ROYAL AUSTRALIAN Navy ships from five nations, including HMA Ships Hobart and Stalwart, completed exercise “Sama-Sama Lumbas” in the Sulu Sea.
The Royal Australian Navy guided-missile destroyer Hobart and auxiliary oiler replenishment ship Stalwart operated with ships from the Philippine Navy, US Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and Royal Navy, and a variety of aircraft.
The exercise comprised surface warfare and
anti-submarine warfare serials, a search-and-rescue exercise and replenishments
at sea. Hobart Commanding Officer Commander Andrew Pepper said it
strengthened practical cooperation and enhanced interoperability.
“We
are all now a more effective, stronger team which has combined our knowledge
and capabilities towards a common goal,” Pepper said.
A
key goal of the exercise was to facilitate replenishment at sea with the
Philippine Navy guided-missile frigate BRP José Rizal. Stalwart Commanding
Officer Commander Steve McCracken said Stalwart and
the Sea Training Group combined to support the replenishment.
A
gunnery exercise also demonstrated regional capability and coordination, as
ships sailing in formation fired close-range guns at a floating target. Boatswains
Mate Seaman Louie Ford said it was
extremely rewarding to fire a Typhoon Mk 25 gun from a console
inside Hobart.
The
ships participated in Exercise Sama-Sama Lumbas as part of a routine regional
presence deployment. (Fatima Bahtić / NavalToday.com)
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