SMNSN Dominic Gionta (left) and SMNMT Scott Rodgers during a toxic hazard excrcise on HMAS Arunta. At the time Arunta was taking part in Exercise Kakadu V. Photo ABPH Yuri Ramsey.

A maritime battle exploded in the waters of the Timor Sea during August as the enemy forces of Mauve and Green went to war.

A multi-national fleet of 15 ships, 50 air assets and almost 4000 personnel was drawn into the battle - Kakadu 2001.

This was the fifth in the Kakadu series, pulling together naval and airforce personnel from Australia and seven other Pacific and South-East Asian nations. South Korea, Japan and Thailand were the newcomers, sending officers to observe this year's war games.

Week One was spent alongside Stokes Hill Wharf as the Malaysian, Singaporean, PNG, New Zealand and Australian crews constructed a game plan for Kakadu V. Darwin city again turned on the warm welcome that makes it a favourite stop for Naval vessels, especially in the dry season.

The City's Chamber of Commerce estimates that for every day they were in Darwin sailors spent an average of $200 each.

Thankfully, that wasn't all in Rourke's Drift as the exercise coincided nicely with the Royal Show and the Darwin Cup racing carnival. The RAN-sponsored Navy Cup was a big hit with the Turf Club and is set to become a regular event.

Thousands took the opportunity to look over HMAS Brisbane when she and five other ships opened to the public prior to sailing. Ship's Company from the Australian ships became instant media personalities as the two local FM radio stations broadcast their shows from on-board Brisbane and Arunta.

Kakadu 2001 - sunset

On Tuesday July 31st it was down to business as the fleet sailed for ten days in the Timor Sea.

Aboard Canberra the devils in green suits (Sea Training Group) began wreaking their usual havoc. Job satisfaction must be standing with a block of TNT in your hands ready to lob it into the Arafura Sea and initiate another DCX.

'Oscar'was determined to swim back to Darwin and took a dip at least three times on the first afternoon. He was carefully hauled to safety each time on this ship.

But there is photographic evidence of a less than gentle rescue elsewhere, his saviours killing him with kindness - and an outboard motor.

You only had to look skyward to find another group of well-pleased performers. Kakadu was a final chance for the Kiwi Skyhawk pilots to wet their feet in northern waters.

They combined with the Singaporean F16s and Australia's F/A18s to put on a sky show which shook the wardroom china. As the Hornets dumped on towed targets (not an elegant sound), a trio of Skyhawks ran a string of low raids, leaving the uninitiated speechless - and deaf.

Kakadu 2001 - exercise

The first week at sea was a structured "get-to-know-you", a graduated work-up for all warfare disciplines in a multi-threat environment.

The Ship's Company of the Malaysian ship KD Lekiu was particularly pleased with the chance to perform its first Replenishment At Sea.

It was also a first for the RAN electronic warfare training aircraft, the target-towing Lear jets played an important role for the enemy forces of purple.

For Brisbane it was another 'last time'. For the last time her guns bellowed across the Northern Training Area in her final programmed exercise.

The third week of free-play was an opportunity to test the newly-established inter-operability of the multi-national group while allowing ships to apply their own tactical interpretation to the situation.

It must have been fun, as per COMFLOT's instructions, as all requested a longer free play period next time around.

It was an impressive sight as the fleet returned to Darwin on Thursday the August 9th. It appeared in a close V formation just as the morning sun lifted over the Arafura Sea, a clear demonstration of the improved communication between the ships of different nations.

A tick in the box for Kakadu's primary goal. It was also a fitting Northern farewell to Brisbane.

In 34 years she's visited Darwin 32 times so it was a sentimental and curious crowd which gathered on Stokes Hill Wharf to wave a final goodbye. The old lady was a bit reluctant to leave at first but a massage from the Chief Engineer and she sailed - edging closer to her final resting place in Australia's maritime memory.

On a public affairs note, I salute (in a floppy-handed, Rocky sort of way) the many people who patiently answered my silly questions, explained the jargon and provided general advice. Well done to all those who braved media interviews. And thank you Phots - Phil, Yuri, Tracey and Pete.

By LEUT Kirsty Boazman