06/15/2016: Family and friends gathered at Fleet Base West, Rockingham to farewell HMAS Perth as she departed for the Middle East Region to relieve HMAS Darwin.
The Commander Australian Fleet, RADM Stuart Mayer, CSC and Bar, RAN and Commander Australian Surface Force, CDRE Lee Goddard, CSC, RAN were on hand and wished the ship’s company, led by Commanding Officer HMAS Perth, CAPT Ivan Ingham, AM, RAN safe passage.
This is Perth’s first deployment to the Middle East, the first operational deployment of an ANZAC Class frigate following the Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgrade and the first operational deployment for a Seahawk Romeo helicopter.
Perth’s maiden voyage is the 63rd rotation of a Royal Australian Navy Fleet Unit to the region since 1990.
Credit: Australian Ministry of Defense:6/8/16