HMAS Newcastle conduct Officer of the Watch Manoeuvres (OOWMANS), Replenishment at Sea Approaches (RASAPs) and boarding party training with Royal Saudi Naval Forces vessel HMS Boraida on 14 Aug 17 as part of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) tasking to promote security, stability and prosperity in the region.

HMAS Newcastle’s boarding party approach Royal Saudi Naval Forces vessel HMS Boraida during boarding party training exercises in the Middle East Region.

HMAS Newcastle departed Australia on 11 June 2017 and was deployed to the Middle East in July. The ship returns to Australia in December.

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) guided missile frigate operates as part of the CMF and is predominately tasked to Combined Task Force 150 for counter terrorism and maritime security patrols.

Newcastle will be the last “Adelaide Class” frigate being deployed on Operation MANITOU as the RAN transitions its fleet to the new Hobart Class Destroyer.  She is on her sixth deployment to the Middle East Region and is the 65th rotation of a RAN vessel to the region since 1990.