The Australian Navy frigate HMAS Stuart has successfully completed a six-month deployment in the Middle East and arrived at its homeport of Garden Island in Sydney.

Minister for Defence Materiel and Science Greg Combet said the Anzac-class frigate successfully conducted maritime operations in the Persian Gulf fighting piracy off the Horn of Africa while providing maritime security.

“Stuart also contributed greatly to coalition efforts in the Middle East, undertaking operations in the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman as part of Operation Slipper [the Australian military’s contribution to the war in Afghanistan],” Combet said.

The Australian Navy has replaced HMAS Stuart, which has been deployed in the Gulf three times, with Anzac-class frigate HMAS Parramatta to fight piracy and security threats in the region.