at this difficult time.

Chief Petty Officer Coleman’s funeral service will be held at Geelong House, HMAS Creswell on Friday 5 June 2026 at 1.00 pm. The service will also be livestreamed. Those wishing to attend in person must register in advance to gain base access.

Further details are available here:
https://murphyfamilyfunerals.com.au/tribute/details/2264/Andrew-Coleman/obituary.html

Once a Darwin sailor, always a Darwin sailor.

Fair winds and following seas, mate. Your watch is done.

18th May 2026 Passed away at Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital, Nowra Late of Vincentia Formerly of Ulladulla Beloved husband of Kirsty Loving father of Ella and Kaleb Adored son of Norman and Therese and brother of Anita Aged 34 years Andrew's funeral service will be held in Geelong House, HMAS...

RAN family and HMAS Darwin 2016 Deployment crew,A memorial service will be held to honour our shipmate, Doctor Jonathan ...
17/02/2026

RAN family and HMAS Darwin 2016 Deployment crew,

A memorial service will be held to honour our shipmate, Doctor Jonathan Grimshaw.

Friday, 27 February
11:00am
Gledswood Homestead
900 Camden Valley Way, Catherine Field

Jonathan, “Doc” to many of us, served with distinction on HMAS Darwin’s 2016 Middle East deployment. He was a compassionate, dedicated medical officer and an outstanding man who cared deeply for those around him.

After leaving the Navy, Doc established himself as a GP in Sydney’s southern suburbs, where he continued to serve his community with the same commitment and kindness. The outpouring of support over the past weeks has been a testament to the positive impact he had on so many lives.

Doc leaves behind his wife Katey and their six children.

For planning purposes, if you intend to attend the memorial service, please let CO Darwin 2016–2017 Phillip Henry know (via Facebook).

A GoFundMe page has been established to support Katey and the children during this incredibly difficult time. If you are in a position to assist, the link is below:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/dr-johnathan-grimshaw?utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&fbclid=IwZnRzaAQBOdhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeedGtT6EGE3Eobe6tZ5L4W5SE-ia1T3BU6EzX-7vOWot22n6w1AsQI5IQuE0_aem_DEDbbMnZnNos0PTDYGOVTQ

RIP, shipmate. Taken far too soon.

Hi all, As most of you know Jonathan gained his angel wings in a fa… Friend of Dr Grimshaw JG needs your support for In memory of Dr Jonathan Grimshaw

Tragically, an ex Navy member and one of our shipmates from HMAS Darwin's 2016 Deployment to the Middle East, passed awa...
08/02/2026

Tragically, an ex Navy member and one of our shipmates from HMAS Darwin's 2016 Deployment to the Middle East, passed away just over a week ago.

Doctor Jonathan Grimshaw was killed in a vehicle accident. Jonathan was a compassionate and outstanding man, dedicated to caring for others.

Jonathan left the Navy a few years ago and had established himself as a GP in the Southern suburbs of Sydney.

Jonathan leaves behind his wife Katey and 6 kids.

Some of their friends and family established a Gofundme page, (details below) to help out Katey and the kids at this terrible time if you can assist at all I know it would be deeply appreciated.

We will post details of the funeral when its confirmed.

RIP shipmate Jonathan Grimshaw, taken way to soon.

Hi all, As most of you know Jonathan gained his angel wings in a fa… Friend of Dr Grimshaw JG needs your support for In memory of Dr Jonathan Grimshaw

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Sydney, NSW
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