Australian Navy’s HMAS Newcastle has started her fourth and final patrol as part of Operation MANITOU with a new focus to provide theatre security cooperation support in the Arabian Gulf.
Operating as part of one of the three task forces operated by Combined Maritime Forces in the Middle East region her role has focussed on maritime security in order to counter terrorist acts and related illegal activities, which terrorists use to fund or conceal their movements.
Newcastle’s Commanding Officer Commander Dominic MacNamara said the tasking provided an excellent opportunity for Newcastle to demonstrate its versatility to respond to the broad range of operations carried out by the combined force.
Units assigned to the security roles conduct routine engagement with local mariners to promote their security presence and gather information about potential security threats.
These operations help to maintain safe transit through the vital Arabian Gulf waterways for world oil transportation.
Operation MANITOU is Australia’s military contribution to the international effort to promote maritime security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East via counter terrorism, counter piracy and narcotics interdiction operations.
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Image: Australian Navy