Ships deployed as part of the Royal Australian Navy’s annual maritime task group Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2018 (IPE18) have returned to Australia following a three-month deployment to the Pacific.
HMAS Adelaide docked in Townsville on August 23 to return embarked soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. Fellow task group members HMA Ships Melbourne, Toowoomba and Success are on route to their next ports of call.
Australian defense minister Marise Payne said IPE18 had reinforced the depth of Australia’s commitment to our regional partners and allies.
“During IPE18, Australian Defence Force personnel participated in maritime training with regional security forces, humanitarian and disaster relief planning, community engagement, and held discussions on regional security issues,” minister Payne said.
This year the Indo-Pacific Endeavour Task Group visited Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, in addition to participating in Exercise RIMPAC in Hawaii during July.
Around 1,000 Australian Defence Force personnel from the Australian Army, Navy and Air Force were involved in IPE18, as well as embarked forces from the United States, Sri-Lanka and Tonga.
“The Indo-Pacific Endeavour is a great initiative that showcases Australia’s new amphibious capabilities and I look forward to seeing it develop in the coming years.”
“IPE demonstrates the continuation of our long-standing connection to our region, and adds to the security and resilience of our partners and neighbours,” minister Payne said.