A clear tropical sunny day on Darwin Harbour provided the perfect setting for a rare sight as the Exercise KAKADU 2012 fleet headed out to sea for exercises.
The RAN auxiliary oiler HMAS Sirius is seen here rafted up with the Royal New Zealand Navy Fleet Supply Ship HMNZS Endeavour to transfer fuel that will be used to replenish ships participating in Exercise KAKADU 2012.
The rare sight of two large underway replenishment ships from different navies tied up for a fuel transfer illustrates how Exercise KAKADU 2012 is helping develop the ability of regional navies to work together, known as ‘interoperability’.
Exercise KAKADU 2012, Australia’s premier maritime exercise, is being conducted in the waters and airspace off Darwin, Northern Territory from 29 August to 14 September.
The multilateral biennial exercise has drawn together 16 nations as participants and observers for 19 days of exercises, graduated training activities and weapons practice aimed at developing interoperability in maritime operations in a regional coalition environment.
The Royal Australian Navy is represented by Anzac Class frigates HMA Ships Perth and Warramunga, Adelaide Class frigate HMAS Darwin and her embarked S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopter, Mine Hunter Coastals HMA Ships Gascoyne and Huon and the replenishment vessel HMAS Sirius.
Royal Australian Air Force AP3C Maritime Patrol Reconnaissance Aircraft and Hawk Lead-in-Fighter Aircraft are also taking part.
[mappress] Press Release, Septembar 5, 2012