HMAS Anzac busy in Korean and Japanese waters

From South Korea to Japan, HMAS Anzac has continued to conduct important exercises, operations and engagement activities.

CAPTION: USS America’s MH-60S helicopter is marshalled by HMAS Anzac’s Leading Seaman Joshua Leach during deck landing training on board Anzac. Story by Lieutenant Max Logan. Photos by Leading Seaman Jarryd Capper.

The crew supported an exercise off the coast of South Korea, conducted a series of cooperative activities at sea with other navies and conducted monitoring and surveillance as part of Operation Argos.

A port visit to Kure, Japan, afforded the crew an opportunity to rest, recuperate and explore the sights and sounds of the thriving port city.

 

Busy at sea

Anzac supported the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Exercise Eastern Endeavour, hosted by South Korea off Jeju Island.

Australia is a founding member of PSI, which is a multinational response to prevent the illegal trade of weapons of mass destruction and related materials.

CAPTION: Chief Petty Officer Barth Tiro, left, and Royal Navy Lieutenant Commander Thomas Hazel supervise as HMAS Anzac conducts a replenishment at sea with Canadian ship MV Asterix.

After sailing from the exercise, Anzac conducted a series of cooperative activities, including a replenishment at sea (RAS) with Canadian ship MV Asterix and a rendezvous with USS America.

America’s embarked MH-60S and Anzac’s MH-60R helicopters conducted deck landings on their respective partners ships.

Anzac’s commanding officer also transferred across to America for a short visit with his counterpart, who he had previously served alongside in the Middle East.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force JS Shiranui also conducted an RAS with MV Asterix while in company with Anzac.

 

Commitment to security

In June, Anzac completed a rotation on Operation Argos as part of Australia’s contribution to support the enforcement of United Nations Security Council sanctions on North Korea.

Commanding Officer Anzac Commander David McPherson said the dedication of hard-working sailors and officers on board the frigate during the ninth iteration of the Royal Australian Navy’s support to Operation Argos demonstrated Australia’s continued commitment to regional security and stability.

“Team Anzac monitored and deterred illegal ship-to-ship transfers of sanctioned goods in the region using a range of the ship’s advanced sensors and the embarked MH-60R Seahawk maritime warfare helicopter, which is equipped with world-leading anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities,” Commander McPherson said.

Anzac joined Canada’s HMCS Montreal and MV Asterix, Japan’s JS Shiranui and USS Chung Hoon for a formation sail during the operational deployment.

 

A chance to see the sights

Anzac arrived in Kure, Japan, on completion of the Argos rotation and were warmly welcomed alongside by personnel from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

CAPTION: Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force personnel welcome HMAS Anzac to Kure, Japan.

The crew later welcomed senior officers, including the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Admiral Ryo Sakai and officials from the Australian Embassy in Japan, on board the ship for an official reception and ceremonial sunset.

For electronics technician Able Seaman Jack Dennis, the port visit was a highlight.

“In previous deployments we’d missed out on opportunities to step ashore due to the pandemic, so it’s been great to check out a beautiful city like Kure as my first time in Japan,” Able Seaman Dennis said.

“I was also selected to be a member of the guard for the ceremonial sunset on board Anzac during our port visit.

“That was a good experience, to represent the ship in front of attendees including members of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.”

The regional presence deployment has afforded Anzac’s crew with numerous other opportunities for training and professional development, as well as operational experience and cultural enrichment.

 

 

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