Warramunga conducts transit through South China Sea

Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Warramunga has conducted a multilateral transit through the South China Sea with ships of the United States and Japan during a routine regional presence deployment.

CAPTION: HMAS Warramunga conducts a cooperative activity with the United States and Japan during a regional presence deployment. Photo by Petty Officer Leo Baumgartner.

During the cooperative activity, Warramunga operated with US Navy destroyer USS John Finn and littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense-Force destroyer JS Sazanami.

Working together, all participating units enhanced interoperability by exercising their skills in planning and conducting combined operations, including cooperative maritime manoeuvres and flying operations.

Joint Force Maritime Component Commander Commodore Jonathan Ley said the cooperative activity was an important part of regional presence deployments.

“Indo-Pacific regional presence deployments not only demonstrate the Australian Defence Force’s ability to maintain a near continuous presence in the region, but they also help deepen partner relationships,” Commodore Ley said.

“Australia has maintained a robust program of international engagement with regional nations for decades, and cooperative activities at sea during routine deployments are crucial for enhancing mutual understanding and our ability to operate together.”

Warramunga departed from Fleet Base East, Sydney, in late January to undertake the first regional presence deployment for 2024.

During the deployment, Warramunga will conduct a series of training, exercises and other engagements with Australia’s regional partners at sea and while visiting regional ports.

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