Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Warramunga departed Fleet Base East at Garden Island, Sydney for nine months of maritime security operations in the Middle East.
The frigate and her crew of 190 were farewelled by Australian defense minister, Senator Marise Payne, and the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett.
Minister Payne said Warramunga would work as part of an international coalition, the Combined Maritime Forces, to interrupt the illegal drug trade that funds terrorism.
Warramunga’s Commanding Officer, Commander Dugald Clelland, said the ship’s company were highly trained and motivated to carry out the tasks ahead.
“The men and women who serve in Warramunga have worked very hard in preparing the ship for this long deployment,” Commander Clelland said.
“This will be the ship’s third deployment to the Middle East and we carry forward a considerable legacy.
Warramunga replaces HMAS Newcastle as Australia’s ship in the Middle East region, she is due to return in the coming weeks.