Navy takes to Tasman

ALL ABOARD (above): HMAS Parramatta’s boarding team exercises their skills as part of Exercise Tasmanex, by getting ready to board HMAS Tobruk.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT (left): HMAS Parramatta was just one of the Australian Navy ships that took part in Exercise Tasmanex 05.

Photos: ABPH Helen Frank

By Graham Davis

More than 1600 sailors, airmen and civilian contractors from three nations have taken part in Exercise Tasmanex 05, a drill aimed at bringing participants and their assets up to speed.

The exercise was conducted in Australian and New Zealand waters from February 14 to March 3, with the Kiwis hosting the exercise. Tasmanex 05 involved 12 ships and aircraft from the New Zealand and Australian Defence Forces.

A Royal Air Force Nimrod also joined in. Tasmanex provided a significant training opportunity.

Initially it involved serialised events to hone warfare skills.

These events were followed by a scenario- based environment with various threats.

The Royal New Zealand Navy also focussed on developing command and control aspects of Tasmanex 05 ashore based at the NZ Joint Force Headquarters at Trentham. The exercise was hosted and directed by NZ with CDRE Jack Steer, the NZ Maritime Component Commander controlling the drill from Trentham.

“February and early March present a challenging opportunity for the fleet,” he said.

“This exercise means that our command structure and staff systems ashore are tested just as much as the sailors in the ships at sea.”

Australia’s contribution to the exercise was extensive with more than 800 sailors, airmen and civilian contractors involved.

RAN ships involved included Parramatta, Melbourne, Tobruk, Melville and the submarine Farncomb.

The RAAF sent Orions and Hawks, while a Lear jet provided target towing capability.

New Zealand Defence sent Te Kaha, Te Mana, Canterbury, Endeavour, Resolution, Manawanui and Kahu. Exercise Tasmanex 05 followed Exercise Ocean Protector 05, conducted off Jervis Bay and also involving Australian and New Zealand Defence personnel and assets.

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