THE HON. GREG COMBET AM MP
Minister for Defence Materiel and Science
Saturday, 24 April 2010
052/2010
HMAS Stuart welcomed home
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Materiel and Science, today welcomed Royal
Australian Navy frigate HMAS Stuart back to her homeport of Garden Island,
Sydney, just in time for Anzac Day.
Returning from a six-month deployment to the Middle East Area of Operations,
the Anzac-class frigate, carrying 185 men and women, was welcomed alongside
by Mr Combet and Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Stephen Gilmore
AM CSC RAN, along with family and friends.
Mr Combet congratulated Commanding Officer HMAS Stuart, Commander
Andrew Masters RAN, on the ship’s successful deployment.
“Stuart contributed to maritime operations in the Persian Gulf, countering piracy
off the Horn of Africa and providing maritime security,” Mr Combet said.
“Stuart also contributed greatly to coalition efforts in the Middle East, undertaking
operations in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman as part of
Operation SLIPPER.
“I congratulate the Ship’s Company for their professionalism and commitment
throughout the long deployment. Their efforts have built upon the outstanding
reputation of the Australian Defence Force in the Middle East.
“I thank the families and friends of those returning from the Gulf for their ongoing
support. The men and women of Stuart are the pride of the nation and we will
reflect on their dedication and service on Anzac Day tomorrow,” Mr Combet said.
Commanding Officer Andrew Masters said, “The crew of Stuart has worked
tirelessly and conducted themselves with professionalism and dedication in
challenging conditions. It is wonderful to be back in Sydney and to see the family
and friends we have all missed.”
This is the third time that Stuart has been deployed to the Gulf, with the frigate’s
return marking the completion of Navy’s 22nd rotation since September 2001.
HMAS Stuart has been replaced by HMAS Parramatta, which left Garden Island
in March.
Imagery of the arrival will be available after 4:00pm 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 
