Login
iscover
Royal Australian Navy guided missile destroyer HMAS Sydney has departed to take part in the world’s largest international maritime exercise.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
The Hobart Class guided-missile destroyer, with its embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopter and crew of approximately 200 personnel, was farewelled by loved ones at Fleet Base East for its regional presence deployment.
During the four-month deployment, HMAS Sydney will participate in the world’s largest international maritime exercise, Exercise RIMPAC, Exercise Pacific Dragon and Operation Argos – the Australian Defence Force’s contribution to international efforts to enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea.
HMAS Sydney will also conduct activities with regional partners aimed at improving cooperation, interoperability, and interchangeability.
RIMPAC 24 will combine some 40 surface ships, 4 submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 170 aircraft, and approximately 25,000 personnel from 30 nations, offering a unique training opportunity while fostering relationships crucial for regional security.
Joint Force Maritime Component Commander, Commodore Jonathan Ley, said regional presence deployments demonstrated Australia’s commitment to engaging closely with allies and partners as part of maintaining a near-continuous presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
“I wish the commanding officer of HMAS Sydney, Commander Grant Coleman, and his crew all the very best as they go forward representing Australia on this important deployment,” CDRE Ley said.
CMDR Coleman said the crew were looking forward to the privilege of representing Australia at Exercise RIMPAC and throughout the rest of their deployment.
