Preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific

By LEUT Hinako Shiraishi 2 min read
A military man wearing a helmet signals with his arms to an incoming helicopter, while onboard a ship at sea.
LSATV Mark Cain marshals a US Navy MH-60R Seahawk helicopter onto the flight deck of HMAS Perth, while conducting operations with Carrier Strike Group 5 in the South China Sea. Photo: LSIS Connor Morrison
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Australian officers and sailors joined the nearly 6000-strong US Navy personnel as HMAS Perth operated with Carrier Strike Group 5 (CSG-5) on patrol in the South China Sea.

After a port visit in Malaysia, Perth joined US Ships George Washington, Robert Smalls and Shoup as CSG-5 operated in the US 7th Fleet area of operations and participated in shared efforts to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Taking part in the operations demonstrated Australia’s commitment to its allies.

During cross-decking opportunities, CO Perth CMDR Dylan White met with the CSG-5 commander and other personnel from the ship.

RADM Eric Anduze, Commander of CSG-5 and Task Force 70, said the carrier appreciated the RAN’s involvement.

“Working alongside partner nations, like Australia, reinforces our relationship at sea and advances our shared goals of peace, prosperity and economic security in the Indo-Pacific region,” he said.

“The CSG’s capabilities, including the F-35 and Perth’s embarked MH-60R, assisted in upholding freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.”

A military member looks at at a ship at sea.
A RAN sailor on the upper decks as HMAS Perth takes up station alongside USS Washington in the South China Sea. Photo: LSIS Connor Morrison

While escorting CSG-5, Perth’s crew was awed by the F/A-18 Super Hornets and F-35 Lightning IIs roaring through the skies.

The CSG-5 consists of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier George Washington, Carrier Air Wing 5 and Destroyer Squadron 15.

CMDR Dylan White welcomed the opportunity to escort CSG-5.

“This operation has strengthened our interoperability with a vital ally and demonstrated the RAN’s ability to contribute in complex operations,” CMDR White said.

This time last year, CSG joined Australia to participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre.

The rest of Perth’s deployment will include port visits around the region, operations, exercises and other engagements with Australia’s regional partners.

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