Exercise KAKADU 2016 fleet sails in formation through the Northern Australian Exercise Area of the coast of Northern Territory (© Commonwealth of Australia 2016) >>
Exercise KAKADU has come to a close in the north of Australia with 19 ships and submarines showing Navy can rapidly deploy a large number of major fleet units and lead a multinational maritime force.
Navy has a constant presence in the seas around Australia and Exercise KAKADU provided an opportunity to enhance interoperability with partner nations, demonstrating a high-end warfighting capability in the region.
The Officer conducting Exercise KAKADU, Commodore Mal Wise, OAM, RAN, said the graduated training program was successfully achieved, with all nations receiving great benefit from the Exercise.
“Being able to project our forces from the north of Australia is a vital component of Australia’s maritime strategy.
“Exercise KAKADU proves that Navy is present, persistent and potent at sea.
“These types of exercises allow us to continually develop our tactics and improve our performance at sea alongside our partners to build understanding, capability and interoperability,” Commodore Wise said.
Anti-submarine warfare was a key feature of KAKADU 2016, with Australia deploying its new generation MH-60R Seahawk Romeo helicopters with dipping sonar, and the United States bringing a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. Singapore also demonstrated its Scan Eagle Unmanned Aerial Vehicle capability.
Exercise KAKADU is Australia’s premier international maritime exercise, bringing together navies and air forces from the Asian, Pacific and Indian Ocean regions to test integration and war fighting abilities. Exercise KAKADU will return to Darwin in 2018.
Imagery is available HERE