ADF joins Five Power Defence Exercise in Malaysia and the South China Sea

Australian warships, combat aircraft and soldiers are to join with air, ground and naval forces from Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom to practice inter-operability between the nations.

Exercise Bersama Lima is conducted annually and in 2008 will be held from 8-24 October in various locations on the Malaysian Peninsula and in the South China Sea.

The Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Anzac is now heading for the South China Sea and will be joined by two RAN Mine Hunter Coastals (MHC) – HMA Ships Yarra and Norman and the replenishment ship HMAS Sirius.

“Anzac will participate in Exercise Bersama Lima followed by visits to the ports of Ho Chi Minh, Sattahip, Bangkok, Sihanoukville, Penang and Singapore.  Anzac also participated in Exercise AUSTHAI 2008 during this deployment,” said Anzac’s Commanding Officer, Captain Stuart Mayer, RAN.

Royal Australian Air Force aircraft including F/A18s, F-111s and an Orion maritime surveillance patrol aircraft will also join the exercise while Air Force C130s and C17s will provide strategic lift and logistics support to the deployed forces.

Three F-111 strike fighter aircraft from 82 Wing at RAAF Base Amberley and approximately 80 personnel will be based at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Base Butterworth along with a South Australian-based AP-3C Orion from 92 Wing.

Up to 6 F/A-18 Hornets and 100 personnel from RAAF Base Williamtown’s 77 Squadron will also participate in the exercise and will be based at Singapore’s Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB).

92 WG Detachment Commander, Squadron Leader Lee Read said it was a fantastic opportunity for his team.

“Exercises such as Bersama Lima provide essential training opportunities for AP-3C Orion crews and other Air Force crews to enhance key skills in an international environment,” SQNLDR Read said.

“It allows the Royal Australian Air Force to test and practice deployment capabilities that enable us to operate away from our home base.”