The Australian Defence Force has deployed a Royal Australian Navy warship to conduct the first regional presence deployment for 2024.
The Anzac class frigate HMAS Warramunga departed its homeport of Sydney on 23 January for a three-month deployment through South and Southeast Asia.
The ship’s embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopter and the 200-strong ship’s company will participate in a range of exercises, cooperative activities and joint patrols with partner navies.
HMAS Warramunga will also undertake various navy-to-navy engagements during exercises and port visits.
“Indo-Pacific deployments demonstrate the Australian Defence Force’s ability to maintain a near continuous presence in the region to support regional security and stability,” said Rear Admiral Chris Smith, Commander Australian Fleet.
“Australia has maintained a robust program of international engagement with regional nations for decades and these routine deployments demonstrate our resolve for a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
This regional presence deployment will conclude in late April.