Hobart home after busy three-month deployment

HMAS Hobart has returned to its home port of Sydney following a busy three-month deployment.

CAPTION: Families prepare to welcome HMAS Hobart back to Fleet Base East in Sydney after three months on deployment. Photo by Able Seaman Lauren Pugsley.

The guided missile destroyer and its crew sailed more than 21,780 nautical miles across the Indo-Pacific, representing Australia and contributing to regional security.

More than 200 officers and sailors were embarked for the deployment, which included high-level international engagement, multinational exercises and critical warfighting training.

Families and friends gathered on the wharf at Fleet Base East to welcome their loved ones home, eager to reunite and celebrate their achievements.

Commanding Officer HMAS Hobart Commander Ali Withers said the deployment was a resounding success.

“I’m incredibly proud of what our sailors and officers have achieved over the past three months,” she said.

“Their professionalism, commitment and resilience have been outstanding – and none of it would have been possible without the support of our families and friends across Australia, and the enduring partnerships we share with our friends and allies throughout the region.”

Hobart’s deployment included port visits to Bali, Singapore and Subic Bay, strengthening Australia’s relationships in the Indo-Pacific and demonstrating Navy’s ongoing commitment to regional engagement and cooperation.

CAPTION: Families welcome HMAS Hobart back to Fleet Base East in Sydney following its three-month deployment across the Indo-Pacific.

The ship also visited Fleet Base West and Bunbury in Western Australia, participating in anti-submarine warfare exercises alongside other units from the Royal Australian Navy, and Australian and New Zealander air forces.

The deployment featured participation in key multinational activities including Exercise Komodo and Exercise La Perouse, which brought together regional and international partners to strengthen shared security commitments.

Commander Withers said the exercises provided valuable opportunities to develop the skills and cohesion of the crew.

“This deployment enabled our people to grow in every aspect of maritime operations – from bridge and engineering watch-keeping to damage control, sea-boat operations, aircraft control, and helicopter search and rescue.

“Each evolution was a chance to hone our capabilities and reinforce the teamwork that’s vital to everything we do at sea.”

While the return to Sydney marked the end of a high-tempo deployment, it also underscored the vital role played by those at home in supporting Navy’s operational success.

“Our sailors can’t go to sea and do what they do without knowing their families and friends are standing behind them,” Commander Withers said.

“The sacrifices made by our loved ones make these deployments possible, and we are deeply grateful for their strength, patience and support.”

Hobart will now transition into a period of maintenance and respite, giving its crew a well-deserved opportunity to rest, recover and spend time with those who make their service possible.

CAPTION: HMAS Hobart returns home to family and friends at Fleet Base East, Sydney.

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