Media Room: Media Releases

HMAS TOOWOOMBA RETURNS TO ROCKINGHAM

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Anzac Class frigate HMAS Toowoomba returned today to her home port of HMAS Stirling, Rockingham today.

Toowoomba has been deployed from her homeport since June, taking part in two multinational exercises – Singaroo and Kakadu – followed by border protection patrols in the Arafura Sea.  To finish off her busy time abroad, Toowoomba conducted a port visit to Busan, South Korea.

The Commanding Officer of Toowoomba, Commander Charles Huxtable said, “The last four months have been very rewarding for the ship.  It has allowed us the opportunity to participate in multi-lateral exercises which were an ideal training opportunity.

“In addition we have had the opportunity to visit two wonderful countries and participate in a once-in-a-lifetime experience as part of the 2008 International Fleet Review.”

Exercises Singaroo and Kakadu were conducted in the waters north of Darwin during July and August, and aimed to improve the interoperability of regional navies in a variety of maritime activities.

These activities provided the RAN the chance to interact with regional partners, with Toowoomba taking the lead of the multi-nation task group comprising Australian, Pakistani, Japanese and Singaporean units.  Toowoomba played a vital role in the exercises, participating in a variety of diverse training activities and evolutions, sporting events and social occasions.

On completion of Kakadu, Toowoomba then spent six weeks patrolling waters to the northwest of Australia in support of Operation Resolute – the whole of Government effort to protect Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone.  The patrol included the opportunity to conduct port visits to Christmas Island and Broome.

The visit to Busan allowed Toowoomba to participate in the Republic of Korea Navy’s 60^th anniversary celebrations.  The highlight of the celebration was the 2008 International Fleet Review, attended by ships from China, Canada, Indonesia, Thailand, the United States, Russia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Japan.

The International Fleet Review allowed the Royal Australian Navy to engage with regional navies and for the ship’s company to experience the sights and sounds of Korea.

Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664