Maritime forces
Introduction
Government sources
Maritime Operations, Force Elements Currently Deployed as part of JTF633, Australian Operations in Afghanistan Fact Sheet, Department of Defence [accessed 14 August 2010]
Royal Australian Navy Major Fleet Unit (MFU) – The Royal Australian Navy contributes a main fleet combatant unit (MFU), currently HMAS Parramatta, to the maritime security operations in the Arabian Sea. The mission for the MFU allows the ship to undertake counter-piracy and maritime interdiction operations in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden. The MFU is supported by a shore based logistic unit.
Counter-Piracy Operations – In December 2008, Australia, along with 17 other countries, co-sponsored United Nations Security Council Resolution 1846 to extend counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia.
Australia’s contribution to these operations is achieved by broadening the range of tasks performed by the Major Fleet Unit and Maritime patrol aircraft that are currently deployed in the Middle East under Operation SLIPPER.
As part of its counter-piracy duties, HMAS Parramatta provides a deterrent presence and may escort merchant shipping in the maritime corridors of the Gulf of Aden, as well as track and report on piracy situations.
The ADF is also provides two naval officers in support of the Counter-Piracy Combined Task Force. The Combined Task Force (CTF) for counter-piracy is a multi-national task force, headquartered in the Middle East Area of Operations as part of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Headquarters. Counter-piracy operations are conducted to detect and deter piracy in and around the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Red Sea. The task force is US-led, and was established to conduct maritime security operations.
One officer is involved in coalition planning for all maritime operations across the Middle East Area of Operations, including counter-piracy operations. The second officer is a naval legal officer who assists in the development and implementation of maritime law policy.
Analysis
List of recent Australian warship deployments to the Middle East, Wikipedia accessed 11 October 2010
See also
Project coordinator: Richard Tanter
Additional research: Arabella imhoff
Updated: 12 October 2010