HMAS Parramatta Departs for a Six-month Deployment to the Middle East

The Australian Minister for Defence, the Honourable Joel Fitzgibbon MP, has today farewelled Royal Australian Navy Anzac Class Frigate HMAS Parramatta, as she departs for a six-month deployment to the Middle East Area of Operation.

Parramatta’s 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.

Mr Fitzgibbon congratulated Commanding Officer HMAS Parramatta, Commander Jonathan Sadleir, RAN, for his ships crew’s comprehensive and rigorous training program in preparation for the task.

“Parramatta is well prepared and mission ready for the important job before them.  I congratulate the ship’s company for their commitment in building upon the outstanding reputation of the Australian Defence Force in the Middle East,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“I would like to thank the families and friends of the personnel deploying to the Gulf for their ongoing support and wish those deployed on Operation Catalyst continued success and ongoing safety,” he said.

Parramatta will be stationed in the Gulf as part of Operation Catalyst, Australia’s commitment to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq until February 2009. 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 Parramatta has been deployed to the Gulf, with the frigate’s departure marking the Navy’s nineteenth rotation since September 2001.  HMAS Parramatta will replace HMAS Stuart due to return to Fleet Base East in late September 2008.

Source: DoD

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