01 April 2008
HMAS Stuart farewelled for deployment to Persian Gulf

Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Stuart and her ship's company of 185 men and women were farewelled in a traditional ceremony at Fleet Base East in Sydney before a large gathering of family and friends by the Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP and the Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Nigel Stephen Coates, AM, RAN.

HMAS Stuart will be stationed in the Persian Gulf as part of Operation Catalyst, Australia’s commitment to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq until late-2008. The frigate will contribute to the protection of Iraqi oil platforms, security boardings of all vessels proceeding to the platforms and training of the Iraqi Navy, all of which are essential to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq.

This will be the second time that HMAS Stuart has been deployed to the Gulf, with the frigate's departure marking the Navy's 18th rotation since September 2001. HMAS Stuart will replace HMAS Arunta, due to return to Fleet Base West in April.