HMAS Ballarat home from Indian Ocean deployment

Royal Australian Navy warship HMAS Ballarat has returned to her homeport of Fleet Base West near Rockingham, Western Australia, following a successful Indian Ocean deployment.

CAPTION: HMAS Ballarat in Cockburn Sound upon returning to Fleet Base West, Western Australia, following a successful Indian Ocean Deployment. Photo by Petty Officer Yuri Ramsey.

The Anzac-class frigate deployed in October with her 187-strong crew and embarked helicopter from 816 Squadron.

During her nine weeks at sea, Ballarat participated in Exercise Malabar, a high-end training activity alongside India, Japan and the United States.

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds commended the crew for their professionalism during the deployment.

“The men and women of HMAS Ballarat have bolstered maritime interoperability in support of a secure and stable Indo-Pacific,” Minister Reynolds said.

“The ship’s advanced long range air, surface and sub-surface capabilities added to the training outcomes of Exercise Malabar, and her crew have strengthened navy-to-navy skills in company with three of Australia’s important regional partners.

“Ballarat’s crew represented the nation with distinction during this deployment.

“I’m pleased they have now returned home safely in time for Christmas.

“I also extend my thanks to the crew’s families, because it is with their support that Ballarat successfully completed this deployment.”

Commander Antony Pisani, Ballarat’s Commanding Officer, said he was proud of what his crew had achieved.

“HMAS Ballarat’s contribution to Exercise Malabar provided a landmark opportunity for Australia to build shared skills with our partners from India, Japan and the United States,” Commander Pisani said.

“As four major democracies we share a vision for a secure and stable Indo-Pacific.

“This has created a solid basis for cooperation and Exercise Malabar turns this into meaningful and tangible action.”

Following Exercise Malabar, HMAS Ballarat sailed in company for several days with the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, deepening the strong bonds between the Australian and US Navies.

HMAS Ballarat also conducted bilateral exercises with the Malaysian and Indonesian navies during her return journey to Australia.

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