Adelaide class guided-missile frigate of the Australian Navy, HMAS Darwin, set sail on a seven-month deployment to the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) on January 19th.
Darwin will undertake maritime security and interception operations as part of Operation Slipper, the Australian Defence Force’s contribution to the international campaign against terrorism, counter smuggling and counter piracy in the Gulf of Aden.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, the Honorable Darren Chester MP, Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Tim Barrett and Commander Surface Forces, Commodore Jonathan Mead joined family and friends on the wharf at Garden Island, Sydney for Darwin’s farewell ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion Rear Admiral Barrett said:
“The two hundred and twenty men and women onboard HMAS Darwin will be contributing to a global mission, a mission that, is having tangible results in disrupting piracy and the cross-border transport of criminals, narcotics and weapons, and ensuring the continued safety of all mariners at sea.
“Our forces continue to be held in the very highest regard by our international allies as a direct result of the hard work, commitment, loyalty and enthusiasm of our navy family.”
Darwin will step in for the Guided Missile Frigate HMAS Melbourne on station.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, January 20, 2014; Image: Royal Australian Navy