Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
28 June 2005
HMAS DARWIN returns from the MEAO
The Royal Australian Navy Guided Missile Frigate, HMAS DARWIN, returned to her homeport at Fleet Base West, Garden Island, in Western Australia on 28 June 2005 after a six month deployment to the Persian Gulf.
HMAS DARWIN deployed to the Persian Gulf as part of Operation CATALYST, the Australian Defence Force contribution to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq. This included the important work of protecting Iraq's offshore export oil terminals and monitoring, intercepting and boarding vessels suspected of illegally trafficking oil and other cargo.
The Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Chris Ellison, representing the Minister for Defence; Rear Admiral Trevor Ruting, RAN, Head Maritime Systems, representing Chief of Navy; and Commander Surface Combatant Group, Commodore Simon Hart, RAN, representing Maritime Commander Australia, joined family and friends to welcome the ship home.
| 20050525ran8097690_23916 Families wait on the wharf, with balloons and welcoming banners, while HMAS DARWIN comes alongside. (Date taken: 28 June 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050525ran8097690_24019 Able Seaman Electronic Warfare (EWT) Ellen Kerr is welcomed home by her daughter Marian after returning from the Persian Gulf. (Date taken: 28 June 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050525ran8097690_24028 Petty Officer Electronic Technician (POET) Steven Wright with his sons Nathan (left) and Jayden (right) after returning from the Persian Gulf. (Date taken: 28 June 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050525ran8097690_24038 The Executive Officer of HMAS DARWIN, Lieutenant Commander Brett Sonter, plays with his daughter Cora after returning from a deployment to the Persian Gulf. (Date taken: 28 June 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050628ran8100662_24409 Sailors carrying out berthing procedures as HMAS DARWIN returns home from six months in the Persian Gulf. (Date taken: 28 June 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050628ran8100662_24436 Sailors of the Royal Australian Navy guided missile frigate, HMAS DARWIN, on duty for berthing procedures as the ship returns home after a six month deployment to the Persian Gulf. (Date taken: 28 June 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050628ran8100662_24509 An officer on the bridge wing guides berthing procedures as HMAS DARWIN returns home from six months in the Persian Gulf. (Date taken: 28 June 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050628ran8100662_24617 A television crew interviews Senator Chris Ellison, representing the Minister for Defence, and officers of HMAS DARWIN, after the ships return home from six months in the Persian Gulf. (Date taken: 28 June 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050628ran8100662_24621 The Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Chris Ellison, representing the Minister for Defence, and the Commanding Officer of HMAS DARWIN, Commander William Martin. (Date taken: 28 June 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050628ran8110976_24814 Family of the crew of HMAS DARWIN await the return of the ship after a six month deployment to the Persian Gulf. (Date taken: 28 June 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050628ran8110976_24913 (Left to right) ABET Jason Hansen with partner Tanya Leyendeckers, and LSATV Phil Hirschausen with wife Shannon, on the return home of HMAS DARWIN from six months in the Persian Gulf. (Date taken: 28 June 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050628ran8110976_24914 Able Seaman Electrician Graeme Wilson with wife Jodi and son Jayden. (Date taken: 28 June 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050628ran8110976_24919 Able Seaman Boatswains Mate Mark Rix reunited with wife Tina at the return home of HMAS DARWIN. (Date taken: 28 June 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050628rand245121j_24723 Elisha Wright waves to her husband, Petty Officer Electronic Tech Communications Steven Wright, with their sons Jayden and Nathan. (Date taken: 28 June 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050628rand245121j_24734 Leading Seaman Marine Technician Brett Jones is welcomed home by his two daughters Zoe (left) and Kirra (right). (Date taken: 28 June 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050628rand245121j_25005 The Minister for Justice and Customs, Chris Ellison, speaks to the HMAS DARWIN crew and family and friends. (Date taken: 28 June 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050628rand245121j_25015 Rear Admiral Trevor Ruting, representing the Chief of Navy, gives a welcome home speech to the crew of HMAS DARWIN. (Date taken: 28 June 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20050628rand245121j_25020 The Commanding Officer of HMAS DARWIN, Commander William Martin, thanks friends and family for the support they gave to the crew while they were away. (Date taken: 28 June 2005) Low-res | High-res |
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