Vessels from 19 nations sailed into Sydney Harbour on March 21 for the Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review (KFR), commemorating 125 years since the foundation of Australia’s Navy.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn reviewed the vessels from on board Navy’s survey vessel, HMAS Leeuwin.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond and a constellation of admirals, including participating nations’ chiefs of navy, accompanied Ms Mostyn.

The review was part of the wider Exercise Kakadu, the Royal Australian Navy’s premier multinational maritime engagement exercise, conducted biennially to strengthen maritime security cooperation, enhance interoperability and build partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.

Mr Marles highlighted the historic scale of the KFR.

“Last week marked the largest naval review in Sydney Harbour in more than a decade, with 18 partner nations joining Australia and an unprecedented range of vessels on display,” Mr Marles said.

“Partners from across the Indo Pacific were represented, including the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and India, along with South-East Asian nations such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

“For the first time, Exercise Kakadu included a Vietnamese ship, alongside the largest gathering of Guardian-class patrol vessels and a Japanese Mogami class vessel.”

Over the course of the day, 31 naval vessels entered Sydney Harbour for the review.

"This is an ideal place to commemorate all of that service, all of the servicemen and women who have stood the watch before us, and to pay a nod to those who will serve in the future fleet.”

Navy’s flagship HMAS Canberra led the main division at dawn and passed the hallowed mast of HMAS Sydney I at Bradley’s Head as personnel hoisted the Australian white ensign in a poignant ceremonial colours ceremony.

Vice Admiral Hammond spoke about the significance of the KFR and of celebrating in Sydney.

“This is the first time we’ve brought Kakadu participants here to Sydney Harbour,” Vice Admiral Hammond said.

“And the entry this morning was pretty spectacular.”

The final division of ships entered the Harbour mid-afternoon, led by HMAS Stuart, passing and saluting Leeuwin as multiple Navy and Air Force aerial displays flew overhead.

Then Leeuwin, ferrying the Governor-General and her constellation of admirals, reviewed the gathered ships, taking a salute and a cheer ship from each.

Vice Admiral Hammond also spoke to the 125th anniversary.

“One hundred and 25 years of naval service commenced in March of 1901 with the establishment of the Commonwealth Naval Force,” Vice Admiral Hammond said.

“In 1911, we were conferred with the title Royal Australian Navy from His Majesty the King, and then in 1913 we witnessed the arrival of the first fleet unit here in Sydney Harbour.

“So, this is an ideal place to commemorate all of that service, all of the servicemen and women who have stood the watch before us, and to pay a nod to those who will serve in the future fleet.”

Following the KFR, vessels remained alongside Garden Island Defence Precinct for several days.

Ship’s companies explored Sydney and surrounds and engaged in a multi-national sports day before the main Kakadu exercise commenced off the east coast of Australia.

“What the participants are particularly looking forward to is the opportunity to exercise everything from disaster relief and constabulary operations, right up to the higher end of warfighting skills that we need to practise with our allies and partners,” Vice Admiral Hammond said.

“The Fleet Review highlights the depth of our partnerships across the region, demonstrating the strength of the relationships and the importance of working together to ensure a secure maritime domain.

“For 125 years, Australia’s Navy has defended our nation, protected our maritime approaches, and supported regional stability, but we have never done it alone. Our partners and allies have played a critical role in our 125-year history.”