Parramatta’s visit to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
17 May 2010
HMAS Parramatta (Commander Heath Robertson) has just concluded a two night visit to the Saudi Arabian port of Jeddah. The visit was conducted near the end of her first patrol since arriving in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO).
For most of the Ship’s company, this was their first visit to Saudi Arabia and all took the opportunity to get ashore to see a little of what Jeddah had to offer. In addition to a break from the normal day to day life at sea, the Parramatta crew were able to shop in one of Jeddah’s large shopping malls, spend time in a local souk (markets) and get a taste for Saudi Arabian culture. Hosted by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, the Parramatta soccer team were gallant losers in a close, but good natured game against a local Saudi Navy team. The visit concluded with an opportunity to sail in company with two Saudi Navy ships as Parramatta resumed the final stages of her first patrol.
Parramatta’s first patrol has been a busy one, operating under the control of Commander Task Force (CTF) 150 as a part of the broader Combined Maritime Force (CMF). CTF 150 was established in early 2002 and aims to seek and disrupt violent extremists’ use of the maritime environment. CTF 150 achieves this aim through a broad range of activities from assisting mariners in distress to visiting or boarding vessels in accordance with international law and United Nations Security Council Resolutions. These efforts are designed to complement the maritime security efforts of Arabian Gulf regional nations.
In support of this mission, Parramatta’s men and women have been hard at work escorting vulnerable merchant traffic, conducting over 400 queries on shipping in the region and 50 visits and boardings utilising the Ship’s boarding parties in either boats or by fast roping from the embarked Seahawk helicopter.
Parramatta is not alone in conducting security operations in the MEAO, with many other nations providing ships to the collaborative effort. So far Parramatta’s crew has been fortunate to take part in cross deck exchanges with ships from the United States, the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia. These exchanges enable a small group to spend a day onboard a foreign ship and experience life in another Navy. Parramatta has shared this goodwill and hosted visitors in return each time. Whilst onboard they have enjoyed a ship tour, a meal and a chance to see Parramatta at work.
 HMAS Parramatta’s boarding party fast roping onto a vessel. |
 Some crewmembers of HMNLS Tromp and their Parramatta hosts during a cross deck exchange. |
 Parramatta’s soccer team and a Saudi Navy team line up prior to the game during a recent port visit to Jeddah. |
 Some crew members of the USS Farragut and their Parramatta hosts during a cross deck exchange. |
