Australian Navy’s HMAS Success has played a key role targeting illicit cargo smuggling routes during the recent Canadian-led Combined Task Force 150 focused Operation KLONDIKE in Middle Eastern waters.
The mandate of the task force is to promote security and stability at sea by countering terrorist acts and related illegal activities, which terrorists use to fund or conceal their movements. From 1 January to 5 February, operations intensified in the Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden and North Arabian Sea.
During this period, HMAS Success was part of a task force of ships and aircraft from Australia, France, New Zealand, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and the United States that patrolled the Middle Eastern waters monitoring, tracking, approaching and visiting suspicious vessels. The operation was aimed at concentrating units in areas of known smuggling routes.
HMAS Success conducted 12 boardings, four replenishment-at-sea evolutions and more than 80 hours of surface search missions by the Seahawk helicopter ‘Odin’.
Success also had the distinction of being the only replenishment ship conducting the operation, enabling her to support the Combined Maritime Forces in a dual capacity. This versatility helped keep other units on task longer while also conducting her own boarding operations.
The Royal Australian Navy’s Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment ship is currently deployed in the Middle East on Operation MANITOU, the Australia Defence Force’s contribution to maritime security, stability and prosperity in the region.
Image: Australian Navy