DEFENCE MEDIA ALERT
Issued by Coordination and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 6265 6946
Media Releases are available via e-mail if you register at www.defence.gov.au/media
CPA 074/08
Friday, 28 March 2008
HMAS STUART DEPARTS FOR MIDDLE EAST
What:
Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Stuart, and her
ship’s company of 185 personnel will depart Fleet Base East, Monday
31 March, for a six-month deployment to the Persian Gulf. Stuart will
take part in Operation Catalyst – Australia’s ongoing commitment to
the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq.
When:
9:45am for an 11:00am departure, Monday, 31 March 2008.
Where:
Media should arrive at the main gate at the intersection of Cowper
Wharf Road and Wylde Street, Woolloomooloo. Photographic
identification will be required.
Who:
HMAS Stuart will be farewelled by the Minister for Defence, the Hon.
Joel Fitzgibbon MP; the Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral
Nigel Coates AM RAN; along with family and friends of the ship’s
company.
Media note:
Commanding Officer of HMAS Stuart, Commander Nicholas
Woodley, RAN, and the Minister for Defence will conduct a media
doorstop at 10:15am.
HMAS Stuart will deploy for six months to the Persian Gulf, as part of Operation
Catalyst, Australia’s ongoing commitment to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of
Iraq.
HMAS Stuart will contribute to maritime operations in the detection, deterring and
intercepting of vessels within Iraqi waters, as well as providing protection to offshore
oil platforms and training of the Iraqi Navy.
Media contact:
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
Ms Annabelle Haywood - Public Affairs NSW:
02 9359 2787 or 0417 639 230
NEWS 
