FEATURE INTERVIEW: CAPT Ainsley Morthorpe, Commanding Officer, HMAS Stirling, Royal Australian Navy

Established in 1978 HMAS Stirling has grown, particularly since the advent of the 'Two Ocean Navy' policy of 1987, to become Australia's largest naval base by major fleet assets and number of personnel. HMAS Stirling also plays a significant role in safeguarding Australia's Indian Ocean approaches and projecting Australian strategic influence throughout Southeast Asia, South Asia, Middle East, Africa and southern Indian Ocean. Speaking exclusively to WA DEFENCE REVIEW, CAPT Ainsley Morthorpe, the RAN's Commanding Officer for HMAS Stirling, illustrates the salient role the base is having on Australia's Indian Ocean strategic ambitions and its increasing economic impact for Western Australia.