Arunta departs for three-month deployment

HMAS Arunta sailed from her home port of Fleet Base East on January 28 for a three-month regional presence deployment.

CAPTION: HMAS Arunta departs Fleet Base East in Sydney on a regional presence deployment to South-East Asia. Story by Lieutenant Gary McHugh. Photo by Leading Seaman Matthew Lyall.

This is the first regional presence deployment for 2022.

While deployed, the ship will undertake a number of navy-to-navy activities with Australia’s regional partners, as well as participate in various maritime exercises.

Commanding Officer Arunta Commander Woolrych said the ship’s company was well-prepared for the various tasks the ship would be assigned over the next three months.

“We are well-trained, confident in each other, know our ship, and are ready for any possible task,” Commander Woolrych said.

“During the deployment, Arunta will have a number of opportunities to increase our interoperability, and deepen our understanding of a complex region by working alongside regional partners through various navy-to-navy activities.

“We expect to build on the respectful and trusting relationship that have been built over many years between Australia and other like-minded nations in the region.”

CAPTION: Sailors from HMAS Arunta’s forecastle party cast off in preparation for the ship’s departure from Fleet Base East in Sydney for a regional presence deployment to South-East Asia. Photo by Leading Seaman Matthew Lyall.

For Seaman Jonathan Hannant, this deployment represents a milestone in his fledgling naval career.

“This is my first deployment since joining the Navy, so I’m looking forward to the challenges it will present,” Seaman Hannant said.

“I’m also looking forward to putting my training into action, both in terms of my technical background and as a member of the ship’s company.”

This deployment will be conducted in accordance with government COVID-19 guidelines.

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