Photo: Australian frigate tests missile firing skills at RIMPAC

Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Ballarat has demonstrated its warfighting capability with the successful firing of six missiles during Exercise RIMPAC 2016 in Hawaii.

The Anzac-class frigate fired a Harpoon anti-ship missile, three Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles and launched its embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopter to fire two Hellfire missiles at the ex-USS Thatch during the SINKEX (sinking exercise) on 14 July 2016.

HMAS Ballarat’s Commanding Officer, Commander David Landon, said the firing capped a successful month at the world’s largest maritime exercise where the frigate embedded with the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group.

“The ship has had a very busy and successful year, our activities at RIMPAC attest to that. The ship’s company have worked tirelessly and the successful firing is a direct result of their continuous effort and hard work,” Commander Landon said.

In the complex multi-threat warfare environment, Ballarat conducted air defence, surface and anti-submarine serials.

The Evolved Sea Sparrow (ESSM) is a medium range, surface-to-air missile that can destroy threats that include high speed, highly manoeuvring anti-ship cruise missiles, low velocity air threats (LVATs), high-diving threats and surface-based targets.

It can also engage attack aircraft, helicopters and ships.

Exercise RIMPAC is a multi-national activity held from 30 June to 2 August 2016 and includes more than 25,000 personnel from 26 countries.