Seven
warships with 600 RAN members along with Australian soldiers,
aircraft and airmen are being put to the test in one of the most
important regional defence exercises of the year — this is
exercise Stardex 2002.
It has brought together Defence assets from Australia, Singapore,
Malaysia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
The exercise began in Singapore on Tuesday, September 3.
An impressive array of regional power gathered for the event.
Australia was represented by HMA Ships Success, Adelaide, Dechaineux,
Geelong, Norman, Cessnock and Diamantina.
Also involved are elements from the Australian Army and the RAAF.
Attacks from the air are a highlight of the exercise and as a
result 51 aircraft are putting ships to the test and vice versa.
Anti-submarine and ASW procedures are also being drilled.
Expected and ‘surprise’ evolutions are in the program.
The Maritime Commander, RADM Raydon Gates was on hand for the
opening ceremony at the Changi Naval Base.
COMFLOT CDRE Matt Tripovich is visiting ships during the drill,
conducted mainly in the South China Sea.
The exercise will conclude with the Perth Cup, a traditional sporting
event.
The competing nations will vie to win handball, volleyball, six-a-side
soccer, touch football and biathlon.
New Zealand is said to be the nation to beat.
Although its primary aim is to hone naval and aviation skills,
Stardex also provides the opportunity to make new friends or renew
old acquaintances.
On her way to the exercise, HMAS Adelaide spent a short time in
the Sunda Strait to conduct a memorial service for those who lost
their lives when HMAS Perth 1 was sunk by the Japanese in World
War II.
