Australian Navy’s HMAS Sydney has returned to its homeport in Garden Island, Sydney, after five and a half months on patrol.
Sydney sailed at short notice in early April and was operationally employed in a border patrol role. While Operation RESOLUTE was the largest part of Sydney’s program, the ship’s company also honed their war fighting skills during exercises BERSAMA SHIELD and KAKADU.
One of the highlights of the time away for Lieutenant Commander Marc Beecroft was dominating the ‘free-play’ phase of Exercise KAKADU.
“Sydney led the Blue Force, comprising of ships from the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force and the Philippine Navy,” Lieutenant Commander Beecroft said.
“During the unscripted scenario, we identified and neutralised the red force threat, proving the capability of our weapon systems and our crew’s abilities.”
“We also had the chance to host a number of international observers, which gave us the chance to strengthen relationships with foreign Navy personnel,” Lieutenant Commander Beecroft said.
Another highlight was visiting the Pemulihan Dalam Community Centre in Lumut, Malaysia after Exercise BERSAMA SHIELD.
Over the coming weeks, Sydney will remain alongside conducting deployment preparations before she takes part in exercise TRITON SIM.
[mappress] Press Release, September 26, 2014; Image: Australian Navy