Bersama Shield strengthens ties
MEMBERS of the Five Power Defence Arrangements, including some from Townsville’s 38 Squadron, have improved their ability to work together during Exercise Bersama Shield 17.
From April 26 to May 9, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand and the United Kingdom conducted the exercise in international waters off the coast of Malaysia as part of the longest standing multilateral arrangement in South- East Asia.
Acting Chief of Joint Operations Major General Stuart Smith said Bersama Shield was an important opportunity for the Australian Defence Force to strengthen co- operation with other FPDA nations.
“Around 300 ADF personnel have taken part in Exercise Bersama Shield 17, drawn from navy, army and air force,” Major General Smith said.
“All have worked seamlessly with other members of the FPDA through a variety of exercise scenarios.
“Bersama Shield 17 has highlighted the key defence relationships Australia has in South- East Asia, which contributes significantly to security in the region.”
Major ADF assets deployed to Bersama Shield included Royal Australian Navy submarine HMAS Farncomb and Anzac Class Frigate HMAS Ballarat.
A Royal Australian Air Force AP- 3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft and a KA350 King Air tactical mobility aircraft also took part in the exercise. Normally a tactical air mobility platform, the KA350 aircraft and its crew from 38 Squadron Townsville, including Pilot Officer Gemma Dorn, played the role of Asymmetric threat aircraft.
The KA350 is used to test the threat responses from surface ships.
Exercise Bersama Shield 17 was conducted over four phases, culminating in a practical regional security exercise and post exercise debrief.
The FPDA were established in 1971 to contribute to regional security.
Exercise Suman Protector 17 is the next major FPDA exercise and is scheduled for the second half of 2017.