 She was purchased by the RAN in 1990 for use as a surveillance, training, and diving support vessel.During her military career, "Protector" supported the trials of the s, and was involved in a search for the shipwreck of the World War II cruiser .The ship was decommissioned in 1998 and, while still owned by the Commonwealth, she is provided to Defence Maritime Services to allow them to support Navy activities under contract.