Back in Black in the deep blue

HMAS Sydney recently formed up with ships from Japan, New Zealand, Philippines and the United States to conduct a maritime cooperative activity within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

CAPTION: Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s JS Sazanami sails behind Royal New Zealand Navy’s HMNZS Aotearoa, centre, while conducting a dual replenishment at sea with HMAS Sydney, left, and USS Howard, right, in the South China Sea. Story by Lieutenant Tahlia Merigan. Photos by Leading Seaman Daniel Goodman.

Participants included Philippine Navy vessels BRP Antonio Luna and BRP Emilio Jacinto; Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel JS Sazanami; Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft; Royal New Zealand Navy vessel HMNZS Aotearoa; and United States Navy vessel USS Howard.

Commanding Officer Sydney Commander Grant Coleman said the activity demonstrated Australia’s collective commitment to regional and international cooperation to support an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

“These activities directly contribute to the security and stability of the region and build mutual understanding and interoperability between nations and their armed forces,” Commander Coleman said.

“We thank the Philippines for this opportunity to work together to strengthen our security partnerships and enhance interoperability.”

CAPTION: Able Seaman Brenton Manual fires a line-throwing projectile as Royal New Zealand Navy’s HMNZS Aotearoa conducts a dual replenishment at sea with HMAS Sydney and USS Howard.

During the activity, Sydney participated in a dual replenishment at sea with Howard and Aotearoa.

CAPTION: The view from HMAS Sydney to Royal New Zealand Navy’s HMNZS Aotearoa while conducting a dual replenishment at sea.

As Sydney broke away from the other ships, AC/DC’s Back in Black played as their traditional breakaway song.

The five nations then conducted officer-of-the-watch manoeuvres, including formation foxtrot and helicopter operations, before proceeding into a photo exercise.

A Royal Australian Air Force P-8A maritime patrol aircraft also participated, focusing on maritime domain awareness and conducted an overflight of the ships.

“Strong cooperation and the ability to work together is critical to supporting a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Commander Coleman said.

“By training and operating together, our forces can build upon shared tactics, techniques and procedures to enhance interoperability and readiness to respond to shared security challenges.”

The activity highlighted the commitment of all five nations to exercise freedom of navigation and overflight consistent with international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Sydney is conducting a regional presence deployment, enhancing cooperation and relationships with regional partners and allies.

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