On 31 August 2013 ships and sailors from the Indonesian Eastern Fleet and the Royal Australian Navy completed Exercise CASSOWARY 2013 in the Darwin area.
The biennial maritime security training exercise is one of a series which aims to strengthen relationships and enhance mutual cooperation and understanding between the Indonesian Navy, known as Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Laut (TNI-AL), and the Royal Australian Navy.
This year’s exercise focused on the conduct of boarding operations to counter the threat of illegal fishing.
The Indonesian vessels KRI Hiu and KRI Kakap joined with Armidale Class Patrol Boat HMAS Wollongong and the Mine Hunter Coastal HMAS Huon for a two-day harbour phase, followed by a three-day sea phase in the North Australian Exercise Area.
Delivering the address at the exercise opening, Captain Steve Bowater, Director Maritime Operations, said the exercise was an opportunity to welcome friends and neighbours and share ideas.
“I encourage you to get to know each other well, because genuine learning will come from the relationships you develop this week,” Captain Bowater said.
“This exercise is an exciting opportunity to learn from each other, gain personal satisfaction and make a real impact on improving regional maritime security through the experiences you share.”
Personnel from both navies participated in professional forums, workshops, demonstrations and exercise briefings throughout the harbour phase. The sea phase included communications drills, passage exercises, light transfers at sea, boarding preparations and ship’s safety drills.
[mappress] Press Release, September 2, 2013; Image: Australian Navy