Australia, Indonesia Join Forces in CASSOWARY Patrol Boat Exercise

Defence ties between Australia and Indonesia continue to strengthen with the conclusion of the biennial patrol boat exercise CASSOWARY.

Royal Australian Navy Armidale Class Patrol Boats HMA Ships Ararat and Larrakia joined with Indonesian Armed Forces patrol boats KRI Kakap and KRI Tongkol for the exercise off Darwin.

Officer Conducting the Exercise, Commodore Braddon Wheeler, said CASSOWARY provided an opportunity for skills development between the two nations and the exchange of ideas.

“By regularly working together and sharing ideas, our Navies develop their teamwork to better protect our shared maritime interests.

“CASSOWARY featured a number of practical activities including simulated coordinated patrols, boarding party procedures, safety of life at sea and search and rescue exercises,” Commodore Wheeler said.

“It helped build on maritime security cooperation between Australia and Indonesia and provided insights into how each Navy does business.”

CASSOWARY built on the recent success of joint Australian-Indonesian coordinated maritime security patrol, AUSINDO CORPAT 2012 and was conducted in parallel with minor war vessel exercise TRITON THUNDER 01-12.

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Naval Today Staff , May 16, 2012; Image: Australian Royal Navy