Partners zero in on maritime targets

The Australian and Canadian Navies have carried out a series of coordinated high seas firing exercises while sailing together in the South China Sea.

HMAS Toowoomba and HMCS Charlottetown proved the combined firepower partner navies can deliver when travelling in packs.

Working as a combined force, the pair zeroed in on a maritime target using a combined arsenal, including the Phalanx CIWS, five-inch/54 Calibre Mk 45 naval artillery gun and the M2HB-QCB in a coordinated surface engagement.

Despite Toowoomba already carrying out several high seas firing exercises as part of a regional presence deployment, operations room manager CPO Daniel Wales said this time, the addition of another surface combatant increased the complexity.

“Safety is always our paramount concern during firing exercises, but operating with a partner navy in such close proximity brings a whole new dimension to the exercise,” he said.

CPO Wales said while there was a high degree of difficulty executing the serial, it was an invaluable training experience.

“Having our team see what we can accomplish as frigates working together was really impressive,” he said.

“It showed how much more effective and powerful we can be as a unified force during an engagement.”

XO Toowoomba LCDR Naomi Gammon added that the purpose of the joint live-fire exercise was to maintain operational readiness and reinforce the Navy’s professionalism and capability during an operational deployment.

“As officers and sailors in the RAN we are continually training and refining our skills to ensure we are capable of protecting Australia and its interests when required. This is a routine part of life in the ADF,” she said.

LCDR Gammon said carrying out safe and controlled training in international waters improved cooperation with regional partners.

“Canada is a close partner, and we welcome their presence in the Indo-Pacific. Having this chance to train with our partners allows us to build on interoperability, working side by side to strengthen collective security and uphold international law,” she said.