At 0900 hours on Sunday 31 August, HMAS Sydney took the lead of ‘Blue Force’ Task Group 628.1, consisting of JS Hatakaze from Japan and BRP Ramon Alcaraz from the Philippines, sailing in formation from Darwin Harbour to kick off the sea phases of Exercise KAKADU 2014. Exercise KAKADU is focused on
Before the sea phases of Exercise KAKADU 2014 kicked off, teams from HMAS Stuart and BRP Ramon Alcraz took the opportunity to conduct additional joint training to exchange expertise and develop skills in boarding operations. The training was conducted under the watchful eye of Petty Officer Chris
The KAKADU 2014 fleet has sailed from Darwin to conduct major maritime warfare serials in the North Australian Exercise Area including gunnery, air defence, flying operations and more. The eight-strong fleet of warships includes the Royal Australian Navy’s HMA Ships Sydney, Stuart, Arunta and Newc
In preparation for Exercise KAKADU 2014 , HMAS Sydney and Japanese Navy Ship JS Hatakaze conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) en route to Darwin 22-24 August 2014. Throughout the time ‘in company’ together, the ships conducted Officer of the Watch Manoeuvres (OOWMANS), Replenishment at Sea Approa
US DoD Expresses Concern to China for Dangerous Intercept The US Defense Department has expressed its concern to Chinese diplomatic officials about an Aug. 19 incident in which an armed Chinese fighter jet conducted a dangerous intercept of a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft, Pentagon Press Se
HMAS Harman conducted a Youth Mental Health Awareness Session last week as the first of a number of joint initiatives by the Harman command team and Defence Community Organisation (DCO). Sponsored by the Harman Welfare Committee, the session was open to all Australian Military and Defence APS memb
Over 1,200 military personnel from the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean regions have completed collaborative, tactical warfare planning during the first week of the Royal Australian Navy’s largest maritime exercise, KAKADU 2014. From 25 – 29 August 2014, the Harbour Phase of KAKADU 2014 saw regional
Australian Minister for Defence Senator David Johnston announced the United States Navy has executed an Advanced Acquisition Contract for Australia’s P-8A Poseidon aircraft. Senator Johnston said this key Defence procurement would allow the withdrawal of the ageing AP-3C Orion fleet, and enable Bo
On Tuesday 26 August 2014, HMAS Stuart held a tour for the coalition observers participating in Exercise KAKADU 2014 to familiarise themselves with the ship while it was alongside Fort Hill Wharf, Darwin. Stuart’s Commanding Officer, Commander Aaron Nye and the ship’s company welcomed the represen
Taking hydrography to the sky is the unique task of the Laser Airborne Depth Sounder (LADS) flight is and one of the lesser known capabilities of the Royal Australian Navy’s Australian Hydrographic Service. The Navy’s hydrographic fleet is most visible through the fleet of two Hydrographic Survey
On the first day of Exercise Kakadu 2014, HMA Ships Sydney and Stuart held an Official Reception last night alongside Fort Hill Wharf, Darwin. Rear Admiral Stuart Mayer, CSC and Bar, Commander Australian Fleet, hosted the event and warmly welcomed representatives from the exercise’s participating
Known as the homeport for most of the Armidale Class Patrol Boat fleet of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Darwin’s HMAS Coonawarra is currently playing host to the Navy’s largest multinational warfare exercise, Exercise Kakadu. Coonawarra’s Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Mick Doncaster,
