Australian-Indonesian Navies hone skills with Cassowary

Australian and Indonesian naval patrol boats have today successfully completed Exercise Cassowary in waters off Darwin.

The Australian Armidale Class Patrol Boat – HMAS Wollongong joined two Indonesian patrol boats, KRI Sampari and KRI Layang, for the four-day exercise that focused on maritime surveillance, security and interdiction operations from 21 – 24 March.

Commanding Officer of HMAS Wollongong, Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Scott Wilson, said the annual exercise is an important training activity for the two Navies.

“During Exercise Cassowary we rehearsed combined maritime surveillance patrols and tested our core mariner skills,” LCDR Wilson said.

“This involved everything from communication and safety drills through to boarding operations.

“Conducting regular exercises with our colleagues from the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) is important as it enhances our ability to operate together. It’s also a great chance for us to build friendships and undertake professional exchanges.”

LCDR Wilson said it was an important exercise on the training calendar because of Australia’s long maritime border with Indonesia and our mutual and abiding interest in the security and stability of the maritime domains we share.

Exercise Cassowary is an annual event with the location alternating between the two countries.

The RAN and TNI-AL conduct several exercises with a maritime security focus, including Cassowary and Exercise New Horizon as well as annual Coordinated Maritime Security Patrols. Our maritime security cooperation, including Exercise Cassowary, contributes to a stable and prosperous region.

Imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20160629

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