Singapore and Australian Navies Complete Joint Maritime Exercise

Rockingham-based Anzac class frigate HMAS Arunta departs Fleet Base West, Garden Island, to take part in international maritime exercise 'KAKADU'. (Photo: Australia DoD)

10 September 2010 -- Australian and Singaporean Navies have concluded Exercise SINGAROO 10, an annual maritime activity that cultivates bilateral ties between the two nations.

Building upon the recent success of Exercise KAKADU 10, the Royal Australian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy practiced maritime surveillance, air defence, anti-submarine warfare and defence against small boat threats during the week long exercise.

Royal Australian Navy ANZAC class frigates, HMAS Arunta with a S70B Seahawk helicopter embarked and HMAS Toowoomba, Auxiliary Oiler HMAS Success with an AS350BA Squirrel helicopter embarked, and Collins class submarine HMAS Dechaineux took part in SINGAROO 10. Republic of Singapore Navy, Formidable class frigate RSS Tenacious and Victory Class Corvette RSS Vigour together with a Fokker 50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft detachment also participated.

Royal Australian Air Force assets enhanced training outcomes with an AP-3C Aircraft from 92 Wing, three F-111 from 82 Wing and four Hawk Fighter Trainers from 78 Wing.

“Exercise SINGAROO is an important exercise in the annual calendar, strengthening professional ties, mutual understanding and improved interoperability at sea and in the air,” said the Royal Australian Navy SINGAROO 10 Exercise Director, Captain John Vandyke.

“By maintaining close and friendly defence ties, Australia and Singapore contribute to the stability of the region and develop our ability to work together in real-world operations,” said CAPT Vandyke.

“The Republic of Singapore Navy and the Royal Australian Navy regularly engage in a wide range of activities, which include bilateral and multilateral exercises as well as professional exchanges. These extensive interactions have strengthened mutual understanding and professional ties between the personnel of both navies.

The exercise marked the fourteenth iteration of the SINGAROO series.

Australia DoD