On Anzac Day, Lieutenant Tian Kingsbury was thousands of kilometres from home, deployed on Operation Manitou in Bahrain and serving within New Zealand-led Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150).
CTF 150 is a critical element of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a multinational naval partnership committed to promoting maritime security and stability across some of the world's most strategically vital waterways.
Operating primarily in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea, the task force focuses on counter-terrorism, anti-smuggling and disrupting the trafficking of illicit cargo.
"It has been an amazing opportunity to work alongside not only the Kiwis, but the other four nations currently contributing to CTF 150 - India, Singapore, Canada and the United States," Lieutenant Kingsbury said.
"The level of collaboration and trust among partner nations is truly inspiring."
During Lieutenant Kingsbury's time with CTF 150, the task force has been instrumental in seizing more than $600 million worth of narcotics from the high seas - a major blow to transnational criminal and terrorist organisations.
'Being deployed in the Middle East, it really hits home. There's a deeper connection to the legacy we carry forward.'
One of the most rewarding aspects of this deployment for Lieutenant Kingsbury was working under New Zealand leadership and immersing herself in elements of Māori culture that form the foundation of CTF 150's command philosophy.
"CTF 150 is guided by four key pillars derived from te reo Māori [the Māori language]," she said.
"Whakapono - trusted partners, kaitiakitanga - guardianship, mahi tahi - working together, and he heremana tātou - the development of our sailors."
Anzac Day holds deep personal significance for Lieutenant Kingsbury. With a long family lineage of military service, the day is both a solemn remembrance and a proud moment of reflection.
"I always reflect on the sacrifices of those who came before me," she said.
"I come from a big family of military members - my mum, dad, aunty, uncle and grandparents all served. Now, being deployed in the Middle East, it really hits home. There's a deeper connection to the legacy we carry forward."
As the sun rose over the Arabian Gulf on Anzac Day, Lieutenant Kingsbury, along with other Australians, New Zealanders and our Turkish partners in CMF, paused to honour those who served before, while continuing to uphold the values they fought for - service, unity and peace.
Operation Manitou is Australia's contribution to maritime security in the Middle East region.
