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The Anzac Class frigate has returned to Western Australia following a five-month regional deployment, which included supporting Operation ARGOS.
Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Arunta has returned to her homeport of Fleet Base West in Rockingham, Western Australia, after completing a five-month regional deployment.
The frigate capped off its deployment by supporting Operation ARGOS — Australia’s contribution to international efforts to monitor and deter illegal shipments of sanctioned goods to North Korea as part of United Nations’ Security Council Resolution 2397.
The 164-day deployment also included three months on a regional presence deployment as part of a five-ship Task Group in October, during which the vessel took part in a series of south-east Asia and Pacific engagements, including multilateral training exercises.
This was followed by a further seven-week east Asia deployment after a brief return to Darwin for a logistics visit.
Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds welcomed the arrival of the frigate at Fleet Base West, and thanked the crew for their service.
“The crew of Arunta made an important contribution to upholding the rules based international order, by enforcing United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea as part of Operation ARGOS,” Minister Reynolds said.
“Arunta conducted a number of ‘rights of passage’ transits which highlight Australia’s commitment to a peaceful, inclusive, sovereign and resilient Indo-Pacific region.
“I commend the ship’s crew who have worked tirelessly and professionally throughout the deployment.”
Minister Reynolds added, “I also thank their families, because without their support, the deployment of our ADF personnel would not be possible.”
Senator for Western Australia Matt O’Sullivan said the crew’s efforts were particularly impressive in light of the unique challenges they faced.
“Given the entire deployment was conducted during a global pandemic with only essential, COVID-19-mitigated logistical port visits, the crew has performed extremely well in challenging circumstances,” he said.
Commander Troy Duggan, Commanding Officer of HMAS Arunta, added, “The crew has remained focused and professional during this deployment. Importantly, they have built confidence and knowledge among the various partner nations we were operating with.”
[Related: RAN completes co-operative deployment with Nimitz Strike Group]
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