Image Gallery: December 2007
HMAS Anzac returns to HMAS Stirling from the Persian Gulf
05 December 2007
The Royal Australian Navy Anzac Class Frigate, HMAS Anzac, arrived home today, following a six-month deployment to the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO).
Her Ship's company of 183 men and women were greeted by the Deputy Fleet Commander, Commodore Simon Cullen, AM, the Commanding Officer of HMAS Anzac, Captain Ian Middleton, RAN, as well as by family and friends.
Anzac was stationed in the MEAO as part of Operation CATALYST, Australia's commitment to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq, from July to December of this year.
Anzac undertook duties associated with the maintenance of Iraqi maritime sovereignty, protection of Iraqi offshore infrastructure and assistance in the training of the Iraqi Navy.
"We have missed our families and friends. What is clear is that they support what we do and are tolerant of our absence. In some respects our families have worked harder than we have. I take this opportunity to recognise their essential contribution to the success of HMAS Anzac. Our families and friends share equally in our success and any gratitude we may receive. We are so happy to be re-united with them today," said Captain Middleton, Commanding Officer of Anzac.
During her time in the Gulf, Anzac conducted 65 boarding and security patrols, 490 boat evolutions, 17 Replenishments at Sea and Vertical Replenishments, 323 flying hours by its embarked Navy Seahawk helicopter and 650 investigative queries of merchant vessels.
Anzac was away for 182 days, with 150 spent at sea. During this period, two members became fathers for the first time, nearly 90,000 meals were prepared, and the ship received 4366 kilograms of mail from family and friends.
| 20071205ran8097690_294016 Family and friends of HMAS Anzac line the wharf as the ship returns to HMAS Stirling. (Date taken: 05 December 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20071205ran8097690_294028 (L)Kristen, Amanda, Ami, Candace and Nicole hold a sign to welcome home Able Seaman Medic Andrew Wishhart. (Date taken: 05 December 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20071205ran8097690_294030 Family and friends of Executive Officer HMAS Anzac Lieutenant Commander Dave Tietzec wait eagerly on the wharf for his return home. (Date taken: 05 December 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20071205ran8097690_294037 Lieutenant Arno Tielens, Commanding Officer HMAS Anzac Captain Ian Middleton and Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Dave Tietzec on the Bridgewing of HMAS Anzac. (Date taken: 05 December 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20071205ran8097690_294042 Abbey and Katelyn hold a sign to welcome home their dad, Chief Petty Officer Marine Technician Steven Paterson. (Date taken: 05 December 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20071205ran8097690_294049 Sailors from HMAS Anzac wave at family and friends as the ship returns home. (Date taken: 05 December 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20071205ran8097690_294052 Commanding Officer HMAS Anzac Captain Ian Middleton being welcomed home by his daughters. (Date taken: 05 December 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20071205ran8097690_294065 HMAS Anzac Ships company "Step off the Gangway" to reunite with family and friends. (Date taken: 05 December 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20071205ran8097690_294070 Chief Petty Officer Marine Technician Steven Paterson holding daughter Ella with wife Leigh-Ann, and other daughters Abbey and Katelyn. (Date taken: 05 December 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20071205ran8097690_294078 Leading Seaman Marine Technician Ian McMasterwith Wife Stephanie and daughter Cheyenne. (Date taken: 05 December 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20071205ran8109430_295060 Friends of Able Seaman Medic Wishart hold up a sign welcoming him home after he has completed a six month deployment in the Persian Gulf onboard HMAS Anzac. L to R: Kristen Wishart, Amanda Appleton, Ami Stolzenburg, Candace Allum and Nicole Stevens. (Date taken: 05 December 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20071205ran8109430_295133 Able Seaman Communications and Information Systems (ABCIS) Sam Sheppard is happy to be home holding his daughter Kamryn after returning today from the Persian Gulf onboard HMAS Anzac. (Date taken: 05 December 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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