HMAS Ballarat Completes Passage Exercise

Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Frigate HMAS Ballarat has completed a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and United States Navy (USN) ships during its South East Asia deployment.

The exercise, conducted in the South China Sea from 8-10 June 2017, included JMSDF ships Izumo and Sazanami, RCN ship HMCS Winnipeg and US Ship Sterett.

During the exercise, the ships completed in-company ship manoeuvres, helicopter operations, personnel exchanges, gunnery exercises and air defence training.

Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral David Johnston, said the PASSEX enhanced interoperability between key regional defence partners.

“These maritime exercises build on other Australian Defence Force activities with Canada, Japan and the United States and develop interoperability across a wide spectrum of military operations, which enhances stability and security in the region.

“Australia is committed to further developing strong and positive defence relations with regional nations through dialogue and practical activities.”

During the course of its South East Asia deployment, HMAS Ballarat has undertaken engagement activities with Canada, China, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam.

HMAS Ballarat will conduct further exercises with nations in the region during its deployment to South East Asia.

Media Note
Imagery available at https://images.defence.gov.au/s20171310