Operation Northern Trident Underway
20 April 2009
A 400 strong crowd of family, friends and well-wishers lined the wharf at Fleet Base East as HMAS Sydney and HMAS Ballarat commenced their six month international deployment – Operation Northern Trident.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP and the Leader of the Opposition and Member for Wentworth, The Hon Malcolm Turnbull were also on hand to farewell both Ship’s Company.
The farewell ceremony included a speech by the Acting Fleet Commander, Commodore Simon Cullen, AM, CSC, RAN, who spoke of the responsibility that both ships carried as ambassadors for Australia.
“Both Ships have proven themselves to be capable teams, well led and ready to counter any challenges that may await them. I have no doubt that the Ship’s Companies will be proud ambassadors for Australia and our Navy, and will continue the fine reputation we have with our allies in the regions they will visit,” said Commodore Cullen.
Members of both Ship’s Companies enjoyed spending precious last moments with their loved ones, as Commander of the Task Group, Captain Peter Leavy stressed the important role that family and friends have to play with this deployment and assured the crowd that the sacrifices they make do not go unnoticed.
“You are part of the team and can take pride in knowing your love and support is the bedrock upon which our work rests. This deployment is as much yours as it is ours and you can rightly claim your share of the credit for the good work these ships will do in support of our nation.
“I know some family and friends are planning on joining us at various points on the trip, and I look forward to welcoming those that do. For those that won’t be travelling to join us, rest assured that we all look forward to the time when we sail back through Sydney Heads and reunite with you,” said Captain Leavy.
Finally as the time came to man ship, an air of excitement and anticipation settled over the crowd. The Royal Australian Navy Band proudly played Advance Australia Fair and it was time for one last goodbye.
Ballarat sailed from Fleet Base East on Monday 20 April 2009, to be joined by Sydney off the east coast of Australia later that week. The Task Group’s first international port visit will be Cochin in India.
Operation Northern Trident 2009 will support Australian Government diplomatic, international security and defence industry interests in Western Europe, North America and Asia. It will also provide a substantial opportunity to enhance Navy’s skills on an international level as well as fostering relationships with Australia’s global counterparts.
Image Gallery
View the Northern Trident 2009 departure images.
