NAVY’S KEY ROLE IN PACIFIC ARENA
AUSTRALIA’S largest warship will leave Townsville’s port today for a tour of Pacific islands.
The Australian Defence Force’s Joint Task Group mission Indo- Pacific Endeavour 18 is under way, a major maritime activity to strengthen partnerships and regional security.
The Task Group will comprise 1000 personnel from HMAS Adelaide, Melbourne, Toowoomba and Success, as well as amphibious Australian Army elements from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. It will take part in training with forces in Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
Royal Australian Navy Commodore Allison Norris said regional stability was in our national interests.
“Our engagement in the Southwest Pacific is particularly focused on maintaining relationships on engagement, on mutually beneficial activities that will support regional security,” she said. “The Australian Defence Force is very focused on maintaining that.”
The Task Group will also transit US Marines, Tongan, and Sri Lankan forces to Hawaii, for Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2018, the biggest naval exercise in the world.
Defence Minister Marise Payne said the mission showed Australia’s commitment to contributing to regional security.
“These relationships are forged through disaster planning, exercises and other military activities that enhance our ability to operate seamlessly with our partners in the Southwest Pacific,” Senator Payne said.