HMAS Melbourne is seen during its passage to the Middle East Region for its deployment to Operation MANITOU. *** Local Caption *** HMAS Melbourne is replacing HMAS Newcastle in the Middle East Region as the Australian warship assigned to Operation MANITOU, Australia's contribution to the US-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). CMF undertakes patrols to both combat piracy and to intercept the trafficking of
HMAS Melbourne is seen during her passage to the Middle East Region for her deployment to Operation MANITOU. *** Local Caption *** HMAS Melbourne is replacing HMAS Newcastle in the Middle East Region as the Australian warship assigned to Operation MANITOU,  Australia's contribution to the US-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). CMF undertakes patrols to both combat piracy and to intercept the trafficking of drugs that helps fund international terrorism. CMF also encourages regional cooperation to create a safer maritime environment.  HMAS Melbourne will conduct maritime security operations under the authority of CMF's Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf.