One task group, many effects

The RAN's regional presence deployment program (RPD) is demonstrating that maritime power is not measured solely by ships sailing together, but by the effects they generate across the Indo-Pacific.

As of August, HMA Ships Leeuwin, Perth, Supply and Sydney are simultaneously conducting missions across thousands of nautical miles under the command of Combined Task Group (CTG) 665.5.

From Hawaii to Japan, to the South China Sea and waters much closer to home, each ship is working under a coordinated command framework to a common operational objective.

Commander Joint Force Maritime Component and Commander Task Force 665 CDRE Troy van Tienhoven said modern maritime operations required a flexible and distributed approach.

“CTG 665.5 demonstrates Australia's ability to coordinate maritime forces across a vast area of operations while maintaining a common purpose and command intent,” CDRE van Tienhoven said.

“Our ships are not required to operate side-by-side to achieve effects. Whether conducting multinational exercises, maritime security operations, sustaining coalition forces or supporting regional hydrographic capability, each unit contributes to a broader mission that supports security, stability and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific.”

In July, Sydney began its RPD with Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), the world's largest international maritime exercise. 

Hosted by the US Pacific Fleet in and around the Hawaiian Islands, the biennial exercise brought together 31 nations, about 40 surface ships, five submarines, more than 140 aircraft and about 25,000 personnel. 

Sydney's participation enhanced cooperation with allies and partners, while improving readiness across a range of maritime operations.

Across South and South-East Asia, Perth is undertaking an RPD encompassing exercises, training activities and engagements with regional partners. 

Meanwhile, Supply continues to deliver critical afloat support while operating in support of the US Navy’s Commander Task Force 73, transferring fuel, stores and provisions to sustain forward-deployed naval forces throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Operating within the US Seventh Fleet logistics network, Supply extends the reach and endurance of coalition maritime operations and strengthens partnerships.

Further south, Leeuwin is supporting the Government of Papua New Guinea through a regional hydrographic survey mission.

The deployment improves the safety of navigation through the production of nautical charts and includes mentoring and training opportunities for Papua New Guinea Defence Force personnel embarked in the ship.

Commander Australian Maritime Task Group CAPT Darin MacDonald said the deployment reflected Navy's commitment to operating as it would in dynamic and distributed real-world operations.

“The ships assigned to CTG 665.5 are delivering different effects in different locations, but they remain united by a common mission,” CAPT MacDonald said.

“Whether it is Sydney strengthening interoperability during RIMPAC, Perth engaging regional partners, Supply sustaining coalition operations or Leeuwin improving maritime awareness, each activity contributes to the task group's overall objectives.”

Together, the ships of CTG 665.5 demonstrate how a modern maritime task group can generate coordinated effects across multiple locations simultaneously, delivering outcomes that extend well beyond the horizon.