HMAS Stuart has wrapped up a successful port visit to its hometown of Devonport, Tasmania, with over 1,800 locals getting a tour of the ship.
Between 12-14 December the ship’s company exercised their freedom of entry with a march through the town centre and opened the ship up to the public. The Devonport locals took it all in their stride, with a huge turn out to both major events.
Supporting the event was a Bell 429 from 723 Squadron along with its three crew members, who made the journey from HMAS Albatross in Nowra, NSW to show their ‘office’ to the masses.
For the crew of HMAS Stuart the visit comes as welcome respite, having spent over 300 days in the last year deployed.
The visit was a perfect ending to a busy year for Stuart, which in the last five months alone has managed to circumnavigate Australia and taken in ports as far afield as Darwin, Singapore, Port Klang in Malaysia, and Albany in Western Australia.
Major events have included participating in Exercises KAKADU, SINGAROO and BERSAMA LIMA as well as the 100th anniversary of the convoy departure from Albany and support to the G20 meetings in Brisbance. The vessel will start a major refit in Sydney in January.
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Press release, Image: Australian Navy