DIMDEX 2010

31 March 2010 By LAC Aaron Curran

HMAS Stuart showcased the RAN to the world at the 2nd Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference 2010 (DIMDEX 2010), in Qatar.

Running from 29 to 31 March, DIMDEX attracted ships from up to 15 nations navies including Australia, , United States, France, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Oman, Turkey and India.

DIMDEX was broken up into different events over the three days; a trade show at the Doha Exhibition Centre which featured the latest naval warfare technology and equipment demonstrations; a sports tournament on March 31 at Qatar Sports Club; day visits from VIPs, the public and trade professionals to various ships and a progressive cocktail party covering eight ships.

One important part of DIMDEX was the DIMDEX 2010 Middle East Naval Commanders Conference.

The conference addressed three areas central to maritime security; the policy priorities of the regions navies; the technologies that can help deliver security at sea; and the challenges faced in the conduct of operations.

It featured the latest in naval technology, as well as a comprehensive collection of products and services brought together by international maritime defence manufacturers and suppliers.

CO HMAS Stuart, CMDR Andrew Masters, said it was important for the ship and its crew to be at DIMDEX.

“It’s the first RAN involvement in Doha for DIMDEX,” he said.

“It was a really good opportunity for the Navy to be here and showcase the ANZACs and what they can do. It was also another port in the MEAO for the crew to visit.”

The crew, who were at the tail end of their deployment to the MEAO, took the welcome opportunity to step ashore and see the city and mingle with other nation’s personnel.

For CMDR Masters it was a chance for him to see the British ship, HMS St Albans.

“HMS St Albans is a British type 23 which I served 18 months on years ago and to be able to go back and have a look was great,” CMDR Masters said.

“It was my first DIMDEX and it was fantastic.”

On March 31, Stuart, along with seven other nation’s ships held a progressive cocktail party going from ship to ship. Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore was present in Doha for DIMDEX and attended the function on board the Stuart.

Various visitors and VIPs took the opportunity to come aboard HMAS Stuart and other ships and take part in guided tours. It was a hectic morning’s work for the crew with a continuous stream of curious people – military and civilian – clambering all over the ship.

Children in particular took a wide-eyed view at the grey behemoths in front of them. There were even Australian children from the International English School that came aboard for a taste of home.