It covers the RAN’s actions against the Axis powers in WWII, through to the wars of 1991 and 2003, UN sanctions enforcement of the 1990s, and recent contributions to the international efforts to stabilise and rebuild Iraq.Operating in confined and often treacherous waters, Australian ships and sailors have played a vital role in boarding, escort, mine clearance and task force protection duties.

Australia’s Navy in the Gulf is the first comprehensive look at what has become one of the largest ongoing operational tasks ever undertaken by the Australian Navy.The authors are experts in their fields. Greg Nash joined the Department of Defence in 2005 after finishing a Masters in International Law. David Stevens is the Director of Strategic and Historical Studies at the Sea Power Centre-Australia.