a long-range escort frigate with roles including area air defence, anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance, and interdiction. The ship could simultaneously counter threats from the air, surface and sub-surface.

Built in the United States, Adelaide (II) was commissioned on 15 November 1980 and was the first of six Adelaide Class guided missile frigates to be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy. Adelaide (II) was the second ship in the RAN to carry this name.