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Australia and New Zealand have teamed up on a naval strengthening operation in the South Pacific Ocean.
The Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Sydney and Royal New Zealand Navy’s HMNZS Te Mana have come together for a cross-deck initiative as part of Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC).
While in transit to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, the cross-deck activity was useful in allowing both navies to contrast and compare practices.
“Cross decks are a fantastic opportunity to practise our small boat drills and compare how our partner nations conduct business at sea, contributing to and improving our interoperability in the maritime domain,” said Executive Officer Sydney Lieutenant Commander Matthew Stobo.
Cross decks typically involve two or more naval forces offering insight into their specific practices, resources and modes of operations to increase interoperability between allies.
RNZN seamanship combat specialist Able Seaman Brooke Teklenburg shared how this activity was valuable in examining the operations, varied skills and small differences of New Zealand’s closest ally.
“Most things are similar. Little things like names and titles are a little different. I would be called a boatswain’s mate in the Australian Navy.”
These activities are important in confirming that in the event of combat, interoperability and collaboration is ensured in contested environments.
HMNZS Aotearoa is also sailing with the other two vessels as a part of Exercise RIMPAC.
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