Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Perth today departed HMAS Stirling naval base at Rockingham, Western Australia for her first operational deployment to the Middle East region for Operation Manitou.
Perth’s departure is the first operational deployment for an Anzac Class frigate with the Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgrade. The frigate completed the upgrade in October 2010.
Captain Ivan Ingham , HMAS Perth Commanding Officer, said Operation Manitou plays an important role in global security and personnel were looking forward to the deployment.
“HMAS Perth was the first Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgraded Anzac frigate and so we are extremely proud and excited to be the first upgraded ship to deploy operationally,” Ingham said.
Operation Manitou is Australia’s contribution to counter terrorism, counter piracy, narcotics interdiction and improves overall stability to that region, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean.
Perth’s maiden deployment to the Middle East region marks the 63rd Royal Australian Navy fleet unit to the area since 1990.
“Operating as part of the multi-national Combined Maritime Forces, we will conduct maritime security operations to counter and deter terrorism and the trade of narcotics that are used to fund terrorist activities,” Captain Ingham said.
“Since the beginning of Operation MANITOU, Australian warships have interdicted more than four tonnes of illegal drugs being trafficked to fund international terrorism.”