Australia and Canada team up on South China Sea exercise

For over two weeks, the frigates worked alongside each other as part of bilateral and multinational activities, which HMAS Toowoomba Commanding Officer Commander Alicia Harrison said represents the allyship between the two nations.

“As a Pacific partner, Australia welcomes Canada’s continued presence in the Indo‑Pacific,” she said.

“It is vital that like‑minded nations work together to promote a prosperous, open and inclusive region, and to collectively uphold maritime security.”

Together, the RAN and RCA worked on dual replenishments at sea, boarding and towing exercises, live fires, and general exercises to enhance each Navy’s capabilities.

Improvements in ship handling, command and control, and tactical integration were prioritised outcomes in the activities.

“Training alongside trusted partners allows us to broaden our perspective and strengthens our collective ability to safeguard the region we call home,” CMDR Harrison said.

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HMCS Charlottetown has been deployed since February this year in Canada’s push to increase their naval activity and presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

HMCS Charlottetown’s commanding officer, Commander Jonathan Maurice, said Australia and Canada are “partners by geography and shared interests” and exercises like these are critical to the success of defence relationships.

“As Pacific nations, we have a clear interest in supporting freedom of navigation, safeguarding critical sea lines of communication and contributing to stability in one of the world’s most strategically significant regions.”