Task groups form up for sea phase

HMAS Warramunga joined the exodus as 10 ships, a submarine and five aircraft formed into two task groups to undertake multiple exercises and formations in Australia’s northern waters.

CAPTION: Navy ships conduct a multilateral cooperative activity during Exercise Kakadu off the coast of Darwin, NT. Story by Lieutenant Marie Davies. Photos by Leading Seaman Iggy Roberts.

Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Chris Smith visited Warramunga as it sailed out of Darwin Harbour in preparation for the sea phase of Exercise Kakadu.

Collins-class submarine HMAS Dechaineux joined the Anzac-class frigate, along with destroyers, frigates and corvettes with varying warfare capabilities from Canada, France, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the US and Vietnam.

Commanding Officer Warramunga Commander Dylan Phillips said the sea phase of Kakadu would provide a platform for regional navies to work together in a high-end maritime warfare environment.

“The shore phase provided a great opportunity for our people to build relationships with their international counterparts, which in turn enhances our ability to effectively work together and accomplish complex maritime operations at sea,” Commander Phillips said.

Exercise Kakadu is the Royal Australian Navy’s flagship regional international engagement activity with around 3000 participating personnel.

CAPTION: HMAS Warramunga underway at sea during Exercise Kakadu 2024, off the coast of Darwin, Northern Territory.

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