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The frigate has arrived in Sydney following a two-month deployment in south-east and north-east Asia.
Following a brief visit to Cairns, HMAS Parramatta has arrived at Fleet Base East in Sydney, marking an end to a two-month deployment throughout Asia, which involved participation in a number of multinational exercises.
The Anzac Class frigate’s activities included joint exercises with French Navy Marine Nationale vessels FS Tonnerre and FS Surcouf of the Jeanne d’Arc Task Group.
All three vessels joined land, maritime and air forces from Japan and the US for Arc 21, engaging in communication exercises, replenishment-at-sea approaches, maritime manoeuvres and joint-flying serials using HMAS Parramatta’s MH-60R and Tonnerre’s Panther helicopters.
Commander Anita Nemarich, Commanding Officer of HMAS Parramatta, noted the success of the two-month deployment.
“During the past two months, the crew has put to the test their collective mariner skills, showcasing the highly-trained and agile workforce that contributes to the capability of the Royal Australian Navy,” CMDR Nemarich said.
“We have worked closely with fellow international navies in the region to further strengthen relationships, learned from our counterparts and shared countless memories.
“I am incredibly proud of the crew of HMAS Parramatta and our many achievements.”
The frigate, which originally set sail as part of a task group alongside HMAS Ballarat, is expected to be deployed on further tasks later this year.
HMAS Ballarat recently rendezvoused with USNS Big Horn and guided missile destroyer USS Curtis D. Wilbur after voyaging through the Luzon Strait.
Earlier this month, HMAS Ballarat wrapped up training exercises with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship Murasame.
The ships remained in company for a day and conducted various maritime manoeuvres off the coast of Japan.
Ballarat and Murasame conducted a number of maritime evolutions, collectively referred to as ‘Officer of the Watch’ manoeuvres, with Ballarat’s MH-60R helicopter conducting a deck landing on Murasame as part of the activity.
[Related: HMAS Ballarat refuelled by US Navy]
