HMAS Darwin trains with Chinese PLA Navy

Australian Navy’s Adelaide-Class frigate, HMAS Darwin, has conducted a passage exercise with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army-Navy Escort Task Group 152 off the coast of Queensland, Australia.

Darwin departed Sydney on December 30 to assume duties as part of Operation MANITOU, which is the Australian Government’s contribution to the international effort to promote maritime security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East region.

The Chinese task group consists of three ships—the Luyang Class destroyer Jinan, (DDG-152), the Jiangkai Class frigate Yiyang (FFG-548), and the Fuchi Class replenishment ship Qindaohu (AOR-886).

While transiting to the port of Brisbane, the task force was escorted by Darwin. The transit gave the opportunity for both countries to conduct officer of the watch manoeuvres at sea.

The Chinese task group will spend five days in Brisbane from 2 January on a respite visit. The task group is in the final stages of its global deployment and will return to China in early 2016.

HMAS Darwin’s rotation in the Middle East is the 62nd deployment of a Royal Australian Navy ship to the region.

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