Western Australia News:
THERE were emotional scenes at Fleet Base West this morning as family and friends gathered to say goodbye to members of HMAS Perth which set sail for its first mission abroad.
The 192 personnel are headed to the Middle East as part of Operation Manitou.
Perth’s Commanding Officer Captain Ivan Ingham said the deployment was part of a multi-national Combined Maritime Forces that will conduct maritime security operations to counter and deter terrorism.
The mission will also target the narcotics trade that is used to fund terrorist activities, he added.
“Since the beginning of Operation Manitou, Australian warships have interdicted more than four tonnes of illegal drugs being trafficked to fund international terrorism,” Captain Ingham said.
This will be challenging, rewarding and at times frustrating period, but it will be something you will remember your whole life,” he said.
HMAS Perth will be the 63rd Royal Australian Navy fleet to visit the area since 1990, but it will be the first operational deployment using the anti-ship missile defense upgrade.
“We take great satisfaction in knowing that we will deploy with the world’s leading missile defense capability,” Captain Ingham said.
“We also realise that our highly capable surveillance sensors and new mission combat helicopter will also make a significant additional contribution to our mission.”
HMAS Perth and crew will return to their loved ones just before Christmas.
