HMAS Darwin departed Pearl Harbor on 10 July, signalling the start of high end war fighting maritime serials as part of Exercise RIMPAC 2012.
Belonging to the Carrier Strike Group, Darwin will work in company with aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, as well as RSS Formidable from Singapore, HMCS Ottawa from Canada, JSDR Myoko from Japan and USS Paul Hamilton.
The next phase of the exercise will see Darwin undertake two separate weapon firing missions including the multinational surface to air missile exercise involving the firing of an Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile against a target, and the firing of a MK46 surface launched torpedo which will involve submarines and air support.
The serials will enable realistic training in weapons handling and use by the ship’s company and provide an invaluable insight into the procedures of other coalition partners.
Darwin will utilise their embarked S-70B Seahawk helicopter during RIMPAC 2012 to provide support to weapons transportation and anti-submarine warfare training.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, July 20, 2012; Image: Royal Australian Navy