Australia to join Singapore in naval exercise

[gf0012-aust]

Four naval ships from Australia and Singapore are leaving Darwin this morning for a joint maritime warfare exercise between the two countries.

About 1,200 Australian Navy and Air Force personnel will join members of the Singaporean Defence Force for nine days of warfare tactics and procedures training.

The coordinator of Exercise Singaroo, Captain Peter Leschen, says the annual event strengthens relations between the two countries.

"The militaries of the two countries have had good relations for many years and it just gives a chance for new people in the ADF and the Singaporean Armed Forces to meet and work together so we sustain and improve the relationship between the two militaries," he said.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200408/s1176461.htm

HMAS Dechaineux leaves Fleet Base West on her way to join several other RAN vessels in Exercise Singaroo. The exercise involve both Australian and Singaporean forces. Photo: ABPH Joanne Edwards


I'll try and post some more pics as they come to hand.

 

[gf0012-aust]

Submarine sets sail for Ex Singaroo

HMAS Dechaineux left Fleet Base West earlier this month, heading north to participate in Exercise Singaroo.

The submarine, commanded by LCDR Simon Rusiti, will spend three months away with port visits to Darwin and six days in Singapore.

Dechaineux is the only Australian submarine participating in this year’s Ex Singaroo, a bilateral maritime warfare exercise in the Northern Australian Exercise Area, involving Australian and Singaporean vessels.

Dechaineaux will join a large number of other RAN ships, Anzac, Canberra, Melbourne, Wollongong, Bendigo, Kanimbla and Westralia and RSS Vigilance and Victory.

Five 816 Squadron Seahawks, RAAF Hawks and Hornets and a number of civilian contract aircraft will also take part.

The bilateral maritime warfare exercise was scheduled to begin on August 11 with the sea phase conducted in the North Australian Exercise Area.

Executive Officer, LCDR Nick Watson, said the boat was looking forward to the challenges of Singaroo.

“The Singaporeans always make very capable opposition,†LCDR Watson said.

“The deployment is the highlight of what has been a very busy year for Dechaineux.â€

Upon returning to Australia, the sub will dock at Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC) in Adelaide.

She will remain at ASC for a four-month certification extension docking, before rejoining the fleet early next year.


http://www.defence.gov.au/news/navynews/editions/4714/topstories/story06.htm