ARUNTA berthing at Kuwait Harbour

Artist Robert McRae (Australian, born 1954)

Date2008

Object number00050681

NamePainting

MediumOil on canvas

DimensionsOverall: 1200 x 900 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Collections

Ship portraits

Terms

DescriptionThis oil painting depicts the ANZAC class frigate HMAS ARUNTA (CMDR Tim Brown) berthing in Shuwaikh port in Kuwait Bay during its Middle East deployment in 2008. The BAHMAN 1 tug is shown manoeuvring ARUNTA into position. During the visit to Kuwait City (Al-Kuwayt), the commanding officer was requested to visit General Ahmed Al Mulla, chief of the Kuwaiti Navy, to explain ARUNTA's presence in the Gulf.HistoryIn 2002, HMAS ARUNTA deployed and saw active service as part of the third rotation of RAN ships to the Persian Gulf as part of Operation Slipper. It was involved in the enforcement of United Nations' sanctions against Iraq as part of the multi-national force. Boarding parties made 377 boardings during the four months on station. In November 2007, ARUNTA deployed for a second tour of active service in the Persian Gulf, this time as part of Operation Catalyst, contributing to the protection of Iraqi oil platforms, security boardings of all vessels proceeding to the platforms and training of the Iraqi Navy. ARUNTA returned from this deployment in May 2008. BSMSCO (Bahman Shipping & Marine Services Company) succeeded in the tender for the tug boats lease to the Kuwait Port Authority, providing BAHMAN 1 and BAHMAN 3 to carry out the towing and anchoring works required for vessels coming to Shuwaikh port. In January 2008, McRae was appointed an Official Artist for the RAN, Naval History Unit Persian Gulf, tasked to paint, draw and photograph events in the Persian Gulf, mainly onboard HMAS ARUNTA during patrols near Iraq. SignificanceAustralia's naval participation in patrolling the Persian Gulf and enforcing sanctions against Iraq is an important role for the Royal Australian Navy. Rotations of RAN ships has been continuous since the sanctions began in 1990.