HMAS Paluma
From Our Contribution
 AWM photo 301137 | |
| History | |
|---|---|
| Name | HMAS Paluma |
| Owner | Royal Australian Navy |
| Builder | State Dockyard, Newcastle, NSW |
| Launched | 1946 |
| In service | 1946 |
| Out of service | 1973 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Motor Lighter - Survey Vessel |
| Tonnage | 340 tons |
| Length | 120 feet (37m) |
| Beam | 24 feet (7.3m) |
| Depth | 9 feet (2.7m) |
| Propulsion | 2 x diesel engines |
| Capacity | crew of 29 |
Remarks
Ordered as a Motor Stores Lighter for the RAN, HMAS Paluma was not completed before the end of the war. Following her completion, she was first known as Motor Stores Lighter 252. In 1958 during a major refit she was converted to be used as a survey vessel for the navy until 1973.
Areas surveyed by her include St Vincent Gulf in South Australia, the Papua New Guinea coast line, and areas of the Great Barrier Reef off Cairns.
Battle Honours
- New Guinea 1942-43