Ballarat Completes Multi-National Passage Exercise
Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Ballarat has completed a passage exercise with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Royal Canadian Navy and United States Navy ships during her South East Asia deployment.
The exercise, conducted in the South China Sea from 8-10 June, included Japanese ships Izumo and Sazanami, Canadian ship Winnipeg and USS Sterett.
The ships completed close quarters manoeuvres, helicopter operations, personnel exchanges, gunnery exercises and air defence training.
Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral David Johnston, said the activity enhanced interoperability between key regional defence partners.
“These maritime exercises build on other Australian Defence Force activities with Canada, Japan and the United States and develop interoperability across a wide spectrum of military operations, which enhances stability and security in the region," he said.
“Australia is committed to further developing strong and positive defence relations with regional nations through dialogue and practical activities.”
During the course of her deployment, Ballarat has undertaken engagement activities with Canada, China, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam.
Ballarat will be conducting further exercises with other nations in the region.