By LEUT Lauren Rago
Photographes: LSIS Paul McCallum, ABIS Sarah Williams
Twenty Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and international warships are a magnificent sight in Jervis Bay 1-3 October 2013 only days before they sail for the very special fleet entry into Sydney Harbour.
Ships from Australia, Brunei, China, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, the UK and the USA are anchored in the gorgeous Shoalhaven region awaiting their departure.
Director of the IFR Captain Nick Bramwell said you can feel the excitement and anticipation of the crews in Jervis Bay. “The ships anchored on 1 October after a busy period of consolidation between their first arrivals to Australia throughout September and passage to Jervis Bay with either HMAS Perth or HMAS Parramatta.
“Some of the warships participated in the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting – Plus Maritime Security Field Training Exercise (ADMM-Plus MS FTX) and the others operated at sea in the East Australian Exercise Area as part of Exercise Triton Centenary - Part 1.”
Exercise Triton Centenary - Part 1 was focused on collecting and concentrating participants for the International Fleet Review (IFR). The ADMM-Plus MS FTX was the flagship activity under Malaysia and Australia’s co-chairmanship of the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security. During all passages the ships developed interoperability, gained familiarity with participant’s capabilities, applied doctrine and practiced basic-multi-lateral procedures.
“After their time together in Jervis Bay and surrounds the fleet are integrated, well rehearsed and looking good for the event.
“The ships that sail from Jervis Bay will join the other RAN IFR ships outside of Sydney heads on 3 October 2013 before the big fleet entry the following day 4 October 2013.”
At 11am - 2:30pm on 5 October 2013 the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO will receive a Ceremonial Fleet Review. Then at 7.40pm – 8:10pm the public will be treated to a Fireworks and Lightshow Spectacular in Sydney Harbour like never seen before. In addition, Navy band performances, air displays, parades, memorial services, sailing regattas and ship open days will throughout Sydney 3–11 October 2013.
After the International Fleet Review, a number of warships will regroup to conduct maritime training activities under the auspices of Exercise Triton Centenary 2013 - Part 2, 11–18 October in the East Australian Exercise Area. During Triton Centenary Part 2, RAN and foreign participants will form five Task Elements, and each Task Element will be commanded by a RAN Major Fleet Unit. The exercise will include weapons practices, seamanship evolutions, flying operations, Replenishment at Sea (RAS), Combined Anti-Submarine Exercises (CASEX), damage control exercises, communications exercises and personnel exchange programs.
Imagery is available on the Royal Australian Navy Media Library