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Christmas 2009


29 December 2009
OP Slipper HMAS Stuart receives mail on Christmas Day

HMAS Stuart (CMDR Masters) recently completed its first patrol in the Middle East Area of Operation, stopping off in the Gulf of Aden, for maintenance, re-supply and respite.

The ship recently commenced operations in the MEAO and its tasks will include escorting merchant shipping in the maritime corridors of the Gulf of Aden, as well as tracking and reporting on any piracy.

While in port, Stuart received her first full load of mail since deploying; 978 kilograms were delivered to the ship, with a further 800-plus kilos awaiting delivery, hopefully before Christmas.

The presents and ‘care packages’ sent from loved ones put a smile on the crews’ faces and reminded them that, although far away, they are in the thoughts of families and friends.
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Precious Cargo: A helicopter delivers stores and mail to HMAS STUART on Christmas Day, while it is at sea, conducting Counter Piracy Operations in the Gulf of Aden.

(Date taken: 25 December 2009)
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Precious Cargo: A helicopter delivers stores and mail to HMAS STUART on Christmas Day, while it is at sea, conducting Counter Piracy Operations in the Gulf of Aden.

(Date taken: 25 December 2009)
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Lieutenant Clinton Thompson assists with storage of HMAS STUART's replenishment of stores on Christmas Day.

(Date taken: 25 December 2009)
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Able Seaman Leanne May and Petty Officer Kristy Hoffman help sort the nearly 300kg of mail received by HMAS STUART on Christmas Day.

(Date taken: 25 December 2009)
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