Three Royal Australian Navy ships have set sail to conduct a regional presence deployment throughout Southeast and Northeast Asia.
HMAS Brisbane and Toowoomba have departed their homeports on opposite sides of the country bound for the three-month deployment, with HMAS Stalwart set to sail in coming weeks.
The deployment will involve around 500 personnel including the ships’ companies, embarked helicopter teams from Navy’s Fleet Air Arm and additional command and support personnel.
During the deployment, the Australian Defence Force will contribute to Operation Argos, part of Australia’s commitment to the international effort to enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions on North Korea.
Ships and their crews will participate in a number of exercises and activities with regional partners including Canada, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
“This three-ship regional presence deployment showcases Australia’s significant commitment to engaging with our partners in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Commodore Mick Harris, Director General Maritime Operations.
“We look forward to working with our regional partners at sea and ashore and building on existing relationships while demonstrating Australia’s resolve for a stable, peaceful, resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
The regional presence deployment will conclude in December.