Approximately 300 Royal Australian Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy personnel have concluded the maritime security exercise, Exercise Mastex.

The Australian ANZAC Class Frigate, HMAS Ballarat, joined the Lekiu Class Frigate KD Lekiu in the North Malacca Straits for the week long bilateral maritime exercise. Mastex provided both navies with the opportunity to improve understanding of how the other operates in common aspects of naval warfare.

Commanding Officer Ballarat, Commander Matthew Doornbos RAN, said the exercise was part of an ongoing program of engagement between the two navies.

"The navies of Australia and Malaysia have conducted Exercise Mastex together since 2002," Commander Doornbos said.

"It is an important part of the Royal Australian Navy’s exercise program and helps to foster a close and long lasting relationship between our two nations.

"Mastex started with a harbour phase - which included a range of briefings and professional exchanges - before we undertook the sea phases of the exercise. While at sea, Ballarat and Lekiu undertook a graduated series of maritime security activities, which culminated in complex warfare serials.

"By regularly conducting exercises like Mastex, we ensure that the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy are ready and capable of working together on a common task."

Australia’s strong relationship with Malaysia is underpinned by cooperation through the Five Power Defence Arrangements, which includes extensive people-to-people links between its two defence forces.

Imagery is available on the Australian Defence Force Image Gallery at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20131339

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999