HMAS Stuart Farewelled

26 October 2009

Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, has today farewelled Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Anzac class frigate, HMAS Stuart, from her homeport of Garden Island in Sydney, as she departs for a six-month deployment to the Middle East Area of Operations.

Stuart's Ship's Company of 185 men and women were farewelled in traditional ceremony by the Minister and the Commander Australian Fleet, RADM Steve Gilmore, AM, CSC, RAN, alongside family and friends.

Stuart will be stationed in the Gulf as part of Operation Slipper - the Australian Defence Force (ADF) contribution to international campaigns against terrorism, countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and aiding maritime security.

This is the third time that Stuart has been deployed to the Gulf, with the frigate's departure marking the Navy's 22nd rotation since September 2001. HMAS Stuart will replace HMAS Toowoomba.

Mr Combet congratulated Commanding Officer HMAS Stuart, CMDR Andrew Masters, for the ship's lengthy and rigorous training program in preparation for the task.

"Stuart is well prepared and ready for the important job before them. I congratulate the Ship's Company for their commitment in building upon the outstanding reputation of the Australian Defence Force in the Middle East," Mr Combet said.

"I thank the families and friends of the personnel deploying to the Middle East for their ongoing support and wish those deployed on Operation Slipper continued success and ongoing safety."

Gallery

View HMAS Stuart farewell images on the Defence gallery.