17 November 2023
The crew of HMAS Toowoomba have supported United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea during a regional presence deployment.
Under Operation Argos, Toowoomba and its embarked MH-60R helicopter, Valkyrie, deployed to monitor and deter illegal ship-to-ship transfers of sanctioned goods in the Indo-Pacific region.
Argos enforces sanctions that support the international community’s goal of the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of North Korea, which the ADF supports through the deployment of RAN vessels and RAAF maritime patrol aircraft.
Chief of Joint Operations Lieutenant General Greg Bilton said Australia is committed to enforcing United Nations Security Council sanctions on North Korea until it takes concrete steps towards denuclearisation.
“This operation is Australia’s contribution to a multinational effort, alongside Canada, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States, all of which conduct operations in support of UN Security Council resolutions,” Lieutenant General Bilton said.
“These deployments demonstrate Australia’s commitment to a global rules-based order as part of an international pressure campaign on North Korea to denuclearise.”
Commanding Officer Toowoomba Commander Darin MacDonald said Argos was an important part of the ship’s regional presence deployment.
“We are proud to contribute to the 10th iteration of the RAN’s support to this operation on behalf of Australia,” he said.
“The crew’s hard work is testament to Australia’s continued commitment to regional security and stability.”
After supporting Operation Argos, Toowoomba will continue conducting activities, exercises and engagements with regional partners during the regional presence deployment.
