HMAS Perth Middle East departure steeped in firsts

HMAS Perth will depart from her home port of Fleet Base West, Rockingham, for maritime security activities in Middle East waters on Operation MANITOU, next Tuesday, 7 June.

CAPTION: HMAS Perth receives her MH-60R ‘Romeo’ helicopter before departure on operation Manitou. Photo by Able Seaman Grahame Kelaher

This will be Perth’s first deployment to the Middle East Region and the first time an Anzac-class frigate with the Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgrade has deployed operationally.

It will also be the first operational deployment of the new MH-60R Seahawk ‘Romeo’ helicopter.

Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Stuart Mayer, friends and family will farewell the ship’s company of 192.

During the deployment, Perth may undertake missions involving counter-terrorism, counter-piracy and theatre security cooperation/regional engagements, as part of the Australian Defence Force Contribution to support international efforts to promote maritime security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East region.

Perth’s departure will mark the 63rd rotation of a Royal Australian Navy ship to the region since 1990.

Perth will relieve HMAS Darwin on operations.
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