HMA Ships Parramatta and Ballarat, two Royal Australian Navy Anzac Class Frigates, will operate in the maritime exercise AUSTHAI 11 with two Thai ships HTMS Phutta Loetla Naphalai, a missile frigate, and HTMS Rattanakosin, a missile corvette, in the waters off Sattahip and Ko Samui.
Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore said that AUSTHAI 11 presented a great opportunity to work alongside the Navy of a regional partner.
“AUSTHAI 11 will strengthen Navy’s capability and the skills of our sailors and officers while promoting a shared understanding of how Australia and Thailand can work together in a regional environment,” Rear Admiral Gilmore said.
Commanding Officer of Parramatta, Commander Heath Robertson said the week long exercise will enable core mariner skills to be practised including Anti-Surface Warfare and disruption techniques known as ‘maritime interdiction’.
“Parramatta and Ballarat are proud to be representing Australia in AUSTHAI which is an important exercise in the Royal Australian Navy’s exercise and international engagement calendar,” Commander Robertson said.
“We will hone our boarding skills with the Thai Navy and discuss mutual lessons learned from our deployments to the Middle East Area of Operations. We will also take the opportunity to provide practical demonstrations on fire-fighting techniques, casualty handling and first aid,” he said.
Additionally, the maritime exercise will enable personnel from both nations to take part in an at-sea exchange program.
AUSTHAI 11 is the sixth iteration of the biennial exercise and will conclude on the 1st June.
AUS Navy