HMAS Ballarat has conducted her first replenishment at sea in more than four years while sailing off the coast of Malaysia during Navy’s fourth regional presence deployment for 2025.

Far more complex than a routine fuel stop, Ballarat sailed just 170 feet from USNS Rappahannock for almost two hours on September 30 while receiving aviation fuel.

Navigating Officer Lieutenant Michael Carpenter planned the complex evolution.

“Two ships steaming side by side in close proximity for hours requires precision navigation, teamwork and constant attention to detail,” Lieutenant Carpenter said.

“Working this closely with our partners at sea shows not only the skill of our sailors, but also the trust and cooperation that underpins successful operations at sea.”

Commanding Officer Ballarat Commander Dean Uren emphasised the importance of replenishment at sea evolutions.

“Replenishments at sea are a cornerstone of sustained maritime operations,” Commander Uren said.

“These evolutions are a clear demonstration of our commitment and ability to maintain operations across the Indo-Pacific.

“Such practices directly contribute to the security and stability of the region by building mutual understanding and interoperability between partner nations.”

'These evolutions are a clear demonstration of our commitment and ability to maintain operations across the Indo-Pacific.'

Replenishing at sea is a whole-ship evolution – people of all ranks and departments get involved.

Chief Petty Officer Will McCombe said it was a valuable experience for the crew.

“Seeing team Ballarat gain confidence and experience in such a demanding seamanship evolution was a real highlight,” Chief Petty Officer McCombe said.

This activity was conducted by Ballarat while deployed to the Indo-Pacific on a regional presence deployment.

Regional presence deployments demonstrate Australia’s commitment and ability to maintain a near-continuous presence in the region to support regional security and stability.

These deployments play a vital role in Australia’s long-term security and prosperity by protecting Australia’s interests, preserving an international rules-based order, enhancing cooperation and relationships with regional partners and allies, and developing capability and interoperability.