Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett and Warrant Officer of the Navy Gary Wight, passed through Camp Baird in late December as part of their visit to the Middle East region and HMAS Arunta deployed to Operation MANITOU.

Formerly a store manager of a fast food restaurant, 29-year old Able Seaman Communication and Information Systems Robert Griffiths is well versed in community relations.

Able Seaman Combat Systems Operator David Small is a long way from the small banana farm he grew up on in Wamuran, Queensland.

Part of Australia's team in the Middle East region, contributing to counter terrorism, counter piracy and narcotics interdiction operations, is a sailor more familiar with patrol boats than frigates.

Deployed to the Middle East region, HMAS Arunta recently completed her first underway replenishment in the Gulf of Aden, in company with United States Naval Ship Walter S. Diehl and Pakistani Naval Ship Shamsheer.

HMAS Arunta visited Bahrain for her first port visit after commencing operations in the Middle East honing their skills for future patrols.

Staff from Headquarters Joint Task Force 633 recently joined HMAS Arunta in Muscat, Oman, for a day of briefings prior to Arunta commencing operations in the Middle East region.

Lieutenant Steve Witzand is embarked in HMAS Arunta on his first operational deployment as the Deputy Weapons Electrical Engineer Officer.

HMAS Arunta personnel have charged their batteries for the start of their Middle Eastern maritime security patrols with food, sport and engagement with Indian Navy counterparts during a port visit. 

For Able Seaman Boatswains Mate Matthew Parry, deploying on a warship to the Middle East region to conduct maritime security operations is the stuff dreams are made of.