Media Room: Media Releases

ALOHA RIMPAC

The Royal Australian Navy’s ‘Faithful and Strong’ Landing Ship, HMAS Tobruk sailed from Sydney today, en-route to Hawaii where she will take part in the largest maritime exercise in the world.

This year marks the 21^st iteration of the biennial RIMPAC series; with Tobruk joining HMA Ships Anzac and Success, the Collins class submarine HMAS Waller, two embarked Navy helicopters, Clearance Diving Team Four and Fleet Battle Staff.

“Tobruk’s ship’s company is looking forward to engaging with other Pacific Rim nations as we combine forces to improve interoperability in the full spectrum of war-fighting activities,” said Commanding Officer of HMAS Tobruk, Commander Brett Wolski, RAN.

“While we will be one of many ships involved, Tobruk will play a pivotal support role in this dynamic environment,” said Commander Wolski.

The Commander Amphibious Task Group, Captain Peter Laver, RAN will command the amphibious assaults in Hawaii during the exercise.

RIMPAC 08 is comprised of force elements from Australia, Canada, Chile, Netherlands, Japan, Peru, Singapore, Republic of Korea, United Kingdom and the United States of America.

35 surface vessels including a US carrier battle group, six submarines, more than 100 aircraft, and 20,000 personnel will represent the 10 participating Pacific Rim countries.

HMAS Tobruk is a multi-purpose troop and roll-on/roll-off, heavy vehicle carrier built by Carrington Slipways Pty Ltd at Tomago, NSW. The design includes facilities for bow and stern loading, beaching, a drive-through capacity and inter-deck transfers via ramps. The amphibious role is enhanced by forward and aft flight decks, able to operate heavy-lift and troop-carrying helicopters.

Tobruk can accommodate up to 300 troops for an extended duration. In a maximum capacity state, the ship can provide accommodation for up to 520 troops for short periods of time.

Media contact: Defence Media Liaison (02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664