Aussie frigate welcomes Japanese admiral on board

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Rear Admiral Kazushi Yokota, embarked on anti-submarine warfare destroyer JS Ariake, spent an afternoon aboard HMAS Warramunga during Exercise Kakadu.

CAPTION: Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Rear Admiral Kazushi Yokota, Commander, Escort Flotilla 3, fires the .50 calibre machine gun on board HMAS Warramunga during Exercise Kakadu 24. Story by Lieutenant Marie Davies. Photo by Leading Seaman Iggy Roberts.

Rear Admiral Yokota, Commander of Escort Flotilla 3, enjoyed a ship’s tour by Commanding Officer Warramunga Commander Dylan Phillips, and had the opportunity to fire the ship’s .50 calibre guns, showing expert target precision.

The ship also demonstrated the capability of the Anzac-class frigate, with a 5-inch gun live rapid-fire exercise.

This exercise consisted of Warramunga and Singapore’s RSS Supreme manoeuvring together while using their main guns to engage a floating target. The two ships then closed the range to open fire with the crew-service machine guns and upper-deck small arms.

A Republic of Singapore Navy crew member who participated in the exercise aboard Warramungasaid it was an excellent training activity and a rare opportunity for his ship to practise in a location with enough sea-room to engage a moving target.

With the theme of the day about enhancing international partnerships, Rear Admiral Yokota thanked Commander Phillips and Warramunga’s crew for their hospitality and warm reception.

CAPTION: Japan’s Rear Admiral Kazushi Yokota and Commanding Officer HMAS Warramunga Commander Dylan Phillips on the forecastle. Photo: Lieutenant Marie Davies

“Today’s visit to the ship was a great opportunity to enhance our relationship,” Rear Admiral Yokota said.

“I observed the ship’s professionalism and also the very high level of interoperability between participants.

“Our strengths are our partnerships and our friendships in the maritime environment. Through our partnerships we can be more capable by learning from each other, knowing each other and working together.”

In true Navy style, transcending geographic boundaries, Rear Admiral Yokota swapped ship patches and exercise coins with several of the ship’s crew before disembarking.

Exercise Kakadu, held from September 9-19, was supported by the Royal Australian Air Force and provided an opportunity for regional partners to conduct multinational maritime activities, drawing together about 3000 personnel, ships from 10 countries and aircraft from five, in Darwin and the Northern Australian Exercise Area.

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