BY SANDRA SIAGIAN

SEAMAN Mathew Rauicava, 27, of Caringbah, was one of 192 sailors on board HMAS Anzac, which set off on a six-month mission to the Middle East last Saturday.

The communications and information systems sailor, who was one of 18 sailors on board from St George and Sutherland Shire, performs a number of roles including acting as a tactical operator on the bridge, maintaining radio and satellite communications, visual signalling (sending and receiving flashing light and communication via flag hoists) and looking after the ships IT system.He said he was looking forward to the overseas port visits, the sights and the overall experience.‘‘I am really looking forward to doing a job I feel has purpose,’’ Mr Rauicava said.

‘‘I get to play with some pretty cool high tech equipment and because communications is so complex I am constantly learning.’’

This was his first deployment with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) since he became a seaman last August.

Families and friends gathered on the wharf at Garden Island, Sydney, to farewell the ship as she sailed for her third tour of duty.

Commander John Stavridis said the mission was to provide maritime security in the Gulf region including counter piracy, anti-terrorism operations and preventing illegal trafficking of people and drugs.

This is the 29th rotation of a RAN ship since September 2001.

HMAS Anzac will relieve HMAS Melbourne.

St George and Sutherland Shire Leader.

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