HMAS Sydney departs on Regional Presence Deployment

Royal Australian Navy Hobart-class destroyer HMAS Sydney sailed from Fleet Base East in Sydney Harbour on Tuesday 9 June, commencing the third Regional Presence Deployment for 2026.

CAPTION: HMAS Sydney V sails past the mast of HMAS Sydney I as the ship departs for a Regional Presence Deployment, Sydney Harbour, NSW. Photo by Petty Officer David Cox.

HMAS Sydney will participate in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 in the United States next month before sailing onwards for training activities and engagements with allies and partners to maintain Australia’s presence in the Indo-Pacific region. 

This deployment follows HMAS Toowoomba’s return from its four-month Regional Presence Deployment on 29 May 2026. 

Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones said HMAS Sydney’s deployment reinforced Australia’s reliability as a security partner, in line with the 2026 National Defence Strategy.

“HMAS Sydney’s presence in the region enhances Australia’s awareness of maritime activities across the Indo-Pacific,” Vice Admiral Jones said.

“Australia has a longstanding commitment to working with allies and partners throughout our region, and HMAS Sydney’s crew will proudly continue that.

“This cooperation is essential to uphold the collective security of the Indo-Pacific, ensuring our region remains peaceful, stable, and prosperous.”

HMAS Sydney’s Commanding Officer Commander Ben Weller said the deployment to RIMPAC would offer the team the opportunity to build relationships with regional partners and allies while honing skills in a complex training environment.

“This deployment offers a valuable opportunity to train with other militaries and demonstrate the skill, dedication and resilience of our people,” Commander Weller said.

“Through exercises like RIMPAC and regional engagements, HMAS Sydney contributes to maintaining a stable, secure and open maritime environment.” 

Commissioned into service in 2020, HMAS Sydney has an approximately 180-strong crew and an embarked MH-60R Seahawk maritime warfare helicopter.

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