Australian frigate trained Tanzanian crime fighters on deployment’s final task

Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Arunta trained with Tanzanian crime fighters during her final port visit as part of Combined Task Force 150.

The Australian team hosted six officers from the maritime detachment of the Tanzanian Transnational Organised Crime Unit June 21-22, conducting maritime capacity building training evolutions while the ship was alongside in Dar Es Salaam.

Tanzania is a partner nation to Combined Task Force 150, the multinational counter-terrorism and maritime security task force serving under the Combined Maritime Forces.

Combined Task Force 150 is at the forefront of countering narcotics smuggling in the Middle East – East Africa region, and Arunta was in the region as part of her recent operational deployment.

The Organised Crime Unit was set up with support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the British National Crime Agency to enhance international and cross-border cooperation in countering illicit trafficking and other forms of organised crime in Africa.

A range of Arunta’s subject matter experts were involved in providing small boat and boarding operations related training for personnel.

Navigation instruction was also provided by Arunta’s Navigating Officer Lieutenant Stuart McPherson and Chief Petty Officer Watson.

They also conducted first aid training delivered by the ship’s Medical Officer, Lieutenant Rhiannon Laird, Petty Officer Medic Corina Burrows and Able Seaman Medic Brad Scotton.

The final round of training was completed back on the harbour with more boat handling and practical navigation training to consolidate skills.

HMAS Arunta is now on her way home after completing the longest Middle Eastern deployment by an Australian Navy vessel since 1990. The ship made three significant intercepts during the deployment netting more than 1310 kilograms of illegal narcotics.