Less than one year after its commissioning, HMAS Canberra has conducted its first Replenishment at Sea evolution, in company with HMAS Sirius.
The refuelling evolution was completed as the ships maintained their focus on warfare activities, as a part of Fleet Concentration Period East 15 (FCP East 15).
Commanding Officer of HMAS Canberra, Captain Chris Smith said he believed the two ships to be the largest Royal Australian Navy vessels to have ever undertaken a replenishment at sea together.
The refuelling evolution was a challenge for both the navigation and seamanship teams, as the two ships sailed within 60 metres of each other to complete the fuel transfer.
Canberra is the largest of twelve ships and submarines and three Navy aviation squadrons that are completing task group training during FCP East 15.
The objective of the exercise is to assist in developing a fleet that is capable of multiple ship, Task Group level Joint Expeditionary Operations.
Twelve Royal Australian Navy units are taking part in the Fleet Concentration Period East and Warfare Assessment Week which is taking place in the Tasman Sea.
The exercise is also supported by RAAF and Army assets. A key focus is exercising sea control in a contested maritime battle space. This includes controlling the air, surface, and subsurface, while dealing with threats on land and from mines.
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Image: Australian Navy