Warramunga home from busy deployment

HMAS Warramunga has returned to Fleet Base West following a regional presence deployment that saw the Anzac-class frigate participate in a number of international exercises and undertake various regional port visits.

CAPTION: Family and friends wait on the wharf as HMAS Warramunga returns to Australia after completing a regional presence deployment. Story by Lieutenant Gary McHugh. Photo by Chief Petty Officer Yuri Ramsey.

Warramunga Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Scott Roberts said the ship’s company performed admirably across the entire deployment.

“The ship was charged with positively representing Australia and her strategic interests in the South West Pacific Ocean and I believe the ship’s company achieved this through their consistent pursuit of excellence,” Lieutenant Commander Roberts said.

“The ship’s motto is ‘courage in difficulties’ and our ship’s company embodied this attitude in every scenario we faced during this regional presence deployment.”

Participating in his first international deployment, Combat Systems Operator Seaman Daniel Raggatt said it was an experience he would never forget.

“I enjoyed our engagements with foreign ships, particularly when we were in close company; these opportunities allowed me to put my training to the test for the first time in an international exercise,” Seaman Raggatt said.

“I also really enjoyed Warramunga’s family cruise from Brisbane to Melbourne when I was given the chance to welcome my Dad on board and show him what Navy life is really like.”

CAPTION: Petty Officer James Durrington from HMAS Warramunga with his wife Amanda and two sons Billy and George upon returning to Fleet Base West. Photo by Chief Petty Officer Yuri Ramsey.

Electronic Technician Able Seaman Liam Murphy said one of the highlights for him was the live firing of the ship’s five-inch gun.

“The whole evolution was a fantastic experience for me as a combat system specialist,” he said.

“From a social perspective, I was able to take advantage of our time in Hawaii to walk the various scenic hiking trails and visit the Pearl Harbor memorials which were incredible.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity Navy has provided and could not have asked for a better first deployment.”

During the past three and a half months, Warramunga also took part in Exercise La Perouse with French and Japanese units, as well as Operation Render Safe off the coast of Nauru, in addition to a port visit to Vanuatu.

The ship’s company will now take part in a ‘crew swap’ which will see them take ownership of HMAS Stuart, while Warramunga will head to her new homeport at Fleet Base East.

CAPTION: Leading Seaman Ben Armstong, right, waves to his family. Photo by Chief Petty Officer Yuri Ramsey.

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