Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac-class frigate HMAS Arunta visited Bahrain for her first port visit after starting operations in the Middle East.
The visit provided an opportunity for Arunta’s boarding parties to hone their skills for future patrols and train with the United States Coast Guard and agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service at the US Coast Guard patrol forces Southwest Asia training facility in Bahrain.
Working from the purpose-built and life-like training facilities, the US teams gave in-depth briefings and hands-on training using specialised search equipment.
Leading seaman marine technician Christopher McDougal felt the training provided a realistic experience.
“The training was extremely helpful, especially being able to conduct deeper level searches on an actual fishing dhow,” leading seaman McDougal said.
The training coincided with a visit from Australia’s Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, who was taken through a boarding exercise by leading seaman boatswains mate Christopher Lindeman.
HMAS Arunta deployed from Garden Island, Rockingham, Western Australia, in early November and is the 64th Royal Australian Navy ship to be deployed to the region since 1990. Arunta operates as part of the multi-national Combined Maritime Forces, supporting international efforts to promote maritime security, stability and prosperity in the region.