Today I joined the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Shalders and family and friends in welcoming home to Sydney 187 personnel from HMAS Parramatta, following a six-month deployment to the Persian Gulf.

Parramatta, an ANZAC class frigate, was stationed in the North Persian Gulf as part of Operation Catalyst since November 2005.

During my recent visit to the Middle East I had the honour of visiting HMAS Parramatta. No one should underestimate the job she did in the Persian Gulf protecting Iraq’s offshore export oil terminals from the threat of terrorism.

HMAS Parramatta also played a key role monitoring, intercepting and boarding vessels suspected of illegally trafficking cargo.

 To Parramatta’s Commander Jonathan Mead and crew I say thank you on behalf of a grateful nation. The young men and women of Parramatta represent everything that is good about this great nation of ours and their efforts have been absolutely outstanding. All Australians should feel proud of their contribution.

 I’d also like to thank the families and friends of Parramatta for their ongoing support and good wishes throughout the deployment. I’m sure you are all glad to have your loved ones home safe and well.

During her tour Parramatta conducted 186 boardings and security patrols, 1111 boat evolutions, 330 flying hours in its embarked Navy Seahawk helicopter and 653 investigative queries of Merchant Vessels.

The security plan implemented by the ship for the North Persian Gulf has had a significant effect on piracy, sea robbery and trans-national crime in the region.

Parramatta’s crew trained other coalition warships including some from the Iraqi Navy, which involved Iraqi Officers spending considerable amounts of time onboard Parramatta.

Several rotations have included more than one ship and the RAN has now conducted 35 separate deployments in support of ongoing operations in the region. The tasks undertaken by these ships have included the enforcement of United Nations Security Council resolutions, assistance to international efforts to combat terrorism and numerous training opportunities in the region.

Media contacts:

Nigel Blunden Dr Nelson 0407 632 931

Lieutenant Travis Crozier Maritime Command 0411 252 984

Raveena Carroll Defence Public Affairs 0405 310 176

after 2:00pm on 13 April 2006