Media Release

The Acting Minister for Defence, Mr Bruce Scott, and the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Don Chalmers, will farewell the crew of HMAS MELBOURNE from Fleet Base East, Wooloomooloo at 11am tomorrow (Fri 30/4).

HMAS MELBOURNE, one of six guided missile frigates, is deploying to the Arabian Gulf as part of the Multinational Interception Force enforcing United Nation sanctions against Iraq.

The ship will arrive in the Arabian Gulf in late May and remain on operational duty for three months before returning to Australia in September.

"I am delighted that I will be able to farewell HMAS MELBOURNE as she sets off for deployment to the Gulf," said Mr Scott.

"For the next few months, HMAS MELBOURNE will once again demonstrate Australia's proud tradition of contribution to the United Nations and other peacekeeping efforts.

"The good wishes of the people of Australia go with the crew of HMAS MELBOURNE as they embark on this challenging mission."

Family and friends of HMAS MELBOURNE's 220 mixed gender crew plus the Royal Australian Navy Band will also attend the farewell ceremony.

Prior to HMAS MELBOURNE's departure, a Gulf War commemorative plaque will be unveiled by the Minister at Maritime Headquarters, Wylde St, Potts Point.

Designed by artist Dr. Ross Bastiaan, the bronze plaque commemorates the Royal Australian Navy's involvement in the 1990-1991 Gulf War.

A program of events is attached.

Further information:

Royal Australian Navy - Lieutenant Emma Williams 9563 4627 or 0411 252 984.

Ministerial - Michael Priebe 02 6277 7820 or 0418 482 514

0945 - 0955	VIPs and Guests arrive
0955	VIPs and Guests are seated
0955 - 1000	Minister assisting the Minister for Defence, The Honourable Bruce Scott MP arrives
1000 - 1010	Address by Chief of Navy
1010 - 1020	Address by Mr Ross Bastiaan
1020 - 1026	The Honourable Bruce Scott MP to address and unveil plaque
1026 - 1027	Prayer from Chaplain Rayner
1027 - 1050	Light refreshments (Maritime Headquarters foyer)
1050 - 1100	The Honourable Bruce Scott MP, Chief of Navy and the Maritime Commander depart Maritime Headquarters for Fleet Base East
1105	Minister Scott, Chief of Navy and Maritime Commander embark in HMAS MELBOURNE to Farewell Officers and Ship's Company on Flight Deck
1105 - 1110	Address from CO HMAS MELBOURNE and The Honourable Bruce Scott MP
1110 - 1120	Media interviews to be conducted on Flight Deck
1120	Official party disembark HMAS MELBOURNE
1125	The Honourable Bruce Scott MP departs Fleet Base East
1130	HMAS MELBOURNE departs Fleet Base East
1130 - 1135	Chief of Navy and Maritime Commander depart Fleet Base East for MHQ

Issued by the Defence Public Affairs Organisation, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT, 2600

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