Commander of the Australian Fleet Visits HMAS Newcastle

Commander of the Australian Fleet , RADM Tim Barrett, AM, CSC RAN visited HMAS Newcastle on 9 May 13, whilst she was underway in Cockburn Sound, WA making final preparations for deployment on Operation SLIPPER to the Middle East Area of Operation (MEAO).

RADM Barrett took the opportunity to personally thank Newcastle’s crew for their hard work and personal sacrifices over the last several months.

“I have been following your progress very closely and have been nothing but impressed with the Ship’s accomplishments in light of an extremely busy workup. The high-tempo did not distract you from the task at hand; you not only achieved everything asked of you, but achieved every competency first time, every time – something that I have not often witnessed in my 16 months as Fleet Commander”.

While onboard, RADM Barrett presented the Silver Platter Major Award to Newcastle for attaining the highest standard of provision of food services for 2012 in a Major Fleet Unit. The award was presented to POML-C Jeremy Bowman on behalf of the Maritime Logistics Department.

Newcastle was also presented with the 2012 Combat System Proficiency Shield for Combat System Excellence. RADM Barrett presented the award to CPOET Andrew Cott on behalf of the Weapons Electrical Engineering Department.

RADM Barrett said the awards set the ship up well upcoming deployment.

“Considering where the ship is heading, you must take comfort having just won these two very important awards. They give me confidence that you will execute your mission successfully,” said RADM Barrett.

RADM Barrett also presented: LCDR Stewart Muller the Clasp South Pacific 2006 to the Australian Service Medal, LCDR Craig Tuffley the First Clasp to the Defence Long service medal and the Australian Defence Medal to ABMT Mitchell Summers, Newcastle is sailing to the Middle East for a six month deployment to undertake maritime security and interception operations as part of Operation SLIPPER.

During the six month deployment, Newcastle will contribute to the multinational campaign against terrorism, smuggling and piracy in the Gulf of Aden.

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Press Release, May 16, 2013