HMAS Collins Wraps Up Exercise Bersama Shield 2012

HMAS Collins has successfully wrapped up Exercise Bersama Shield 2012 after a series of challenging, high intensity evolutions in the South China Sea.

The exercise consisted of a shore phase, a structured integrated period at sea and finally a freeplay or open conflict phase.

HMAS Collins commanding officer, Commander Jason Cupples, says his mission was to disrupt the activities of the Five Power Defence Agreement task group that included ships and aircraft from the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Singapore and New Zealand.

“The crew performed exceptionally well,” CMDR Cupples said.

“We were in a highly demanding environment demonstrating the skills required to operate in very shallow water, high contact density operating area.

“It also showed the flexibility and resilience of HMAS Collins after we participated at short notice in the fleet concentration period, Ex-Triton Storm 2-12 and complex group warfare week, only four days prior to deploying.”

CMDR Cupples also praised the professionalism and capability of the crew.

“This was reflected in the outstanding results we achieved throughout the exercise and highlighted by the submarines ability to remain undetected and achieve our aim – the simulated destruction of the enemy task group.”

CMDR Cupples says the effectiveness of the Collins Class submarine against exceptionally capable anti-submarine warfare ships and aircraft was clearly demonstrated.

“The high number of successful simulated attacks we conducted on the task group provided further proof that the Collins can operate independently against a highly capable threat in an unfamiliar and demanding environment a long way from home,” CMDR Cupples said.

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Naval Today Staff , May 18, 2012; Image: Australian Navy