HMAS Tobruk To Iraq - Al Muthanna Task Group

CPA 103/05 Monday, 4 April, 2005

HMAS TOBRUK DEPARTS IN SUPPORT OF ARMY'S AL MUTHANNA TASK GROUP

Royal Australian Navy amphibious ship HMAS Tobruk departed her homeport at Fleet Base East, Sydney, today for Darwin, enroute to the Middle East in support of the Al Muthanna Task Group.

HMAS Tobruk will load equipment in Darwin for the Army and on completion will transit to the Middle East.

No date has yet been specified for the ship's departure to the Middle East where it will provide sealift for the Australian Army deploying the Al Muthanna Task Group to Iraq.

"Tobruk's heavy lift capabilities make the ship ideally suited to this task. The Ship's Company have worked tirelessly to ensure that the ship is fully prepared for the embarkation, transport and unload of 1st Brigade's mission essential vehicles, equipment and personnel. We look forward to the job ahead," Commander Nick Bramwell said.

Maritime Commander Australia, Rear Admiral Rowan Moffitt, AO, RAN, joined family and friends in farewelling Commander Nick Bramwell and Tobruk's 198 ship's company.

Tobruk has previously demonstrated her versatility in providing significant sea transport and logistic support to the Army during operations in East Timor in 1999, Bougainville in 1997/1998 and Somalia in 1993.

This is Tobruk's first deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Catalyst, the Australian Defence Force's contribution to the rehabilitation and stabilisation of Iraq.

ENDS