Australian frigate HMAS Arunta departs for nine-month mission

Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Arunta and her ship’s company of 191 departed HMAS Stirling naval base at Rockingham, Western Australia for Operation Manitou in the Middle East Region.

Family and friends gathered on the wharf to farewell the crew who will deploy for around nine months.

Commander Cameron Steil, HMAS Arunta Commanding Officer, said the deployment will be long but important.

“We are the first ship deployed to Operation MANITOU for close to nine months. We have trained hard and are well prepared for our mission,” Commander Steil said.

“During this time, we will conduct maritime security operations as part of multi-national Combined Maritime Forces, including deterring terrorists and the trade of narcotics that fund them,” he said.

Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Stuart Mayer said Australian warships have made significant contributions to global security through service in the Middle East.

“Arunta is the 64th Royal Australian Navy fleet unit to deploy to the Middle East since 1990. In that time, many ships have made the trip in the nation’s interest,” Rear Admiral Mayer said.