HMAS Toowoomba Farewelled

HMAS Toowoomba Farewelled

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator The Hon Chris Evans, representing the Minister for Defence, today farewelled the ship’s company of Royal Australian Navy Anzac Class Frigate HMAS Toowoomba, as they departed for a six-month deployment to the Middle East Area of Operation.

Toowoomba’s Ship’s Company of 193 men and women were farewelled before a large gathering of family and friends, in a traditional ceremony at Fleet Base West at Garden Island, WA.

Senator Evans congratulated the Commanding Officer of Toowoomba, Commander Ivan Ingham, for the dedication shown by his ship’s company during the rigorous training program they underwent in preparation for the deployment.

“Toowoomba has a difficult task ahead of them, however the ship is well prepared and mission ready,” said Senator Evans.

“To the families and friends of the personnel deploying I would like to thank you for your continued support, and wish those deployed on Operation Slipper continued success and ongoing safety.”

Toowoomba will be stationed in the Middle East Area of Operations as part of Operation Slipper, Australia’s contribution to the International Coalition against Terrorism.

During her deployment, the frigate will promote security in the maritime environment, regional stability and global trade. Toowoomba’s 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. This will be the second time that Toowoomba has been deployed to the Gulf, with the Frigate’s departure marking the Navy’s twenty first rotation since September 2001. HMAS Toowoomba will replace HMAS Warramunga, due to return to Fleet Base West in Mid 2009.

ENDS

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