16 July 2025
On the return leg of its regional presence deployment, HMAS Sydney integrated with the United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG) in the Indo-Pacific region, before joining Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australian waters.
Departing Singapore in late June, Sydney joined the UK CSG’s Operation Highmast, with crew conducting training and engagement with ships and personnel from Norway, Spain, New Zealand and the UK.
Making history on its visit to Australia, HMS Prince of Wales is the first Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier to visit an Australian port.
Sailing alongside Prince of Wales, Sydney’s 240-odd crew conducted a replenishment at sea with Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker RFA Tidespring, flying operations and a cross-deck opportunity with HMS Dauntless, where the ships swapped personnel throughout the day.
During the cross-deck with Sydney, Royal Navy physical training instructor Leading Seaman Paul Adams said he enjoyed meeting the Australian crew.
“The people truly make up the ship, and I’m glad to have met my counterpart physical training instructor on board. We have a similar focus of keeping our crews fighting fit,” Leading Seaman Adams said.
When pressed, he admitted he did wish Sydney’s gym was a bit larger.
“Fitness is an important part of morale and wellbeing, so as a big priority, HMAS Sydney needs a bigger gym,” he said.
'UK carriers aren’t down our way very often so this is a wonderful chance for the ship’s crew to integrate.'
The next time the two ships are together, Leading Seaman Adams is hoping to run a shared sporting activity.
Meanwhile, Royal Navy warfare specialist Leading Seaman Gabriella Angula-Mendoz was impressed by the food options on board and the use of space.
“Sydney’s lucky to have a games room and spacious mess decks. I mean, they may be the same size as ours but I think the Australians have made better use of the space by the layout,” Leading Seaman Angula-Mendoz said.
She said Sydney’s crew did their own laundry, unlike the British ship, and pointed out another difference.
“Before we even stepped foot on board, the way we were lifted up in the RHIB and slipped in was a change,” Leading Seaman Angula-Mendoz said.
Commanding Officer Sydney Commander Ben Weller has welcomed the unique opportunity to link in with the other ships as part of the CSG.
“We’ll be merging into the task group with a series of training exercises, communications and warfare and flying operations to strengthen our interoperable skills,” Commander Weller said.
“UK carriers aren’t down our way very often so this is a wonderful chance for the ship’s crew to integrate. We’re really looking forward to it.”
During the ongoing regional presence deployment, Sydney has worked with other personnel from Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and the United States.
