Australian and Indonesian Navy patrol boats on March 24 completed the bilateral exercise Cassowary which took place off Darwin.
The Australian Armidale class patrol boat, HMAS Wollongong, joined two Indonesian patrol boats, KRI Sampari and KRI Layang, maritime surveillance, security and interdiction operations scenarios between March 21 – 24.
Commanding Officer Wollongong, Lieutenant Commander Scott Wilson , said the annual exercise was an important training activity for the two navies.
Lieutenant Commander Wilson said: “We rehearsed combined maritime surveillance patrols and tested our core mariner skills. This involved everything from communication and safety drills through to boarding operations.
“Conducting regular exercises with our colleagues from the Indonesian Navy is important as it enhances our ability to operate together. It’s also a great chance for us to build friendships and undertake professional exchanges.”
Exercise Cassowary is an annual event with the location alternating between the two countries.
The Royal Australian Navy and Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Laut (or Indonesian Navy) conduct several exercises with a maritime security focus, including Cassowary and Exercise New Horizon as well as annual coordinated maritime security patrols.