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Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has announced the arrival of HMAS Arunta in Japan ahead of the ship’s fourth deployment in support of Operation ARGOS.
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HMAS Arunta has arrived in Sasebo, Japan, for a short logistics visit as it prepares to participate in Operation ARGOS — Australia’s contribution to the enforcement of United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea.
Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said Australia’s ongoing sanctions and enforcement operations, in close co-operation with partners, were part of a broader effort to achieve permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula.
“We remain committed to implementing sanctions against North Korea until it takes clear steps towards complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation,” Minister Reynolds said.
“HMAS Arunta and her crew will make an important contribution to enforcing United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea, demonstrating Australian Defence Force’s ongoing commitment to the region.”
Commander Troy Duggan, Commanding Officer of HMAS Arunta, also noted the importance of the operation, which commences on Saturday (31 October).
“The ship and crew continue to do tremendous work in the region, with the ADF playing an important role alongside our partners to enforce the UN sanctions,” CMDR Duggan said.
“The capabilities of the Anzac Class frigates enable the accurate and detailed maritime surveillance required during our deployment to Operation ARGOS.
“I am proud of the work my crew is undertaking, especially deploying to East Asia on the back of a three-month regional presence deployment — they have worked tirelessly for our nation with the support of their families and friends over an extended period.”
This latest deployment is set to mark HMAS Arunta’s fourth contribution in support of Operation ARGOS since it began in 2018.
The ADF has also deployed maritime patrol aircraft to Japan on seven occasions for the operation.
HMAS Arunta is currently on a two-month regional deployment throughout east Asia as part of Australia’s broader commitment to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific.
[Related: Australia, US discuss ‘malign activity’ in Indo-Pacific]
