Australian frigate HMAS Toowoomba concludes MASTEX in Malaysia

Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Toowoomba and the Royal Malaysian Navy have concluded the week-long exercise MASTEX 17.

The only bilateral maritime exercise conducted between the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Malaysian Navy took place at the Malaysian Western Fleet base of Lumut.

MASTEX consisted of a harbour phase and ceremony, and a three-day sea phase.

The commanding officer of Toowoomba, Commander Stuart Watters said the exercise involved 500 Australian and Malaysian personnel.

“MASTEX enhanced interoperability and mutual understanding between the navies in selected facets of naval operations through the conduct of graduated training activities and weapons practices,” he said.

“Additionally, there were opportunities to exchange professional views through the conduct of workshops on specific areas of interest and through the personnel exchange program.”