Sydney's sonar sees all

The image on the sonar screen in HMAS Sydney’s Combat Information Centre indicated a submarine was below the surface, prompting an immediate reaction. 

The operator called through the coordinates to the Principal Warfare Officer, who relayed the information to 'Fenrir', Sydney’s embarked MH-60R helicopter that was launched to conduct anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations in the vicinity.

'Fenrir' lowered its dipping sonar, confirmed the position of the submarine and simulated an attack with multiple torpedoes.

This was real-world training in the western Pacific Ocean, in the waters off Guam, between allies and partners.

Maritime forces from the RAN, Royal Canadian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force, and the US Navy conducted high-end cooperative warfare training in the air, on and below the surface during Exercise Pacific Vanguard.

This was the first ASW serial of the exercise, and Sydney’s Combat Information Centre was a darkened den of activity with operators alert at screens all around the room.

ASW advisor PO Tyson Burraston said exercising in real-world conditions was invaluable training for the newer members of the team.

“The opportunity to detect and track submarines using multiple sensors is invaluable for building experience,” PO Burraston said.

“It is very challenging to find a submarine, but this exercise enabled us to demonstrate our skills and has been very informative for the whole crew.”

Sydney’s CO CMDR Hayden Jenkins said Pacific Vanguard enabled Sydney to combine with allies and partners to enhance their shared understanding of capabilities and demonstrate interoperability through high-end maritime warfare training, integrated task group operations and multi-domain cooperation. 

“This exercise builds on the working relationships and application of shared procedures that Sydney has enhanced during the ship’s regional presence deployment. Sydney’s crew has continued to demonstrate their professionalism, warfighting excellence and interoperability,” CMDR Jenkins said.

“Australia’s presence at this exercise signals to our allies and partners that we remain a reliable and capable security partner that is ready to operate together in a complex maritime environment.”