Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Darwin was welcomed home at Garden Island in Sydney as she returned from a seven month deployment to the Middle East.
Darwin seized a large amount of drugs and weapons while deployed on Operation Manitou, disrupting the ability of international terrorist groups to fund their illegal activities.
Australia’s Prime Minister, the Honourable Malcolm Turnbull, and Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, congratulated the crew on arrival.
Darwin’s Commanding Officer, Commander Phillip Henry , said ship’s company had achieved their mission and should feel proud of their service.
“Each man and woman serving on Darwin contributed to our success: from the boarding party and helicopter crew, to the chefs who served more than 100,000 meals to keep the ship operating around the clock,” Commander Henry said
“Since departing Australia, we have sailed more than 50,000 nautical miles. The crew is now looking forward to some well-earned rest with their loved ones, who have provided us with so much care and support during our deployment.”
Darwin had begun training for the mission seven months before her deployment.
Operation Manitou is the Australian Government’s contribution to the international effort to promote maritime security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East Region.
The oldest ship in the fleet, Darwin holds the record for the most rotations to the Middle East.
The frigate has completed seven rotations since 1990.