Minister for Defence - HMAS Toowoomba deploys with first female commander

Minister for Defence Senator David Johnston today congratulated Commander Catherine Hayes, who has become the first female in the Royal Australian Navy to command a warship in the Middle East region.

Commander Hayes and the ship’s company of HMAS Toowoomba departed today from HMAS Stirling in Western Australia.

Senator Johnston said the ship was being deployed as part of Operation MANITOU to provide maritime support to international efforts to counter and deter terrorism and the trade of narcotics on the seas.

“This is another step in the right direction in providing leadership roles and opportunities for women in the Australian Defence Force,” Senator Johnston said.

“I hope this deployment acts as an inspiration for all women currently serving as well as for young women considering a career in the Navy or in the wider Australian Defence Force.

“Commander Hayes and her crew will be carrying out arduous and often dangerous work supporting counter-piracy and counter narcotics operations in the Middle East.

“The interception of drug trafficking in the region is vital as it is often the case that the profits from trafficking are fed into extremist and terrorist organisations.”

HMAS Toowoomba relieves HMAS Darwin, which is heading home to Sydney after a five month deployment which saw the ship’s company seize narcotics with a total street value of $2.1 billion.

This included the largest seizure of heroin (1,032 kg) in the Combined Maritime Force’s history.

Media note:

Imagery will be available at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20142265

Media contacts:

Rebecca Horton (Minister Johnston’s Office) 0477 389 554

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999