Maritime Exercise Kakadu IX, Draws to a Close

After 19 days of honing maritime warfare and security skills in waters off Darwin, the Royal Australian Navy’s premier multilateral exercise, Kakadu IX, has drawn to a close. Officiating at the Closing Ceremony was Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Nigel Coates AM, RAN.

“Once again, this Kakadu series has demonstrated how well the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and her international colleagues continue to work together in all aspects of common maritime warfare and security,” Rear Admiral Coates said.

Over the past few weeks, the RAN has hosted naval forces from New Zealand, Japan, New Caledonia, Singapore, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan and Thailand. Kakadu IX was also observed by Indonesia, Philippines and India.

Kakadu IX has tested the effectiveness of participating assets by graduated training activities and weapons practice.

“The maritime warfare exercises conducted between the RAN and visiting Navies have provided vital experiences for all involved.  The opportunity to work together to improve combined maritime warfare procedures and tactics has been invaluable,” Rear Admiral Coates said.

“I thank the people of Darwin and the Northern Territory for their support during Kakadu IX.  It is a beautiful part of the world to exercise in,” Rear Admiral Coates said.

During Kakadu IX, the RAN was represented by the replenishment vessel HMAS Sirius, frigates HMA Ships Melbourne and Toowoomba, a Collins Class submarine HMAS Collins, the Armidale class patrol boats HMAS Maryborough and HMAS Maitland and two mine clearance vessels HMA Ships Diamantina and Gascoyne. Royal Australian Air Force Hornet and Hawk fighter strike aircraft and two AP-3C Orion aircraft also participated in the exercise.

“The Kakadu series exercises every second year in the Top End.  The Navy is looking forward to exercising with our international allies again in 2010,” Rear Admiral Coates said.

Source: ADF

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