THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Acting Minister for Defence
Monday, 26 October 2009
088/2009
HMAS STUART FAREWELLED
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, has
today farewelled Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Anzac-class frigate, HMAS
Stuart, from her homeport of Garden Island in Sydney, as she departs for a
six-month deployment to the Middle East Area of Operations.
Stuart’s Ship’s Company of 185 men and women were farewelled in traditional
ceremony by the Minister and the Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral
Steve Gilmore, AM, CSC, RAN, alongside family and friends.
Stuart will be stationed in the Gulf as part of Operation Slipper – the Australian
Defence Force (ADF) contribution to international campaigns against
terrorism, countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and aiding maritime security.
This is the third time that Stuart has been deployed to the Gulf, with the
frigate’s departure marking the Navy’s 22nd rotation since September 2001.
HMAS Stuart will replace HMAS Toowoomba.
Mr Combet congratulated Commanding Officer HMAS stuart, Commander
Andrew Masters, for the ship’s lengthy and rigorous training program in
preparation for the task.
”Stuart is well prepared and 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
Combet said.
“I thank the families and friends of the personnel deploying to the Middle East
for their ongoing support and wish those deployed on Operation Slipper
continued success and ongoing safety.”
Media Note:
Imagery of the departure will be available after 3pm today at
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
