Personnel onboard HMAS Newcastle were surprised to find an unexpected sea rider onboard after their recent port visit to Aqaba, Jordan.

The ship's company of HMAS Newcastle has conducted training exercises with the Royal Jordanian Naval Force in Aqaba, Jordan.

During recent operations with Commander Task Force 151, HMAS Newcastle planned and conducted Focused Operation SOUTHERN LOOK, an international maritime engagement operation in the Gulf of Aden.

On 13 August in the Arabian Sea, HMAS Newcastle reaffirmed an old friendship with the British replenishment ship, RFA Fort Victoria.

Fifteen thousand kilometres away from the polling booths at Australian primary schools and the smell of the fundraising sausage sizzles, members of HMAS Newcastle’s ship’s company had their say in the 2013 Australian Federal Election.

While operating together in the Gulf of Aden, HMAS Newcastle and the UK’s Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) replenishment ship Fort Victoria, conducted a cross-deck for the day for six lucky sailors.

A Royal Navy Officer recently ‘hitched a ride’ across the Red Sea onboard HMAS Newcastle, while trying to make his way home to England.

HMAS Newcastle’s third Replenishment at Sea activity in the Middle East Area of Operations was conducted with the French Command and Replenishment Ship FS Somme.

In July, HMAS Newcastle completed an intensive counter-terrorism focused operation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden with the multi-national Combined Task Force 150.

HMAS Newcastle’s Marine Engineering Department has raised the bar on professional development during the ship's operational deployment to the Middle East Area of Operations, with some impressive results.