DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Coordination and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
CPA 099/08
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED – HMAS ARUNTA HEADS HOME
HMAS Arunta is on her way home to Australia after officially handing over to HMAS Stuart
in the Arabian Gulf.
Arunta’s deployment to the Middle East Area of Operation lasted six months and yielded
some interesting statistics. The ship steamed more than 21,000 nautical miles, conducted 500
queries, 110 surface searches and 35 security sweeps in the Gulf.
The ship’s company of 183 consumed 82,000 meals, received 4000 kg of mail and sent or
received 80,000 e-mails during the deployment. Eight promotions were confirmed while
Arunta was away and four fathers will see their newborn babies for the first time when the
ship docks in Western Australia.
Work continued right up to the end for the ANZAC-class frigate. A giant western flagged
super tanker was the last civilian ship to be inspected by the Australians.
Each member of the boarding team is armed with a pistol or a shotgun. The ship’s Seahawk
helicopter hovers above, keeping a watchful eye on the pair of ‘RHIBs’ (Rigid Hulled
Inflatable Boats) as they skim across the water towards their target. The mission is to check
the vessel for explosives and contraband before it docks at one of Iraq’s two key oil rigs.
The approach is the most dangerous part of the task. Officer in Charge, Lieutenant Gideon
Creech reminds his crew not to drop their game. On board, the Australians fan out, checking
identities of those on the tanker and searching for anything suspicious. Once the all clear is
given, Arunta’s boarding party forms a protective cordon as one by one they climb back
onboard the RHIBs and return to their ship, allowing the tanker to continue on her way.
Oil makes up 80 per cent of Iraq’s fragile economy and the Royal Australian Navy’s
contribution to its security is vital.
“Australia’s work up here is very, very important, and it’s vital that everyone keeps that
firmly at the forefront of their minds,” Lieutenant Creech said.
HMAS Stuart will take up where Arunta left off, the latest in a long line of Australian Navy
ships helping to safeguard Iraq’s economy and its future. Arunta is expected to dock at Fleet
Base West, HMAS Stirling on Mothers’ Day, 11 May 2008.
Media note: Imagery will be fed to Parliament House. Still imagery is available at
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
