Hmas Stuart Farewelled 1
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Government - Defence Press Release31st March 2008, 01:57pm - Views: 893
 THE HON JOEL FITZGIBBON MP Minister for Defence Monday, 31 March 2008 026/2008 HMAS STUART FAREWELLED The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, has today farewelled Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Stuart, as she departs for a six-month deployment to the Middle East Area of Operation. Stuart’s ship’s company of 185 men and women were farewelled in a traditional ceremony at Fleet Base East in Sydney before a large gathering of family and friends. Mr Fitzgibbon congratulated the Commanding Officer of HMAS Stuart, Commander Nick Woodley, for his ship’s crew’s comprehensive and rigorous training program in preparation for the task. “Stuart is well-prepared and mission-ready for the important job before them. I congratulate the ship’s company for their commitment in building upon the outstanding reputation of the Australian Defence Force in the Middle East,” Mr Fitzgibbon said. “I would like to thank the families and friends of the personnel deploying to the Gulf for their ongoing support and wish those deployed on Operation Catalyst continued success and ongoing safety,” he said. Stuart will be stationed in the Gulf as part of Operation Catalyst, Australia’s commitment to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq until late-2008. The frigate will contribute to the protection of Iraqi oil platforms, security boardings of all vessels proceeding to the platforms and training of the Iraqi Navy, all of which are essential to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq. This will be the second time that Stuart has been deployed to the Gulf, with the frigate’s departure marking the Navy’s eighteenth rotation since September 2001. HMAS Stuart will replace HMAS Arunta, due to return to Fleet Base West in April. Media contacts: Christian Taubenschlag (Joel Fitzgibbon): 02 6277 7800 or 0438 595 567 Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664 |
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