HMAS Ballarat patrols off-shore gasfields

The crew of HMAS Ballarat has been reminded of the important role Navy plays in protecting Australia’s vital offshore energy resources, and the nation’s prosperity.

CAPTION: HMAS Ballarat patrols past a large offshore gas platform off the north-west coast of Western Australia. Photo by Able Seaman Connor Webber. Story by Lieutenant Will Singer.

An offshore gas platform and supporting vessels served as the backdrop to the silhouette of HMAS Ballarat’s superstructure as she patrolled through waters north-west of Western Australia on October 18.

With the motto, ‘Defend the Flag’, Ballarat sailed from her home port of Fleet Base West as part of Navy’s commitment to raise, train and sustain a maritime force ready to respond in Australia and our region.

Commanding Officer Ballarat Commander Antony Pisani said the crew of the ship had been through a busy training period before deploying.

“Our passage along the Western Australian coastline demonstrates Navy’s enduring commitment to regional security and stability to sustaining a visible presence as we conduct our patrols,” Commander Pisani said.

“As we passed these large offshore gas platforms, we were reminded of the importance of Ballarat’s role in protecting economic prosperity through these critical sea lanes of communication.”

Electronic Warfare Petty Officer Luke Newport was on board Ballarat’s rigid-hull inflatable boat during the patrol.

“I noted during the patrol how important our defence and resource industries are to Australia’s economic stability,” Petty Officer Newport said.

Ballarat is transiting through the North-West Shelf of Australia as part of regular activities in the area to demonstrate Navy’s ability to protect Australia’s borders and offshore maritime interests.

Ballarat is  capable of air defence, surface and undersea warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction.

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