HMAS Parramatta Hands Over Duties to HMAS Melbourne

HMAS Parramatta handed over duties to HMAS Melbourne in the Middle East maritime Area of Operations last week after completing a successful six-month maritime security and interception operation deployment as part of Operation SLIPPER rotation 27.

HMAS Parramatta is now heading home to Fleet Base East in Sydney, New South Wales after steaming more than 52,000 nautical miles during her fourth deployment to the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO).

Commander Joint Task Force 663 in the Middle East Area of Operations, Major General Stuart Smith, praised the men and women of HMAS Parramatta on a successful mission.

“HMAS Parramatta has played a significant role in maintaining security in the Gulf Waters. I commend her Ship’s Company for their professionalism, discipline and teamwork.”

Commanding Officer of HMAS Parramatta, Commander Guy Blackburn, said Parramatta’s Ship’s Company had performed superbly in all aspects of the mission.

“This Ship’s Company has represented Australia at the highest level of operations and acquitted themselves well. They should be extremely proud of their achievements. They represent the finest qualities of our sailors and officers serving in the RAN and ADF,” Commander Blackburn said.

During Parramatta’s deployment the ship’s company conducted a successful drug disruption operation on 3 February 2012 netting and disposing of 240 kilograms of illegal narcotics at a value of over US$5 million and denying insurgents and terrorists much needed funds.

HMAS Parramatta and her Ship’s Company of approximately 190 men and women will return to Fleet Base East in late March, where they will reunite with loved ones and enjoy some much deserved rest and respite.

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Naval Today Staff , March 13, 2012; Image: navy