HMAS Perth sails back to loved ones

HMAS Perth has returned to FBW after a four-month regional presence deployment (RPD) throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

Perth steamed about 25,000 nautical miles during her deployment, conducting several patrols of regional waters exercising Australia’s rights to freedom of navigation and overflight, and engaging with navies from India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Commander Joint Operations VADM Justin Jones said the deployment demonstrated Australia’s longstanding commitment to maintaining a near-continuous presence in the region, while also supporting allies and partners.

“HMAS Perth’s deployment reinforces Australia’s reputation as a reliable and trusted security partner, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to working with allies and partners across the region,” VADM Jones said.

“These deployments provide valuable opportunities to deepen cooperation with regional partners and ensure our forces are prepared to work together when it matters most.

“HMAS Perth’s deployment continues Australia’s longstanding practice of operating throughout the region in accordance with international law, reinforcing our reliability as a partner and commitment to transparency.”

CO Perth CMDR Dylan White said the ship’s company had represented Australia with professionalism and pride.

“I am extremely proud of how we quickly adapted to effectively execute complex operations with our allies on this deployment and improve our interoperability with other partner nations during exercises,” CMDR White said.

It was Australia’s fifth RPD for 2026, following the deployment of HMA Ships Toowoomba, Warramunga, Sydney and Supply.

RPDs play a vital role in Australia’s security and prosperity by enhancing cooperation and relationships with partners and allies and developing capability to preserve the rules-based international order.

The next RPD will commence in January 2027.

See more photos from Perth's return home here.