The life aquatic
Fleet readiness confirmed after two major exercises

Volume 49, No. 3, March 9, 2006

Navy has geared up for the busy year ahead with Exercise Ocean Protector giving way to Exercise Tasmanex.

The two major exercises have seen the fleet hone its war fighting skills during operations off the east coast of Australia.

Tasmanex, a joint live firing exercise involving contingents from the Australian and New Zealand Navies and Air Forces, was held from February 13 to February 24.

Its aim was to further develop maritime safety, seamanship and warfare skills.
According to CAPT Stephen McDowall, the Commander of the Australian Surface Task Group, the overall performance from the task group during Ocean Protector was “exceptional”.

“We have set a high standard which we will endeavour to maintain throughout the course of Exercise Tasmanex,” he said.
“These exercises highlight the close ties we share with the New Zealand Defence Forces and the strong interoperability of our two forces.”

The following units took part in Exercise Tasmanex 2006:

Royal Australian Navy warships Warramunga, Stuart, Westralia, Success, Manoora, and Dechaineux.
Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 Hornets from 77 SQN, Hawks from 76 SQN and P3C from 92 WG;
Royal New Zealand Navy warships Te Kaha and Te Mana; and
Royal New Zealand Air Force P3K Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft on detachment from 5 SQN flew in from RAAF Base Richmond.

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