Australia: Triton Centenary Draws to a Close

The final phase of the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) International Fleet Review drew to a close today, with the completion of Exercise Triton Centenary 2013.

Triton Centenary was held in two parts. The first was held in the East Australian Exercise Area from 23 September to 3 October 2013 and was a major multi-lateral training opportunity. This phase provided important interaction that got the ships working with each other ahead of the Fleet Review.

On 11 October, following a successful Fleet Review, 14 ships from Australia, France, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Spain, Tonga and the USA sailed from Sydney to commence the second phase of the exercise. This included a number of more complex exercises, which practiced all facets of coalition maritime operations.

The ships were supported by Seahawk helicopters from the Navy’s 816 Squadron, fast jet, maritime patrol and airborne early-warning aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force 76 Squadron, 81 Wing, 92 Wing and 2 Squadron, along with others from the USA, New Zealand and Pakistan.

Commanding Officer of HMAS Parramatta, the Navy’s lead ship for the exercise, Commander Simon Cannell, said Triton Centenary enhanced individual and ship proficiency in key maritime warfare skills.

“The warships conducted air defence, surface and anti-submarine warfare serials, ship maneuvering and station keeping, Replenishment at Sea and flying operations.

“The Minor War Vessels conducted ship handling, man over board drills, towing approaches, boat drills and in company exercises.

“A major highlight was the significant number of Combined Anti-Submarine Exercises conducted with the Collins Class submarine HMAS Farncomb.

“All participants gained familiarity with each other’s capabilities, warfare procedures, professional standards and safety. Many personnel exchanges were conducted, allowing sailors and officers to see first-hand how other Navies operate,” Commander Cannell said.

Acting Commander Australian Fleet, Commodore Jonathan Mead said Triton Centenary provided an important demonstration of naval diplomacy and strengthened international ties.

“Exercising with partner nations in exercises like Triton Centenary is a tangible way that navies work together.

“Maritime security is an inherently cooperative and collaborative venture.  By exercising together we work towards providing a stable and cooperative security environment, which protects our ability to trade,” Commodore Mead said.

HMA Ships Parramatta, Stuart, Farncomb, Gascoyne, Diamantina, Labuan, Tarakan, Shepparton, Benalla and, Broome participated in the exercise.

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Press Release, October 18, 2013; Image: Australian Navy