Land, air and sea, the Middle East Area of Operations encompasses a vast area of responsibility for Australian and coalition forces to manage. The person in charge of Australian operations in the region, Commander Joint Task Force 633, Major General John Cantwell, AO has no illusions about the range of environments his personnel have to work in. Ensuring his understanding of the battle space and its limitations, MAJGEN Cantwell visited the crew of HMAS Parramatta as she carried out maritime security operations in the Gulf of Aden.
HMAS Parramatta is deployed for six months to the Middle East Area of Operations as part of Operation Slipper, The Australian Defence Force (ADF) contribution to the International campaign against terrorism, countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and maritime security. During her deployment, Parramatta is helping provide security in the maritime environment, promoting regional stability and global prosperity. These operations complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists’ use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.
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On the Bridge (L-R) Commanding Officer, Commander Heath Robertson talks about HMAS Parramatta’s activities with Major General John Cantwell.
(Date taken: 19 August 2010)
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Major General John Cantwell takes the helm of HMAS Parramatta under the watchful eyes of the Officer of the Watch Lieutenant Kane Mackey (L) and Able Seaman Bosuns Mate Caleb Larnach.
(Date taken: 19 August 2010)
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Under the gun. (L-R) Major General John Cantwell in the forward gunnery control room with Able Seaman (AB) Mitch Ashley, AB Geoff Ramsay and Petty Officer Anthony Trudgian.
(Date taken: 19 August 2010)
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Under the gun. (L-R) Major General John Cantwell in the forward gunnery control room with Able Seaman (AB) Mitch Ashley, AB Geoff Ramsay and Petty Officer Anthony Trudgian.
(Date taken: 19 August 2010)
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(L-R) Petty Officer Zul Naim talks with Major General John Cantwell and Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One Don Spinks about aviation maintenance on HMAS Parramatta.
(Date taken: 19 August 2010)
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(L-R) Petty Officer Zul Naim talks with Major General John Cantwell and Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One Don Spinks about aviation maintenance on HMAS Parramatta.
(Date taken: 19 August 2010)
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General John Cantwell meets members of the ships boarding party aboard HMAS Parramatta.
(Date taken: 19 August 2010)
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General John Cantwell tests his shooting skill on a moving flight deck during a live shoot aboard HMAS Parramatta.
(Date taken: 19 August 2010)
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(L-R) In the belly of the machine, Major General John Cantwell observes as Lieutenant Michelle Sheekey and Leading Seaman Marine Technician Mitchell Chaffey go to work trouble shooting systems in the engine room during an Engineering Casualty Control exercise aboard HMAS Parramatta.
(Date taken: 19 August 2010)
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(L-R) In the Machinery Control room of HMAS Parramatta Lieutenant Commander Dean Woodruff talks through what is happening during an Engineering Casualty Control exercise with Major General John Cantwell.
(Date taken: 19 August 2010)
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(L-R) Major General John Cantwell and Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One Don Spinks prepare to put on face masks during a damage control exercise aboard HMAS Parramatta.
(Date taken: 19 August 2010)
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(3rd from R) Petty Officer Bosun Daniel MacQueen describes fire fighting equipment set up to Major General John Cantwell and Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One Don Spinks on the quarter deck of HMAS Parramatta.
(Date taken: 19 August 2010)
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(L- R) Petty Officer Bosun Daniel MacQueen observes as Major General John Cantwell takes the lead during fire fighting drills on the quarter deck of HMAS Parramatta.
(Date taken: 19 August 2010)
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