HMAS Anzac deploys for Gallipoli commemorations

HMAS Anzac and the ship’s company of 192 departed Sydney today for a once in a life-time deployment, supporting the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli.

Family and friends were on the wharf to farewell the frigate, which will spend five months visiting ports around the globe.

Commanding Officer HMAS Anzac, Commander Belinda Wood said the ship’s company was proud to represent Australia on this significant trip.

“Today is an exciting time for Anzac as we set off for ports many Australians never get the chance to experience.

“The crew are proud to have been selected. Every person has worked incredibly hard to get ready for this deployment and they’ll continue to do so. We have a demanding schedule visiting ports on three continents,” CMDR Wood said.

“The pinnacle of the deployment will be spending Anzac Day in Gallipoli with STS Young Endeavour and warships from Turkey, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada and France. As the Navy’s namesake ship, we will reflect on the strong and enduring legacy of those who fought on that shore, the Western Front and throughout the world’s oceans and helped forge our national identity.

“We will also commemorate more than a century of service by Australian servicemen and women,” CMDR Wood said.

Anzac’s first port stop will be at Diego Garcia, a coral atoll in the central Indian Ocean for replenishment. The ship will continue to Europe where she will visit ports in Turkey, Italy, Malta, the United Kingdom, France and Spain. Anzac will continue on to Africa visiting Morocco, South Africa and Mauritius, before returning to Sydney in August.

This is the second time that Anzac III will visit Gallipoli. In 2005, the ship supported the commemorations in for the 90th anniversary.

Anzac is one of eight Anzac Class Frigates operated by the Royal Australian Navy and in 2014 was the third to complete the Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgrade program, which provides an enhanced sensor and weapons systems capability.

Media contacts:
Ben Wickham, Defence Communication and Media – NSW 0400 003 792
Natalie Staples, Navy Communications 0419 840 646