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The nations have completed maritime training exercises as part of their contributions to fostering regional peace and security.
Australia and Singapore have put their interoperability skills to the test as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour 21 — an annual ADF activity aimed at bolstering engagement and partnerships with regional security forces, as outlined in the 2016 Defence White Paper.
Held on 1 September, the joint activities involved personnel from Mine Warfare Team 16, Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), air and marine capabilities.
Operations included a precision ‘at sea’ landing of a Republic of Singapore Air Force Boeing CH-47 Chinook on the flight deck of amphibious assault ship HMAS Canberra, operated by Royal Australian Navy Commander Josh Carey’s flight team.
“It was an excellent opportunity for us, once again in the region, to show our presence, and to show how interoperable we are with our regional partners,” CMDR Carey said.
Seaman Tristan Forkin noted the significance of the interoperability exercise, which formed part of his first deployment.
“When there are aircraft from other countries around, you definitely get an understanding of where you fit in the bigger picture,” SMN Forkin said.
“I enjoy it a lot. I’ve worked in a lot of different places and none of them are anything like this, and when we’re flying it’s definitely a good feeling.”
The exercise kicked off after Republic of Singapore Navy ships RSS Vigour and Stalwart joined the Australian ships and commenced flag hoist training.
Following ship-driving manoeuvres, personnel conducted helicopter landing training and an air defence exercise, which featured flypasts of four Republic of Singapore Air Force F-15 jets.
Other ADF members were on the ground in Singapore conducting professional exchanges with their counterparts in a mine warfare and DSTG engagement activity.
“Australia and Singapore have a close and enduring bilateral defence relationship, built on shared values and a commitment to maintaining a resilient and prosperous region,” Commander IPE21 Commodore Mal Wise added.
“We thank Singapore for making IPE21 a success and for the warm hospitality extended to our personnel.”
[Related: Assault ship, frigate set sail for Indo-Pacific Endeavour]
