Royal Australian Navy’s Adelaide-class guided missile frigate HMAS Newcastle concluded her cooperation with US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz in the Persian Gulf.
The frigate joined the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in the Arabian Gulf during her deployment on maritime security operations in the Middle East Region (MER).
During the two-week attachment supporting the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG-11), Newcastle conducted escort operations and a range of naval manoeuvres with US Navy ships.
Commander of Australian forces in the Middle East, Major General John Frewen, said Newcastle’s role directly supported the international effort to ensure a free and open global maritime trading system covering some of the world’s most important sea lines of communication.
“Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ships and personnel have conducted maritime security operations in the Middle East for the past 27 years, ensuring free trade and contributing to regional stability,” Major General Frewen said.
“During this attachment Newcastle was able to provide escort and support to US vessels as part of operations to ensure free passage in the Gulf.”
Newcastle provided escort to several US ships and conducted naval operations including patrols and replenishment at sea with US ships during the attachment.
Newcastle also conducted integrated flying serials with her embarked MH-60R helicopter and Scaneagle unmanned aerial system for the first time on Australian operations.
The frigate is deployed on operation Manitou, Australia’s contribution to support international efforts to promote maritime security, stability and prosperity in the MER.