HMAS Bathurst,
a Darwin based Armidale Class Patrol Boat from the Royal Australian
Navy, has returned home from a tour of duty in the Solomon
Islands in support of Operation Anode. Led by LCDR Andrew
Quinn, RAN, the crew of Bathurst departed Darwin six
weeks ago to assist in the region, conducting patrols of the
area supporting the continuing Police effort in improving
law and order in the Solomon Islands. HMA Ships Armidale and
Townsville have also been deployed since the Honiara riots
in April. “The crew has performed admirably during the
deployment and answered the call for assistance without hesitation”,
said LCDR Quinn.
“This again shows the flexibility of the Patrol Boat
force and the many varied tasks undertaken.”
Operation Anode
is the name of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) contribution
to the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon
Islands (RAMSI). RAMSI's assistance is known as Operation
HELPEM FREN (Pidgin English for 'Helping Friend'). The deployment
of ADF personnel, at the invitation of the Solomon Islands
Government, ensures the ongoing success of RAMSI in improving
law and order in the Solomon Islands.