A collaboration of culture resounded throughout HMAS Canberra as the ship officially hosted the launch of the Indo Pacific 2025 International Maritime Exposition (INDOPAC 25) in Sydney on November 3.

More than 1000 guests representing industry, military and nations from around the globe were greeted by the ancient sounds of the world’s oldest instruments, echoing across one of the world’s most modern and capable maritime platforms.

Didgeridoos and clap sticks played in unison with the traditional drums and brass of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Band, in a convergence of culture that signifies the strength unity brings to modern Australia.

Addressing the chiefs of navies and their representatives from more than 50 nations, Australian Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond paid tribute to the Navy’s Indigenous Performance Group – Bungaree, and the respect Navy holds for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“Our Royal Australian Navy enjoys a very close relationship with the Indigenous people of Australia. They have been connected to and protecting this country for more than 60,000 years,” Vice Admiral Hammond said.

“Our Navy has carried that torch now, as the saltwater diplomats and protectors of this nation for 124 years.”

Vice Admiral Hammond said hosting the opening on board Canberra was a key symbol of INDOPAC 25’s goal of forging closer friendships between like-minded nations.

“The two Canberra-class landing helicopter docks are the absolute workhorses of our fleet,” Vice Admiral Hammond said.

“These are the ships that have sailed to the assistance of our neighbours and friends throughout the Pacific, almost every year since they were commissioned.”

With more than 900 exhibitors from across various Defence industries on display at INDOPAC 25, RAN’s annual Sea Power Conference will be held concurrently, with this year’s theme, ‘Strength at sea equals security and prosperity at home’.

'Our Royal Australian Navy enjoys a very close relationship with the Indigenous people of Australia. They have been connected to and protecting this country for more than 60,000 years.'

However, Vice Admiral Hammond shared he was most excited to highlight the RAN’s most important resource to his international counterparts.

“The thing that pleases me the most is the opportunity to place our sailors and officers in front of you to demonstrate the culture, capability, commitment, professionalism and teamwork which is the RAN of today,” Vice Admiral Hammond said.

Guests were entertained throughout the evening with an opportunity to witness an Indigenous smoking ceremony, dance performance and traditional RAN ceremonial sunset.

Commanding Officer Canberra Captain David McPherson said the ship was one of the largest and most capable platforms the RAN has ever owned and operated.  

“Everywhere we go, it makes a statement,” Captain McPherson said.

“We have 450 sailors, soldiers, officers and airmen on board right now and everything they do is for the service of their community and their country. It is a privilege to serve alongside them.”

Captain McPherson said the success of the night was largely due to the efforts of the ship’s company.

“All of the crew here tonight are volunteers; they have been walking around smiling, engaging with our guests. They really want to be a part of it, and they make me immensely proud every single day,” he said.

“It is a privilege and an honour to be a part of this unit with them as their Commanding Officer.”

The sentiment was succinctly summarised by Vice Admiral Hammond.

“They are, in my belief, amongst the very best Australia has to offer,” he said.

INDOPAC 25 brought together delegations, defence industry, academics and strategic thinkers from across the globe, reflecting the scale and significance of Navy’s shared commitment to maritime security.

The event took place at the Sydney International Convention Centre at Darling Harbour from November 3 to 6.