Navy Milestone As Melbourne Sails for Slipper

(August 16, 2010) -- Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Melbourne sailed for the Middle East Area of Operations today, where she will relieve HMAS Parramatta on Operation Slipper. Melbourne is the first of the recently upgraded Adelaide Class Frigates to undertake an operational deployment.

Embarked with a ship's company of 238 men and women, Melbourne was farewelled by Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Crane AO, CSM, RAN and the Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore, AM, CSC RAN and family and friends.

"The men and women embarked on Melbourne will make a vital contribution to the Australian Government's commitment to ensuring maritime security, supporting anti-terrorism and countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden," Vice Admiral Crane said.

"The thoughts and best wishes of the nation are with Melbourne as she sails to undertake this important task."

"Melbourne is the first of the upgraded Adelaide Class Frigates to sail for the Middle East. The enhancements make her a formidable force, with new missile and torpedo systems among the improved capability," Vice Admiral Crane said.

This will be the 24th rotation of a Royal Australian Navy Fleet unit to the region since operations commenced in September 2001. Melbourne has not deployed on Operation Slipper since its first tour to the Middle East in 2002.

"This is a significant deployment for our ship. It is a great honour to be undertaking this important job on behalf of the Australian people. To deploy the first upgraded FFG in support of operations makes the deployment all the more professionally rewarding for us," said Commanding Officer Melbourne, Commander Michael Harris.

"Our job has been made easier because we sail knowing that we have the strong support of our family and friends. Their support as we worked tirelessly to prepare has resulted in us being extremely well placed to succeed in our mission."

HMAS Melbourne participated in a pre-deployment assessment in July which followed months of concentrated work-up training aimed at preparing the ship for operational deployment.

Source : MoD Australia