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Heavy metal thunder: HMS Tamar joins forces with Aussie tank regiment
6 January 2026
Sailors from HMS Tamar rumbled around the roads of north eastern Australia when they spent a few days paying a rare visit to the city of Townsville.
It’s been 30 years (HMS Monmouth in 1995, thanks for asking) since the White Ensign was last seen in the city, which lies about 180 miles south of Cairns and 700 miles up the coast from Brisbane.
It’s home to Lavarack Barracks, the Australian Army’s largest garrison (circa 8,000 troops), including 2nd Cavalry Regiment and their brand new M1A2SEP3 Abrams.
It’s the latest variant of the what has been the main battle tank of the US Army for more than four decades… and the Australians for the past two.
It’s 66 tonnes of heavy metal thunder, armed with a 120mm gun and a 1,500HP engine powering it along off-road at 25mph, and more than 40mph on tarmac… as some lucky sailors found out.
The cavalrymen and women were superb hosts, offering the visiting Brits the chance to ride around in an Abrams, then enjoy a lift in – and operate the turret of – an ASLAV armoured reconnaissance vehicle (fitted with a slightly smaller version of the Tamar’s main armament) and to meet the regiment’s mascot, Courage, a ferocious wedge-tailed eagle.
HMS Tamar put into Townsville to take on stores and to ring in the New Year in this tropical city (which was blessed with a tropical downpour on December 31/January 1).
Team Tamar matched the soldiers’ hospitality by inviting them on board for a look around and demonstration of what they can do.
“Having the opportunity to visit the 2nd Cavalry Regiment was a welcome change to the day to day running of the catering department on board,” said Petty Officer Carl Tester, who head’s Tamar’s catering team.
“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.”
With Tamar on a long-term mission to the Indo-Pacific, maintaining a permanent Royal Navy presence in the region, enhancing ties with and understanding of the UK’s key allies like the Australian Defence Force is important.
“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.”