DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 446/09
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
STUART OUT OF AFRICA
HMAS Stuart recently completed its first patrol in the Middle East Area of Operations
(MEAO), stopping off in the Gulf of Aden for maintenance, re-supply and respite.
Whilst inbound to the port, Commander of Australia’s Forces in the Middle East, Major
General Mark Kelly, visited the ship, which recently commenced operations in the MEAO.
Its
tasks will include escorting merchant shipping in the maritime corridors of the Gulf of
Aden, as well as tracking and reporting on any piracy.
“On behalf of Joint Task Force 633, I welcome you to Operation Slipper and I wish you well
in your counter-piracy and maritime security efforts,” Major General Kelly said.
During his visit, Major General Kelly also presented a number of medals and awards and
addressed the ship’s company.
While in port, Stuart received her first full load of mail since deploying; 978 kilograms were
delivered to the ship, with a further 800-plus kilos awaiting delivery, hopefully
before
Christmas.
The presents and ‘care packages’ sent from loved ones put a smile on the crews’ faces and
reminded them that, although far away, they are in the thoughts of families and friends.
Stuart’s port visit coincided with that of Spanish and Japanese naval ships.
Whilst alongside, Commander Andrew Masters and a number of the crew were given the
opportunity to visit the Japanese warship ‘Takanami’ as part to the Personnel Exchange
Program.
Takanami welcomed their Australian visitors with a guided tour of the Destroyer. Stuart
reciprocated, with the Commanding Officer
of Takanami and some of his crew gaining an
insight into life onboard an Aussie warship.
“The Japanese sailors commented on the comfortable living conditions onboard Stuart, while
our sailors were unanimously impressed by the highly polished brasswork on Takanami,” said
Commander Masters, “Even the upperdeck door hinges were gleaming.”
HMAS Stuart continues to enhance security in the MEAO through her commitment to
counter-terrorism, counter-terrorism and counter-piracy operations.
Media note: Imagery is available at:
tm
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: (02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
