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RAN vessel docks in Sydney after test-firing, joint exercises with the United States Navy and overseas maintenance.
HMAS Brisbane and its crew have returned to Sydney after a five-month-long deployment that saw the Hobart Class guided missile destroyer conduct the Royal Australian Navy’s first test-firing of a Tomahawk cruise missile.
The deployment marked a critical milestone for the RAN, according to Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Chris Smith.
“Australia is now one of only three nations alongside the United States and United Kingdom to acquire and fire Tomahawk cruise missiles,” RADM Smith said in a statement.
“The achievements by HMAS Brisbane’s personnel has helped deliver a significantly advanced long-range missile capability for the Australian Defence Force.”
In addition to the test-firing, HMAS Brisbane undertook scheduled maintenance at the US Naval Base in San Diego and took part in joint exercises with the United States Navy focused on combat training and exchanging knowledge of some of the advanced technologies shared by the two navies.
HMAS Brisbane departed Sydney in August 2024 and the cruise covered more than 17,000 nautical miles.
Upon return, HMAS Brisbane’s commanding officer, Commander Bernard Dobson, praised the commitment of both his crew and their families.
“It is a significant challenge to be away from home for months at a time and to miss the Christmas holidays with family,” CDRE Dobson said.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the resilience and professionalism of the men and women in Brisbane in delivering a game-changing military capability for Australia.”
Australia is in the process of acquiring more than 200 Tomahawk missiles, which will be deployed in its three Hobart Class destroyers, as well as in future Navy platforms such as its Virginia Class submarines and possibly its Hunter Class frigates, pending feasibility studies.
At the time of the test-firing, which took place in early December, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles celebrated the achievement.
“The successful test-firing of the Tomahawk missile demonstrates the strength of our alliance and defence cooperation with the United States, in support of a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.”
