Image Gallery: May 2007
HMAS Parramatta honoured
11 May 2007
The ship’s company of the Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Parramatta was honoured this week at an Investiture Ceremony at Government House, Sydney.
The ship was honoured for its exceptional service in warlike operations during its deployment to the Persian Gulf in 2005-06.
The citation was accepted from NSW Governor Professor Marie Bashir, by Commander Justin Jones, HMAS Parramatta's then Executive Officer, on behalf of the ship’s company of Parramatta who are currently deployed on operations.
“I am very honoured to accept this award on behalf of the ship's company of HMAS Parramatta who sustained a high level of operational tempo during our deployment,” CMDR Jones said.
“In doing so they set a new benchmark in performance, contributed significantly to the ADF mission of rehabilitating Iraq and in maintaining the security of the wider Gulf region.”
The ANZAC Class Frigate was deployed for Operation CATALYST in the Persian Gulf from 1 November 2005 to 25 March 2006. It was awarded a Meritorious Unit Citation in the 2007 Australia Day Honours list for its outstanding service. This service included seizing 6.2 kilograms of the bomb making material, ammonium nitrate, hidden in the pantry of an intercepted merchant vessel.
During her deployment, Parramatta conducted 186 boardings and security patrols, 1,111 boat evolutions, 330 flying hours in its embarked Navy Seahawk helicopter and 653 investigative queries of merchant vessels. Parramatta was the first non-US Navy ship to be appointed Persian Gulf Air Defence Commander.
Parramatta also initiated a successful mentoring program for the Iraq Navy which saw Iraqi naval officers spend time onboard Parramatta to observe frigate operations first hand.
Along with CMDR Jones, HMAS Parramatta was represented at the investiture by Chief Petty Officer Mick Andrews, Leading Seaman Tim Wildin and Leading Seaman Joanne Callow. Mr Alan Overton, Chairman Parramatta Eels Rugby League Club attended in recognition of the extraordinarily close relationship between the ship and the Parramatta City community.
“It is particularly important at this time to acknowledge the key role that our families played in the deployment. Without their support, the crew could not have successfully maintained the focus that led to mission success. They share in this award too and, as a symbol of Navy's sense of community, are represented today by Mrs Nicole Akhurst, wife of Leading Seaman Brad Akhurst,” CMDR Jones said.
HMAS Parramatta is the fifth RAN ship to be awarded a Meritorious Unit Citation since the award's inception, and the first to receive the award for operations outside of direct conflict.
| 20070509ran8113282_0009 Former HMAS Parramatta Executive Officer Commander Justin Jones, with the Meritorious Unit Citation. (Date taken: 02 May 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20050223ran8100087_082 File image of HMAS Parramatta at sea. (Date taken: 23 February 2005) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20050329ran8100087_048 File image: HMAS Parramatta sails out of Dunedin Harbour, Dunedin, New Zealand. (Date taken: 29 March 2005) Low Res | High Res |
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| NIUE20030599-22 File image: The ship's company of HMAS Parramatta 'cheer ship' during her commissioning ceremony. (Date taken: May 2003) Low Res | High Res |
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| NIUE20050019_16 File image: HMAS Parramatta sails out of Sydney Heads. (Date taken: 19 January 2005) Low Res | High Res |
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| RAN8098578_20041018_062 File image: HMAS Parramatta departs Sydney Harbour for the Northern Indian Ocean to participate in Operation Relex, on a cool and overcast day. (Date taken: 18 October 2004) Low Res | High Res |
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| RAN8100087_040607_077 File image: HMAS Parramatta leaves for RIMPAC. (Date taken: 07 June 2004) Low Res | High Res |
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