The FINANCIAL — HMAS Parramatta recently concluded a six-night visit to the Jordanian port of Aqaba, the Parramatta’s first patrol since arriving in the Middle East Area of Operations.
Parramatta departed Fleet Base East, Sydney on 26 September 2011, taking over from HMAS Toowoomba as the Major Fleet unit assigned to Operation SLIPPER on 18 October.
HMAS Parramatta conducted operations throughout the MEAO, before conducting an operational visit to Bahrain 25-29 October.
Following the visit, HMAS Parramatta spent 32 days under the Operational Control of the Commander Combined Maritime Forces for Maritime Security in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Red Sea.
HMAS Parramatta was also assigned briefly to Combined Task Force 151 for counter piracy duties during a suspected piracy incident in the Gulf of Aden. CMDR Blackburn also highlighted the leading role HMAS Parramatta performed during the CMF focussed operation Scimitar Leander in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
HMAS Parramatta is currently deployed to the MEAO as part of Operation SLIPPER and under the CMF, which is responsible for maritime security operations in the Gulf region, the maritime environment around the Horn of Africa, and counter piracy/terrorism operations in the Gulf of Aden.
HMAS Parramatta’s presence is contributing to the inter-operability of 25 CMF nations and demonstrates Australia’s and CMF’s resolve to maintain safe access to vital international straits and the maintenance of good order at sea.
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