Simon Cannell News

Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Parramatta has departed Port Vila, Vanuatu, after a successful visit to strengthen relationships and security cooperation with the Pacific Island nation, informs Australia's Department of Defence. During her four day stay, Parramatta’s crew of 190 combined training and community engagement before returning to maritime patrol duties in the region. Commanding Officer Commander Simon Cannell said there was great value in investing in the relationship between Australia and Vanuatu. “During our time in Port Vila, we took part in a joint training exercise with the Pacific Patrol Boat RVS Tukoro, operated by the Vanuatu Police Force Maritime Wing.

The ANZAC Class Frigate has left Noumea after spending three days strengthening relationships with the French Armed Forces New Caledonia (FANC) and promoting multilateral security cooperation. Commanding Officer of Parramatta, Commander Simon Cannell, said the visit provided professional insight to enhance operations and exercises within the region. “France is a valuable partner with Australia in the Pacific. We regularly participate in combined force training exercises for emergency and disaster relief and operations against illegal fishing,” Commander Cannell said. Following the visit, Parramatta will commence an Operation SOLANIA patrol, continuing the Australian Defence Force’s enduring role in the South-West Pacific.

The final phase of the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) International Fleet Review drew to a close today, with the completion of Exercise Triton Centenary 2013. Triton Centenary was held in two parts. The first was held in the East Australian Exercise Area from 23 September to 3 October 2013 and was a major multi-lateral training opportunity. This phase provided important interaction that got the ships working with each other ahead of the Fleet Review. On October 11, 2013, following a successful Fleet Review…