HMAS Warramunga has returned home to a hero’s welcome from family and friends after spending almost nine months deployed to the Middle East. The Minister for Defence, Senator Marise Payne, joined the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mike Noonan, on the wharf to congratulate the crew on their record breaking deployment.
“Warramunga made a significant impact on terrorist and criminal organisations by denying them approximately $2.17 billion in funding from illegal narcotics,” Minister Payne said. “The Anzac Class frigate seized a total of 31.8 tonnes of hashish and two tonnes of heroin from 16 smuggling vessels while assigned to Operation Manitou.
“By removing these illicit narcotics from circulation, Warramunga has made an important contribution to global security. I congratulate the professional men and women in Warramunga who have worked so hard to achieve this unprecedented outcome. Your commitment and focus has made a substantial and lasting difference.”
Operation Manitou is the Australian Defence Force’s contribution to support international efforts to promote maritime security, stability and the free flow of legitimate maritime commerce in the Middle East region.
While deployed, Warramunga conducted counter-terrorism and maritime security operations as part of Combined Task Force 150.
She also regularly operated as part of the multi-national coalition of Combined Maritime Forces, a 32-nation partnership established to defeat terrorism, prevent piracy, encourage regional cooperation, and promote a safe maritime environment.
