Topic: Counter-terrorism
Arunta proves her worth in Middle East
Published on by Department of Defence Media Release (author), ABIS Steven Thomson (photographer)

HMAS Arunta personnel prepare to destroy illegal narcotics seized on 8 June 2017 while the ship was on patrol in the Middle East region.
HMAS Arunta has completed a third significant narcotics interdiction after seizing 260 kilograms of heroin in the north Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa as part of Operation MANITOU.
Hawks and eagles fly together
Published on by Ms Natalie Staples (author), ABIS Nicolas Gonzalez (photographer)

Flight Commander, Lieutenant Commander Ian Homes, RAN, in the port hanger of HMAS Newcastle.
En route to the Middle East as part of the latest Royal Australian Navy crew to deploy for Operation MANITOU is one officer who feels very at home on his hometown’s namesake ship.
Darwin leaders honoured
Published on by LEUT Des Paroz (author), ABCSO Belinda Porter (photographer), LSIS James Whittle (photographer)

Commanding Officer, HMAS Darwin, Commander Phillip Henry, RAN, pictured on the forecastle during passage to Auckland, New Zealand for the Royal New Zealand Navy's 75th Anniversary International Naval Review.
The 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours List named three leaders from the Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Darwin recognised for their service in the ship’s recent deployment to the Middle East.
Combined Task Force end of rotation
Published on by CPL Sebastian Beurich (author)

(From left) U.S. Navy, Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, Royal Canadian Navy and Marine Nationale (French Navy) officials salute during the Combined Task Force 150 Transfer of Authority ceremony held on 13 April 2017.
Royal Australian Navy personnel embedded in the Canadian-led Combined Task Force 150 in the Middle East have completed a highly successful counter-terrorism deployment and are heading home.
Deployed maintenance for more time on task
Published on by Department of Defence (author), ABIS Steven Thomson (photographer)

HMAS Arunta on patrol in the Middle East region.
Navy personnel and Defence civilians have deployed as one team to complete maintenance on deployment on an unprecedented scale. The beneficiary – HMAS Arunta, deployed for nine months on operations in the Middle East.
HMAS Arunta small weapons go technical
Published on by CPL Bill Solomou (author)

Lance Corporal Andrew Smith (from left), Royal Australian Air Force Corporal Brian Wilson and Able Seaman Boatswains Mate Patrick Birch conduct weapon maintenance and technical inspection onboard HMAS Arunta.
Navy’s deployed ship in the Middle East, HMAS Arunta, has had its small arms weapons inspected, serviced and certified during a recent port visit.
Skeletor retires after sterling service
Published on by CPL Bill Solomou (author and photographer)

Navy Seahawk Helicopter N24-011 takes off for one last time at Australia's main operating base in the Middle East.
Royal Australian Navy Seahawk helicopter 'Skeletor' has flown its last operational flight after a career logging 6,200 airframe hours and spanning more than 28 years of service.
Operational officer of the watch in Arunta
Published on by Corporal Sebastian Beurich (author), CMDR Chloe Griggs (author), ABIS Steven Thomson (photographer)

Lieutenant Patrick Velu observing Indian Talwar Class INS Teg (F45) operating with HMAS Arunta during a recent PASSEX off the coast of Goa, India.
Lieutenant Patrick Velu is relishing being part of Navy’s team in the Middle East – putting training into action as an officer-of-the-watch in HMAS Arunta.
Arunta conquering the drug trade
Published on by CMDR Chloe Griggs (author), ABIS Steven Thomson (photographer)

HMAS Arunta personnel account for the illegal narcotics seized while on patrol in the Middle East region.
HMAS Arunta has continued her tradition of successful deployments to the Middle East by seizing more than 800kg of hashish during maritime security operations.
Mission possible for Navy pilot
Published on by LCDR Stewart Mathies (author), ABIS Steven Thomson (photographer)

Helicopter pilot Lieutenant Caleb Muggeridge stands on the flight deck before HMAS Arunta's S-70B Seahawk while on patrol in the Middle East Region.
Getting the best out of working with metals needed a new perspective when a professional tradesman swapped his tools for the controls of a Navy helicopter.