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
NEWS 
