On returning to Australia after a south-east Asian deployment, HMAS Perth joined HMAS Sirius to conduct a security patrol of Western Australia’s North West Shelf.
As part of the ‘Northern Shield’ mission, Australian Navy continues to contribute to the Government’s maritime security arrangements to the region.
The North West Shelf is key to the Australian economy, given that the regions oil and gas platforms produce 65 per cent of Western Australia’s domestic gas needs whilst also accounting for more than 40 per cent of Australia’s oil and gas production.
Importantly, this patrol was greatly enhanced by Perth’s new MH-60R Romeo, the first helicopter of this type to embark within a fleet unit, which had embarked only a few days previously.
After completing the security patrol, Perth and Sirius will continue operating and training together in preparation for Exercise TALISMAN SABRE.
Image: Australian Navy