DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 420/09
Monday, 7 December 2009
NAVY TAKES COMMAND OF MAJOR MULTINATIONAL TASK FORCE
IN GULF FOR FIRST TIME
A team of 25 Royal Australian Navy officers and sailors will depart this week for the
Middle East to form the command group of a Coalition Naval Task Force engaged in
maritime security operations throughout the region.
Combined Task Force 150 conducts counter terrorism and maritime security
operations in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Gulf of Oman.
As Commander of the Task Force, Commodore Richard Menhinick will have tactical
control of Coalition ships and aircraft from many nations, including the United States,
the United Kingdom, Singapore, Iraq, Pakistan, Germany and Australia’s HMAS
Stuart.
Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Mark Evans says it is the first time an
Australian Officer has been assigned to this coalition command position – one of the
most senior naval appointments in the Middle East Area of Operations.
“Commodore Menhinick and his team will be responsible for a combined crew of up
to 1600 personnel; it is a very important role and a great endorsement for the
professionalism of the Royal Australian Navy,” Lieutenant General Evans said.
“I would like to especially thank the families and friends of these personnel for their
ongoing support and wish those deploying continued success and safety.”
Commodore Menhinick says he is confident his team is prepared for their mission.
“I am fortunate and privileged to lead such a capable and experienced team. We will
meet all challenges directly and professionally and build upon the outstanding
reputation of the Australian Defence Force in the international community,”
Commodore Menhinick said.
“Our mission will be to sustain maritime security in the region, which includes
deterring and countering terrorist movements at sea, to keep the seas open and safe for
international shipping.”
“It is with mixed emotions we say goodbye to our families and friends, thanking them
for their understanding and support, while looking forward to being in such an
important leadership role,” Commodore Menhinick said.
Media contact:
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
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