Today I attended the farewell for the men and women of HMAS Toowoomba as they set sail for the Middle East.

I was honoured to represent the Shadow Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, at this important event at HMAS Stirling naval base, on Garden Island, in my electorate of Brand.

The frigate’s deployment is part of the Government’s commitment of Australian Defence Force personnel and assets to the multi-national maritime security assistance mission in the Straits of Hormuz.

I would like to thank the personnel of HMAS Toowoomba for their service to our nation.

They leave Australia and embark on their mission with the best wishes of all of us.

I wish them a safe voyage and a safe return.

My thoughts are also with their families who face great challenges in the months ahead.

Many of the sailors we farewelled today are drawn from our Rockingham community.

It has always been a matter of pride for me that my electorate is home to HMAS Stirling.

Twelve fleet units are stationed at HMAS Stirling, including the RAN’s Anzac class frigates and Collins class submarines.

More than 700 people live on the naval base permanently while they are stationed there, and thousands more travel there each day for work from across my electorate and further afield.

Thank you to all the personal at HMAS Stirling who serve our community and the nation as a whole.