On 3 December 1990, "Sydney" and the arrived in the Persian Gulf to relieve HMA Ships and as part of Operation Damask; the Australian military contribution to the Gulf War. "Sydney" was assigned to the escort screen around Battle Force Zulu (Task Force 154), a naval force built around four United States Navy aircraft carriers, and also participated in surveillance and boarding operations. The two Australian warships remained in the area until 26 March 1991. "Sydney" was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation on 4 November 1991 for this deployment, and later received the battle honour "Kuwait 1991".