Image Gallery: November 2007
HMAS Arunta is deploying for Operation CATALYST
13 November 2007
HMAS Arunta is deploying for Operation CATALYST, where the ship will conduct maritime operations in the Gulf, as part of Australia's ongoing commitment to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq. The departure will mark the commencement of the six month deployment.
HMAS Arunta departed from her homeport of HMAS STIRLING Garden Island, Western Australia today on Monday 12 November 2007 at 1400 (WDST).
The Royal Australian Navy Anzac Class Frigate, HMAS Arunta departed for a six-month deployment to the Middle East. Her Ship's company of 183 men and women were farewelled by the Minister of Defence, The Honourable Dr. Brendan Nelson, the Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Nigel Coates AM, RAN, and family and friends.
Arunta will be stationed in the Middle East Area of Operations as part of Operation CATALYST, Australia's commitment to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq until mid-2008. Arunta will contribute to the protection of Iraqi oil platforms, security boardings of all vessels proceeding to the platforms and training of the Iraqi Navy.
In addition to the many families and friends gathered on the wharf, the ship's company were farewelled by representatives of the Arrernte nation from central Australia, for whom the ship is named. A traditional smoking ceremony was performed prior to the departure to ward off evil spirits and keep the ship and her personnel safe.
The crew has trained hard to prepare for this deployment, said Commanding Officer HMAS Arunta, Commander Timothy Brown.
"We look forward to building upon the fine reputation that the ADF has established in the Middle East Area of Operations and justifying the faith that the families and friends that have gathered here today have placed in us", said Commander Brown.
| 20071112ran8297357_270006 Leading Seaman Stores Naval Jason Quirk farewells his partner Darlene. (Date taken: 09 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071112ran8297357_270018 bleSeaman Communication and Information Systems Specialist Carly Southam farewells her family on the wharf. L-R; Phillip Southam, Rebecca, Leigh Maxwell, Carly and Penny Southam. (Date taken: 12 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071112ran8297357_270022 Daughter Tegan and son Jarod farewell their Dad, Petty Officer Damien Crick. (Date taken: 12 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071112ran8297357_270045 "Lime Light" Commanding Officer of HMAS Arunta Commander Tim Brown, with son Archie whilst interviewed by Channel 7 news. (Date taken: 12 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071112ran8297357_270073 Rear Admiral Nigel Coates AM, RAN, addresses the crowd and wishes the ships company luck. (Date taken: 12 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071112ran8297357_270102 Commanding Officer for HMAS Stirling, Captain Steve Davies addresses ships company, family and friends. (Date taken: 12 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071112ran8297357_270104 Commander Timothy Brown, Commanding Officer for HMAS Arunta addresses the crowd. (Date taken: 12 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071112ran8297357_270131 Brian Stirling presents a gift from the Arrente Tribe to Commander Timothy Brown, Commanding Officer for HMAS Arunta. (Date taken: 12 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071112ran8297357_270139 Ships Company board HMAS Arunta for their deployment to the Persian Gulf. (Date taken: 12 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071112ran8297357_270168 Petty Officer Writer Ross Blunsdon farewells his wife and children on the wharf. (Date taken: 12 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071112ran8297357_270207 The last waves goodbye from families and friends, as HMAS Arunta departs for the Gulf. (Date taken: 12 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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