The names of RAN ships are carefully chosen to promote the relationship between the navy and the Australian community and to provide a tangible link with the past.

The new breed of surface combatant will be able to operate alone or with guided missile destroyers and frigates in more intensive operations. The names, all of which have been borne by previous RAN ships, have a proud place in our nation's history. They reflect not only Australia's great military heritage but also strong links between the community and the navy. In keeping with the process of reconciliation, we are especially proud to honor the Arrernte and Warramunga peoples.

The name ANZAC, more than any other, symbolizes the spirit of our nation's character. It also reflects the bilateral nature of the project and will be seen as an enduring symbol of the close defence relationship between Australia and New Zealand.HMA ships ANZAC, ARRERNTE, WARUMUNGU and STUART recall some of the most famous destroyers of our past. All have Illustrious war records and proud ship associations. The new spelling of ARRERNTE and WARRAMUNGU (formerly ARUNTA and WARRAMUNGA) conforms to modern usage and is preferred by the peoples of those tribes.

The first Stuart is remembered as the leader of the "Scrap Iron Flotilla" and the use of this name will perpetuate the memory of those famous ships. The final four ships bear the names of major Australian cities, with their selection maintaining a fair distribution of ships names between the states.

My thanks to Ex-CPOFC Steve Cocking for providing me with the material on the ANZAC Project.

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