HMAS Melbourne to Farewell Sydney for Operations
- What
- The Royal Australian Navy Frigate, HMAS Melbourne, will depart Garden Island, NSW, for a six-month deployment to the Middle East.
- When
- 9:50am for an 11:00am departure, Saturday, 11 February 2012.
- Where
- Media wanting to attend the farewell should arrive no later than 9:50am at the Garden Island Pass Office, Cowper Wharf Rd, Woolloomooloo, for escort to the departure wharf. Photo identification will be required.
- Media Note
- Commanding Officer of HMAS Melbourne, Commander Richard Boulton, will be available for interview.
HMAS Melbourne is sailing to the Middle East to undertake maritime security operations as part of Operation Slipper. During the six-month deployment, Melbourne will contribute to the international campaign against terrorism, smuggling and piracy in the Gulf of Aden.
Also joining the ship for this deployment are three members of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), who will help crew HMAS Melbourne’s motor launches, known as Rigid Hill Inflatable boats.
The participation of these RNZN sailors builds on the Anzac tradition and the longstanding comprehensive defence relationship between Australia and New Zealand.
Melbourne is relieving HMAS Parramatta on station. This deployment marks Melbourne’s third deployment to the region and is the 28th rotation of a Royal Australian Navy fleet unit since September 2001.
