HMAS Arunta Farewelled
13 November 2007
The Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class Frigate, HMAS Arunta departed today for a six month deployment to the Middle East.
Her Ship's Company of 183 men and women were farewelled by the Minister for Defence, Dr Brendan Nelson, the Commander Australian Fleet, RADM Nigel Coates AM, RAN, the Commanding Officer of HMAS Arunta, CMDR Timothy Brown RAN; and family and friends of the Ship's company.
Arunta will be stationed in the Middle East Area of Operations as part of Operation Catalyst, Australia's commitment to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq until mid-2008. Arunta will contribute to the protection of Iraqi oil platforms, security boardings of all vessels proceeding to the platforms and training of the Iraqi Navy.
In addition to the many families and friends gathered on the wharf, the Ship's Company were farewelled by representatives of the Arrernte nation from central Australia, for whom the ship is named. A traditional smoking ceremony was performed prior to the departure to ward off evil spirits and keep the ship and her personnel safe.
"The crew has trained hard to prepare for this deployment," said CMDR Timothy Brown.
"We look forward to building upon the fine reputation that the ADF has established in the Middle East Area of Operations and justifying the faith that the families and friends that have gathered here today have placed in us," he said.
