HMAS Choules has completed its mission at Manus Island and heads home today, 31 October 2013.
Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Ray Griggs AO, CSC, RAN said HMAS Choules provided maritime support to Department of Immigration and Border Protection efforts to increase the capacity of the facilities on Manus Island.
“HMAS Choules and her crew remained anchored off Manus Island after the ADF land-based tasks were complete, and the land task force returned home on 14 August 2013,” VADM Griggs said.
“The ship provided a floating home to about 230 Australian Government personnel and service providers working on Manus Island.
“Additionally, HMAS Choules’ crew conducted a number of community engagement activities to assist with maintenance of community buildings.”
VADM Griggs visited the ship during the deployment and said Choules’ support to the operation proved the value of the platform’s capabilities.
“Navy has demonstrated that it has a responsive and deployable amphibious capability that will be further enhanced with the introduction of the Landing Helicopter Dock ships in 2014.
“The crew of HMAS Choules have done an outstanding job in support of the other government departments involved in this operation.”
[mappress] Press Release, October 31, 2013; Image: Australian Navy