 |
ACTIVE SERVICE: Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Bruce Billson addresses members of HMAS Ballarat’s crew during a recent visit to HMAS Stirling.
Photo: ABPH Quentin Mushins |
Volume 49, No. 16 , September 07, 2006
Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Bruce Billson witnessed the presentation of the AASM to 120 members of HMAS Ballarat’s crew recently.
They received their medals at HMAS Stirling after recently returning from their six-month deployment in the Persian Gulf as part of Operation Catalyst.
Mr Billson said he had the pleasure of meeting some of the crew on Ballarat when he visited the Middle East Area of Operation in April.
“I was privileged to see first hand the wonderful work the crew was doing in the Northern Persian Gulf to help protect our national interests. Their professionalism and dedication to their duty was quite inspiring,” he said.
Ballarat’s role in the Middle East included protecting Iraq’s offshore export oil terminals from the threat of maritime terrorism, as well as providing essential engineering, technical and logistical support to the oil terminals.
She also assumed responsibility for a variety of other important tasks while in the Northern Persian Gulf, including monitoring, intercepting and boarding vessels suspected of illegally trafficking cargo. This role was of vital importance to the security and stability of the region.
Mr Billson said the successful completion of Ballarat’s tasks and deployment is testament to the abilities, dedication and training of the ship’s crew and the RAN.
“Indeed, the outstanding work by Ballarat ensures that the proud heritage established by the original HMAS Ballarat, during WWII, is continued today,” he said
“The officers and sailors of Ballarat have represented their country admirably during their deployment and it was with great pleasure that I will attend the presentation of their medals to recognise their commitment and dedication.”
