The Royal Australian Navy and Philippine Navy military exercise, LUMBAS 2014, has drawn to a close, after two weeks of intensive training.
Armidale Class Patrol Boat, HMAS Larrakia, travelled to Davao, in the Philippines for the annual exercise, which focused on maritime security and interdiction operations.
Commanding Officer of Larrakia, Lieutenant Commander David McPherson said LUMBAS 2014 had given both nations a better understanding of common operating procedures.
“By working closely with our colleagues from the Philippine Navy we have been able to share information, which enhances our ability to work together,” LCDR McPherson said.
Activities focussed on joint civil, military and maritime law enforcement operations. This included boarding party scenarios, communications exercises, personnel exchanges and replenishments at sea.
“This year, the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine National Police – Maritime Group joined LUMBAS 2014 for the first time – as both countries are responsible for large expanses of water, we have a common interest.
“The opportunity to share ideas and experiences, will build on our current relationship to work closely together in the future, as we did in the recent response to Typhoon Haiyan,” LCDR McPherson said.
Senior officers from the Philippine Navy and Army, and the country’s civil service were treated to a traditional Ceremonial Sunset on the quarterdeck of HMAS Larrakia while the ship was alongside Camp Panacan, Davao, the Philippines to mark the end of the exercise.
The Darwin-based Armidale Class Patrol Boat is currently undertaking a six-week South East Asian Deployment, and will shortly head on to Tacloban to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Leyte Gulf.
[mappress] Press Release, October 15, 2014; Image: Australian Navy