DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
MSPA 260/08
Tuesday, 19 Aug 2008
HOMECOMING FOR HMAS TOBRUK
The Royal Australian Navy’s ‘Faithful and Strong’ Landing Ship, HMAS Tobruk has
returned to her home port of Sydney today, following a successful deployment to Hawaii
where she played a critical role in Australia’s contribution to RIMPAC 08, the largest
maritime exercise in the world.
“The 2008 iteration of RIMPAC was the first time the RAN participated in the amphibious
component, and my ship’s company are proud to have played a pivotal support role,” said
Commanding Officer of HMAS Tobruk, Commander Peter Thompson, RAN.
“During the exercise we embarked US Marines with seven of their 26-tonne Amphibious
Assault Vehicles, providing flexibility to the Task Group, and gaining invaluable experience
ahead of the introduction of Landing Helicopter Docks (LHDs) into the RAN.
“Tobruk also had the opportunity to demonstrate our capability when we hosted two
parliamentarians as visitors and shared centre stage during a Fourth of July fireworks display
at Pearl Harbour Naval Station,” said Commander Thompson.
RIMPAC is a biennial multilateral exercise held in the Hawaiian Islands Operating Area.
Countries that participated in 2008, included the navies of Australia, Canada, Chile,
Netherlands, Japan, Peru, Singapore, Republic of Korea, United Kingdom and the USA. The
exercise enhances the tactical proficiency of participating units in a wide array of combined
operations at sea, on land and in the air. By enhancing interoperability between participating
countries, RIMPAC promotes stability in the Pacific Rim region to the benefit of all.
The Royal Australian Navy’s contribution to Exercise RIMPAC 08 included HMA Ships
Anzac, Tobruk, Success and Waller, Clearance Diving Team 4, Fleet Battle Staff and a
Headquarters element.
Media Note:
The Commanding Officer of HMAS Tobruk, Commander Peter Thompson, will be available
for interview today.
Images of HMAS Tobruk at RIMPAC are available for download at:
File vision of HMAS Tobruk be issued through Parliament House at 2.00pm today.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
