Naval
elements from five nations were put to the test off Singapore
earlier this month in one of the most important defence exercises
on the Pacific rim---STARDEX 2002.
Also taking part were aircraft from several nations and troops.
For the Royal Australian Navy it meant seven warships and 600
personnel heading north for the drill.
The RAN was represented by HMA Ships Success, Adelaide, Dechaineux,
Geelong, Norman, Cessnock and Diamantina.
RAAF aircraft from Butterworth along with an Australian Army element
also attended.
The five nations involved were Australia, Singapore, Malaysia,
New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
One important element of the exercise was the testing of ships
when they were under attack from planes, and vice versa.
A total of 51 aircraft were assigned to the exercise.
Evolutions were dubbed "expected" and "surprise"
further adding to the tempo of the exercise.
There was a role for clearance divers.
The Maritime Commander, RADM Raydon Gates attended the official
opening at the Changi Naval Base on September 3.
COMFLOT CDRE Matt Tripovich attended and visited RAN ships.
The exercise concluded with the holding of the Perth Cup, a traditional
program of sporting events involving the five nations.
RAN public relations officer, LEUT Fenn Kemp attended the exercise
and sent the stories for this feature.
One story relates to good work done by Success' helicopter another
is an interview with the Maritime Commander on the merits of conducting
the exercise.
ABPH Kaye Adams from the photographic unit at HMAS Albatross supplied
the images.
