Australia’s new Brisbane Navy base, HMAS Moreton, recently became home for a 60 strong army platoon taking part in a three-week small-craft operations course.
Situated on the Brisbane River at Bulimba, the base welcomed 30 Army Assault Pioneer Platoon trainees and 30 support staff from 2nd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment.
The Platoon conducted a series of tactical insertions at Bribie and Moreton Islands as well as surf negotiation on the Gold Coast.
The course develops skills for pre-landing force operations from Navy’s amphibious ships, HMA Ships Canberra and Adelaide.
A number of zodiac boats are required to insert the Battalion’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance elements prior to the arrival of the main landing force.
Commanding Officer Moreton, Commander Mark McConnell said hosting the Army training evolutions showed the capability of Navy’s newest base after its commissioning in May 2016.
“Moreton is proud to be able to lend support to the development of the amphibious capability,” Commander McConnell said.
“With the improvement of the site in the next two years, Moreton looks forward to continuing to provide this type of assistance well into the future.”