After a successful six-month deployment conducting maritime security and interception operations. in the Middle East Area of Operations HMAS Anzac (III) is heading home to Australia for some well deserved leave.
The Royal Australian Navy frigate is heading home to Fleet Base East in Sydney after patrolling waters from the Red and Arabian Seas to the Gulfs of Aden, Oman, Aqaba and the Straits of Hormuz and Bab-Al-Mandeb.
The ship’s company of 191 has been on task since 31 July 2012 as part of the Navy’s 29th rotation to patrol the region since 2001.
Commanding Officer of HMAS Anzac (III), Commander John Stavridis , said his crew has done themselves proud over a long deployment.
“Everyone onboard Anzac has been a part of the tight-knit team during this deployment, working in tough conditions to secure the maritime environment for legitimate trade,” Commander Stavridis said.
“Their performance has earned Anzac an outstanding reputation in the region and among the other coalition nations working as part of the Combined Maritime Forces.
“It is certain to be an emotional homecoming as the ship’s company lines the upper decks when we sail into Sydney harbour and reunite with loved ones.”
The frigate was honoured to host the Prime Minister of Australia, Australian Members of Parliament and Diplomats from the Seychelles, China, France, India, Cuba and the United Kingdom.
Commander of Joint Task Force 633, Major General Michael Crane , said HMAS Anzac (III) should be proud of their mission.
“HMAS Anzac has had a highly successful tour and contributed to the full scope of combined maritime forces operations including maritime security, counter piracy and regional engagement,” Major General Crane said.
“HMAS Anzac has made a significant contribution to the understanding of patterns of life in the region and has built an excellent reputation as the go-to ship for sensitive tasking.”
HMAS Toowoomba (II) has taken over from Anzac (III) and commenced operations with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) on 6 January 2012.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, January 9, 2013; Image: Royal Australian Navy