Royal Australian Navy Hobart class guided-missile destroyer HMAS Brisbane has returned to Fleet Base East in Sydney following a successful four-month deployment throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

HMAS Brisbane sailed over 32,000 nautical miles during her deployment and conducted engagements with partner navies from Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, Spain, the Republic of Korea, United Kingdom, and the United States.

Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO, RAN, said the ship’s company was honoured to represent Australia throughout the deployment.

“This deployment held many highlights for the crew including our participation in several multilateral navy exercises which were extremely beneficial for testing our operational readiness in complex military environments,” Vice Admiral Hammond said.

“The time away from home represents a significant commitment by HMAS Brisbane’s crew and the sacrifice by their families back home. I am exceptionally grateful to their collective effort in the success of this deployment. 

“I also pass on my thanks to the families for their support.” 

Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO CSC, RAN, said that each regional presence deployment reinforced Australia’s support for a global rules-based order and strong maritime security.

“These deployments are important to demonstrate our nation’s commitment to a peaceful, prosperous and stable Indo Pacific, encouraging free and open access to the sea,” Vice Admiral Jones said.

“The more we practise with our regional partners and allies, the better equipped HMAS Brisbane will be to deal with future regional challenges.”

HMAS Brisbane is one of three Hobart-class guided-missile destroyers serving in the Royal Australian Navy. It operates with a crew of more than 230 personnel and carries an embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopter.

Media note

Media can access imagery/vision at:http://images.defence.gov.au/S20253637