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HMAS Parramatta has joined US, French and Japanese forces for Exercise ARC21.
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Anzac Class frigate HMAS Parramatta has joined land, maritime and air forces from Japan, France and the US for Exercise ARC21 off the south coast of Japan.
The Japanese-led exercise, which began on 11 May and will conclude on 17 May, involves blue-water combat, amphibious and aviation training elements.
Commander of the Joint Task Force, Rear Admiral Mark Hammond, said Exercise ARC21 would improve interoperability between the forces.
“Australia has long-standing relationships with Japan, France and the United States, and this activity reaffirms our shared commitment to a safe and stable Indo-Pacific region,” RADM Hammond said.
Parramatta’s Commanding Officer, Commander Anita Nemarich, added that Exercise ARC21 would put the capabilities of both the crew and the ship to the test.
“By exercising with our partner navies we build trust and mutual respect, which enhances our ability to work together,” CMDR Nemarich said.
“I thank our friends in the Japan Self-Defense Forces for hosting Exercise ARC21 and for their leadership in promoting practical opportunities to train together.”
HMAS Parramatta is one of four Royal Australian Navy vessels to deploy to the region in 2021.
Exercise ARC21 marks the second multinational exercise in less than a month, with the RAN recently participating in Artemis Triden, a joint exercise alongside personnel from the UK, US and France in the Arabian Gulf.
The four nations assessed their mine hunting abilities, with seven mine warfare ships, several patrol boats, helicopters, dive teams and a command ship all taking part in Artemis Trident. Exercise Artemis Trident occurs every two years, with the recent exercise marking the completion of the fifth Artemis Trident.
[Related: Australia, , UK, France conduct joint sea mine training in Arabian Gulf]
