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HMAS Hobart has successfully completed the first regional presence deployment for 2025.
Departing Australia on 17 January, the guided missile destroyer, HMAS Hobart, embarked on a six‑week journey, covering more than 8,000 nautical miles and engaging in a diverse range of maritime activities across the Indo-Pacific.
During the deployment, HMAS Hobart took part in multilateral training exercises. The ship participated in the Indonesian‑led Exercise Komodo 25, the French‑led Exercise La Perouse 25, and a Maritime Cooperative Activity involving Japan, the Philippines and the United States.
Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO, CSC RAN, said the deployment reinforced Defence’s capability to work alongside regional navies to boost collective security.
“Regional presence deployments work to strengthen Australia’s commitment to a free, open and secure Indo‑Pacific,” VADM Jones said.
“They not only demonstrate our ability to operate seamlessly with our partners, but also highlight the importance of maritime collaboration in safeguarding regional stability.”
HMAS Hobart’s Commanding Officer, Commander Alisha Withers, noted that the extensive operational exercise proved extremely beneficial for testing the ship’s readiness in complex military environments.
“Our participation in multilateral navy exercises was extremely beneficial for testing our operational readiness in complex military environments,” CMDR Withers said.
“The more we practise with our regional partners and allies, the better equipped Hobart will be to deal with future regional challenges.”
Looking ahead, HMAS Sydney is set to support the second regional presence deployment for 2025. This deployment will include Exercise Bersama Shield, conducted alongside Five Power Defence Arrangements partner nations – Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom.
