HMAS Melbourne starts Mideast ops

Australian warship HMAS Melbourne has started security operations in the Middle East.

AAP

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AUSTRALIAN warship HMAS Melbourne has started security operations in the Middle East, the 24th such deployment in nine years.

HMAS Melbourne, an Adelaide class guided missile frigate under the command of Commander Michael Harris, replaces Anzac frigate HMAS Parramatta on operations in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Aden.

The ship has been to the Middle East twice previously, in 2002 and 2004, but this time with new torpedo and missile systems installed as part of the frigate upgrade project.

Chief of defence joint operations Lieutenant General Mark Evans said the Australian Navy provided essential support to coalition maritime security operations and the international effort to counter terrorism and piracy in the region.

"The work that our Navy people do is vital in strengthening maritime security in the Gulf of Aden and the environment around the Horn of Africa," he said in a statement.

"I have no doubt that the ship's company will rise to the challenge and continue the good work already completed by HMAS Parramatta."

Parramatta, commanded by Commander Heath Robertson, completed a successful six month mission and returns to her home base in Sydney next week.

HMAS Melbourne, with 230 crew members, is being deployed as part of Operation Slipper, the Australian Defence Force contribution to the war on terror launched after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in the US.