Family, friends welcome Toowoomba’s return

<p>The Royal Australian Navy Anzac Class Frigate HMAS <em>Toowoomba</em> arrived home yesterday (Monday, July 2) following a six-month deployment to the Northern Persian Gulf. </p> <p>Her ship’s company of 183 men and women were greeted by the minister assisting the minister of defence, Bruce Billson, the Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Dayvd Thomas AM CSC, RAN, and family and friends. </p> <p><em>Toowoomba</em> was stationed in the Northern Persian Gulf as part of operation <em>Catalyst</em> , Australia’s commitment to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq, from January to July of this year.</p> <p><em>Toowoomba</em> contributed to the protection of Iraqi oil platforms, security boardings of all vessels proceeding to the platforms and training of the Iraqi Navy, all of which are essential to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq.&#8224 </p> <p>The excited and proud families of the crew were also recognised for their ongoing support. &#8224</p> <p>During her time in the Gulf, <em>Toowoomba</em> conducted 65 boarding and security patrols, over 300 boat evolutions, 16 replenishments at sea and vertical replenishments, 230 flying hours by its embarked Navy Seahawk helicopter and 470 investigative queries of merchant vessels.&#8224 </p> <p><em>Toowoomba</em> was away for 179 days, with 146 spent at sea. During this period, one member became a father for the first time, and the ship received 2780 kilograms of mail from family and friends.</p> <br />