'Operation Boomerang', the six-month deployment of RAN warships to the Atlantic and Britain next year, has been given the green light by the Minister for Defence, Mr Peter Reith.

Five vessels, HMA Ships ANZAC, Darwin, Melbourne, Success and Kanimbla, are to go.

Chief of Navy, VADM David Shackleton gave details late last month.

"I announced the proposal to conduct a global task group deployment at my Leadership Conference in September 2000," he said.

"The Minister for Defence has now approved 'Operation Boomerang', the RAN global deployment 2002.

"The deployment will be about six months duration between April and October.

"It will include the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Mediterranean, North and South Atlantic Oceans and the South Pacific Ocean."

VADM Shackleton said part of the vision is to be a Navy with a worldwide reputation for excellence as a sea power.

"I have also stated that it is important that we measure our performance, learn, adapt and improve."

The objectives of the deploymnent are to:

Benchmark and improve our capabilities and professionalism.

Enhance proficiency in skills, standards and safety across maritime warfare.

Further develop interoperability with western and allied armed forces.

Promote goodwill and demonstrate Australia's commitment to global security.

Promote Australian industry and successfully complete challenging and interesting high-profile activities.

"FBE units are provisionally scheduled to deploy in early April and return on October 4, Navy Week.

"FBW units will deploy in April and return on October 15.

"The exception will be Kanimbla who will redeploy from Europe via South Africa and return home on September 16," VADM Shackleton said.

Some of the highlights the RAN members will take part include:

A French-led European naval task force passex across the Indian Ocean.

A major in NATO amphibious exercise in the Mediterranean during late May/early June.

RN staff covered sea training.

A major maritime exercise in UK waters in June and July.

"Other exercise and training opportunities that include the navies of India, Canada, US and Chile are being pursued to ensure the deployments key objectives are met.

"'Operation Boomerang' is also intended to provide opportunities for navy people to experience a variety of countries and cultures.

"The port visit program is not yet finalised, however it is likely that countries will include India, Turkey, Greece, Italy, France, Spain, the UK, Canada, the east coast of the US, West Indies, Chile, French Polynesia, Samoa and Tonga.

"Kanimbla will conduct the first RAN ship's visit to South Africa in many years and will visit Mauritius during her re-deployment from Europe.

"These visits will be confirmed after more detailed planning," VADM Shackleton said.

He said to maximise opportunities for those wishing to take part in the deployment, as well as recognising that some may have personal circumstances that would make such a lengthy deployment difficult, I have authorised the Maritime and Systems Commanders to facilitate ship's company changes as the need arises.

"This will take effect over the Christmas period.

"'Operation Boomerang' is a large and complex undertaking and there is now much detailed planning to be done.

"You will be informed of the detail as and when it is resolved," VADM Shackleton said.