Image Gallery: April 2008
HMAS Stuart farewelled for deployment to Persian Gulf
01 April 2008
Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Stuart and her ship's company of 185 men and women were farewelled in a traditional ceremony at Fleet Base East in Sydney before a large gathering of family and friends by the Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP and the Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Nigel Stephen Coates, AM, RAN.
HMAS Stuart will be stationed in the Persian Gulf as part of Operation CATALYST, Australia’s commitment to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq until late-2008. The frigate will contribute to the protection of Iraqi oil platforms, security boardings of all vessels proceeding to the platforms and training of the Iraqi Navy, all of which are essential to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq.
This will be the second time that HMAS Stuart has been deployed to the Gulf, with the frigate's departure marking the Navy's 18th rotation since September 2001. HMAS Stuart will replace HMAS Arunta, due to return to Fleet Base West in April.
| 20080331ran8098978_006_drn Petty Officer Jason Wikman with daughter Charley. (Date taken: 31 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080331ran8098978_010_drn Able Seaman Kenneth Katon and girlfrend Belinda Gough. (Date taken: 31 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080331ran8098978_018_drn Chief Petty Officer Richard Synnott with wife Natasha and children Oliver and Zara. (Date taken: 31 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080331ran8098978_026_drn Able Seaman Andrew Harding with his mum Jeneice and two nephews Jonti and Mitchell. (Date taken: 31 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080331ran8098978_035_drn Minister for Defence the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon (centre) is greeted by Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Nigel Coates. (Date taken: 31 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080331ran8098978_108_drn The ship's company of HMAS Stuart walk the gangway upon boarding for deployment to the Persian Gulf. (Date taken: 31 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080331ran8098978_165_drn HMAS Stuart depart Fleet Base East for deployment to the Persian Gulf. (Date taken: 31 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080331ran8098978_179_drn Sub Lieutenant Steven Christensen (HMAS Darwin) salutes as HMAS Stuart departs for the Middle East Area of Operation. (Date taken: 31 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080331ran8098978_188_drn Commanding Officer of HMAS Stuart Commander Nick Woodley waves goodbye as his ship depart Fleet Base East for deployment to the Persian Gulf. (Date taken: 31 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080331ran8116382_014_drn Leading Seaman Combat Systems Operator (CSO) Stephen Robinson with his Dad, Mark and Granddad Ray Robinson. (Date taken: 31 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080331ran8116382_062_drn Able Seaman Medical Puxty, Able Seaman Medical Stead and Able Seaman Marine Technician Griffin are all smiles as HMAS Stuart departs for operations in the Middle East. (Date taken: 31 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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