MIDDLE EAST MISSION COMPLETE FOR P-8A POSEIDON

SENATOR THE HON LINDA REYNOLDS CSC.
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4 years ago
MIDDLE EAST MISSION COMPLETE FOR P-8A POSEIDON
SENATOR THE HON LINDA REYNOLDS CSC
The deployment of a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft to the Middle East has successfully concluded with the aircraft returning to Australia.

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said this deployment was a targeted and meaningful element of Australia’s broader contribution to the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC).

“Over the last month, the P-8A Poseidon aircraft has provided valuable maritime surveillance and reconnaissance to support the coalition partners in the IMSC,” Minister Reynolds said.

“It is now time for the Poseidon to return home, having played a key role in supporting freedom of navigation and the free flow of shipping, which is crucial to regional security and stability.”

The deployment was the first time the aircraft had operated in the Middle East region.

On return to Australia, the P-8A Poseidon and its crew will contribute to maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance duties in our region.
 
A small number of Australian Defence Force personnel will continue to provide liaison, planning and coordination support to the IMSC headquarters.
 
A Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate will deploy to the Middle East in January 2020 for approximately six months, in support of Australia’s contribution to the IMSC and the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).

The CMF is the US-led maritime coalition against terrorism, piracy and drug smuggling in the Middle East.
Defence