HMAS Stuart on display in multinational exercise

“It was an incredible privilege for Stuart to lead the final column of ships during the Kakadu Fleet Review, celebrating 125 years of Navy,” Commanding Officer Commander Aaron Scott said.

“We’ve also exercised our mariner and warfighting skills with our partner nations from all around the world, which has been fantastic.”

As a part of the exercise, naval gunfire support exercises were a critical element emphasising the importance of working with other sectors of the Australian Defence Force.

“The ADF fights as an integrated force,” CMDR Scott said.

“It’s important that the Navy be able to work with the Army and the Air Force to deliver a variety of effects.

“In this particular instance, we were able to exercise as close to real life as it gets, providing gunnery support to soldiers from 2RAR [2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment] ashore.”

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Exercise Kakadu saw cooperation with over 6,000 personnel and 30 frigates from Australian allies, with Japan’s Mogami Class vessel, Kumano, being a specifically valuable and exciting opportunity to work in collaboration with.

“Our team were lucky enough to engage in reciprocal ship visits with Kumano, during which we rehearsed and familiarised ourselves with each other’s naval gunfire support drills,” CMDR Scott said.

“Not only has this been an absolute pleasure, but it has given us the confidence that we can work together with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Mogami Class to deliver these effects for the region.

“Kakadu, and exercises like it, are extremely important for the ADF and for Australia in assuring we can operate effectively with our global partners if and when it is needed.”