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WELCOME HOME!!!

HMAS Melbourne welcomed home from Middle East deployment
18 February 2011

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Hundreds of family, friends and officials gathered in Sydney to welcome home the 230 crew members of HMAS Melbourne after a six month deployment in the Middle East.

The Minister for Defence Materiel, the Hon. Jason Clare MP, joined the Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Stephen Gilmore AM CSC RAN, to officially welcome and congratulate Commander Michael Harris, RAN and his crew on a successful high-tempo operation.

Mr Clare said the crew had carried out really important work on a demanding deployment.

“In January the crew disrupted a pirate attack in progress onboard the British chemical tanker MV CPO China,” he said.

“This was just one of the 14 piracy distress calls the crew of HMAS Melbourne responded to during their deployment.”

“This is difficult and dangerous work; their efforts show Australian Defence Force personnel and equipment at their best.”

Commander Harris said his Ship’s Company were incredibly proud of their achievements but were clearly excited and happy to be home....

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