HMAS Perth departs for Middle East
HMAS Perth today set course and departed the HMAS Stirling naval base at Rockingham, Western Australia, for her first operational deployment to the Middle East region.
CAPTION: Able Seaman Electronics Technician Dillon Slater gives his mum Leonie Cadweller a hug before HMAS Perth’s departure to the Middle East Region. Photo by Leading Seaman Lee-Anne Mack
Family, friends and local representatives joined Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Stuart Mayer to farewell the 192 personnel who will be deployed for Operation Manitou until just before Christmas.
HMAS Perth Commanding Officer Captain Ivan Ingham said Operation Manitou plays an important role in global security and personnel were looking forward to the deployment.
“Operating as part of the multi-national Combined Maritime Forces, we will conduct maritime security operations to counter and deter terrorism and the trade of narcotics that are used to fund terrorist activities,” Captain Ingham said.
“An enhanced security environment ensures Australia’s safe and open access to the region while fostering trade and commerce.
“Since the beginning of Operation Manitou, Australian warships have interdicted more than four tonnes of illegal drugs being trafficked to fund international terrorism.
“We have trained hard to prepare for this task and thank our families and friends for their ongoing support.”
Perth’s departure is the first operational deployment for an Anzac-class frigate with the Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgrade.
“HMAS Perth was the first Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgraded Anzac frigate and so we are extremely proud and excited to be the first upgraded ship to deploy operationally,” Captain Ingham said.
“While we take great satisfaction in knowing that we will deploy with the world’s leading missile defence capability, we also realise that our highly capable surveillance sensors and new combat helicopter will also make a significant additional contribution to our mission.”
This is 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.
Perth’s maiden deployment to the Middle East region marks the 63rd Royal Australian Navy fleet unit to serve in the area since 1990.
Operation Manitou is Australia’s contribution to counter terrorism, counter piracy and narcotics interdiction and improves overall stability to that region, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean.
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