HMAS Parramatta (III) was a River-class destroyer escort commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy in 1961. She was the third ship to bear the name Parramatta and served primarily in anti-submarine warfare and escort roles during her career. Parramatta was equipped with weapons and sensors suited to Cold War-era naval operations, including torpedoes and anti-submarine mortars, reflecting the RAN’s focus on protecting sea lanes and countering submarine threats. The ship was actively involved in regional patrols, exercises, and training missions throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
After more than two decades of service, HMAS Parramatta was decommissioned on 11 January 1991. Her career was marked by steady operational contributions during a period of significant technological and strategic change within the RAN. As the third iteration of the name, she continued the proud legacy of the Parramatta ships, which have been an important part of Australia’s naval history since the early 20th century.
