The Australian Defence Force's contribution to Indo-Pacific regional maritime security continued this week with the departure of a Royal Australian Navy (RAN) warship for the fourth regional presence deployment of 2024.
Anzac class frigate HMAS Perth, crewed by around 200 personnel and with an embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, departed Darwin on Monday for the six-week deployment.
While deployed, the ship will conduct goodwill port visits and community engagements ashore in several countries throughout the region, as well as conducting cooperative training activities at sea with regional partners' naval forces.
HMAS Perth's contribution to regional maritime security follows a period deployed on Operation Resolute, the ADF's contribution to whole-of-government efforts to protect Australia's maritime borders and interests.
Commodore Jonathan Ley, Joint Operations Command's Joint Force Maritime Component Commander acknowledged Perth's service to maritime security both at home and abroad.
"Maintaining a near continuous presence in the Indo-Pacific in support of regional maritime security and stability builds on the fleet's ongoing mission to protect Australia's own maritime resources, borders and interests," Commodore Ley said.
"These routine deployments demonstrate Australia's resolve to support international partners for a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, where sovereignty and agreed rules and norms are respected."
Commanding Officer HMAS Perth, Commander Benjamin Dalton said members of the ship's company are proud to be representing Australia and the ADF during international engagements.
"Perth's personnel have thoroughly prepared for this regional presence deployment," Commander Dalton said.
"We look forward to engaging with our partners at sea to enhance our ability to operate together and ashore to deepen relationships.
"I acknowledge the continuing support Perth receives from crew members' families and loved ones during the ship's absence from its homeport - we couldn't do our job without their backing."
HMAS Perth will return to its homeport of Fleet Base West at HMAS Stirling near Fremantle, WA at the end of September.
