Australia-Japan bilateral exercise Ends

Ships and aircraft from the Royal Australian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) have completed the bilateral Exercise NICHI GOU TRIDENT off the coast of New South Wales.

The exercise, which has been conducted regularly between Australia and Japan since 2009, was aimed at further developing interoperability between the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force and the Royal Australian Navy,

HMA Ships Ballarat, Adelaide and Success along with JMSDF destroyers JS Umigiri, JS Asayuki and submarine, JS Hakuryu, conducted a range of activities including anti-submarine warfare, ship handling and aviation operations as well as activities with Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orion and Hawk 127 aircraft.

Australian Exercise Director, Captain Brian Schlegel said the successful interactions were especially important for the navies at a working level.

“The exercise was successful and certainly provided ample opportunity to practice significant activities in a bilateral environment with open exchanges of ideas and operating procedures to further enhance our interoperability.”

Australia and Japan conduct regular exercises, including NICHI GOU TRIDENT and the biennial Exercise KAKADU.

The JMSDF ships will spend a few days in harbour with crews participating in cultural activities before departing for home.