On 31 August 2013 ships and sailors from the Indonesian Eastern
Fleet and the Royal Australian Navy completed Exercise Cassowary 2013 in the Darwin area.
The biennial maritime security training exercise is one of a
series which aims to strengthen relationships and enhance mutual cooperation
and understanding between the Indonesian Navy, known as Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Laut (TNI-AL), and the Royal
Australian Navy.
This year’s exercise focused on the conduct of boarding operations
to counter the threat of illegal fishing.
The Indonesian vessels KRI Hiu and KRI Kakap joined with Armidale Class Patrol Boat HMAS Wollongong and the Mine Hunter Coastal HMAS Huon for a two-day harbour phase, followed
by a three-day sea phase in the North Australian Exercise Area.
Delivering the address at the exercise opening, Captain Steve Bowater, director Maritime
Operations, said the exercise was an opportunity to welcome friends and
neighbours and share ideas.
“This exercise is an exciting opportunity to learn from each
other, gain personal satisfaction and make a real impact on improving regional
maritime security through the experiences you share,” Captain Bowater said.
Personnel from both navies participated in professional forums,
workshops, demonstrations and exercise briefings throughout the harbour phase.
The sea phase included communications drills, passage exercises, light
transfers at sea, boarding preparations and ship’s safety drills.