British Merlin Magic Visits HMAS Toowoomba In The Middle East
11 August 2009
On 29 May 2009 the Government announced that the ADF would contribute to international efforts to combat piracy off the Horn of Africa. The ADF will formally commence counter-piracy operations in support of Combined Task Force 151 (Counter-Piracy Task Force) in June 2009.
HMAS Toowoomba commenced counter-piracy operations in late June 2009. The ship will be tasked flexibly across a number of Coalition task forces to allow Defence to support the highest priority activity.
Operation SLIPPER is Australia's military contribution to coalition efforts against international terrorism, countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and maritime security.