Exercise
STARDEX has grown from a small exercise to a major event, the
Maritime Commander, RADM Raydon Gates, said.
It was one of a number of responses from RADM Gates to LEUT Fenn
Kemp during a “Q and A” .
How do you rate this exercise?
“I don’t think I can stress enough just how important
STARDEX 02 is to the ADF and for the Navy in particular.
“This is a major regional exercise.
“We gain interoperability, we gain presence and we gain friendships.
“Because an important part of STARDEX is the way we exercise
together as well.”
How important is this exercise for the region?
“This has grown from a small exercise called STARFISH to
what is now a major event.
“With FLYINGFISH every third year, all of the five nations
contribute in a major way.
“Since September 11 this has even greater importance.
“We need to understand that we can rely on each other and
that we can work together.
“That’s what STARDEX is all about.
“This is a critical part of our region from a geo-strategic
view.
“The fall of Singapore still has a big effect on us at home.
“From a defence point of view we need to be up here promoting
stability and to show commitment both to Singapore and to Malaysia.
“This exercise is a change for both of them to demonstrate
how they are improving in their military technology and in their
doctrine.
“We can help in that and in some cases learn from them as
well.”
How much of a challenge is it for the seven RAN vessels taking
part?
“This environment is very different to what the Australian
Navy is used to.
“The Malacca Straits and the congestion of shipping around
Singapore and Malysia is not the same as at home.
“So it is very important for me to get my fleet up here to
understand this environment.”
On a more personal note, how does it feel to be back in Singapore?
“This is my fifth or sixth STARDEX/FLYINGFISH exercise.“It
is good to come back and renew old friendships.
“I just love it up here.”
