On Patrol - Boarding party up close with fishing boat

A boarding party from HMAS Parramatta approaching a fishing boat as part of an Approach and Assist Visit. At that time the Parramatta was deployed on the 23rd rotation to Operation Slipper. On this deployment the Parramatta was under the operational control of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). CMF is a multi-national force comprised of more than 24 countries based in Bahrain, whose common aim is to increase the security and prosperity of the Persian Gulf and surrounding regions. The Parramatta's duties included conducting close escort operations for merchant traffic along the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) in the Gulf of Arden and also to engage in Maritime Security Operations around the Horn of Africa and in the waters to the east of Somalia.