HMAS Ballarat to Hold Inaugural Maritime Exercise with Korean Navy

The Anzac Class Guided Missile Frigate, HMAS Ballarat, continues its North East Asian deployment after completing a successful exercise with the Chinese Navy it will conduct a port visit and exercise with the Republic of Korea.

After a short port visit to the city of Busan, HMAS Ballarat will participate in the inaugural bilateral maritime exercise between the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Republic of Korean Navy (ROKN) Exercise HAIDOLI WALLABY (EHW) between 28 and 29 May 12.

The exercise is aimed to improve interoperability and mutual understanding between the ADF and ROKN in selected facets of maritime operations through the conduct of training activities including communications and Anti Submarine Warfare.

The ship’s Commanding Officer, Commander Jonathan Earley, said this is an exciting time for his crew to interact on a professional and cultural level with a highly valued regional neighbour.

“The HAIDOLI-WALLABY Exercise represents an excellent opportunity for HMAS Ballarat to further hone our high-end warfare skills with the ROKN and deepen our defence relationship with a Navy who shares maritime interests similar to ours”, Commander Earley said.

HMAS Ballarat is now over half way through a four month deployment through South and North East Asia. Further exercises are planned with Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force and the United States Navy off Japan before HMAS Ballarat returns to Sydney in June.

[mappress]

Naval Today Staff , May 28, 2012; Image: Australian Navy