The commanding officers of the three ships in the Anzac Task Group sailing to Hawaii for Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) sat down for a working lunch on board HMNZS Te Mana during the long transit across the Pacific Ocean.

Commanding Officer HMAS Sydney Commander Ben Weller, Commanding Officer HMNZS Aotearoa Commander Rob Welford and Commanding Officer HMNZS Te Mana Commander Tuijo Thompson sailed in company for more than a week and travelled about 7000 kilometres.

Supply vessel Aotearoa provided fuel for the task group’s passage to the Hawaiian Islands and conducted multiple replenishments at sea (RAS), including a dual RAS the day before the ships entered Pearl Harbor.

All three ships have embarked helicopters and have been conducting anti-submarine and other training serials together.

Commander Ben Weller said the chance to talk face to face with fellow captains was an invaluable opportunity to review the training and evolutions conducted on the transit and deepen friendships.

“Sitting down provides us an opportunity to discuss lessons learnt and how to enhance our integration as we proceed to RIMPAC,” Commander Weller said.

“And it’s always a good reminder of how we share common bonds and challenges with the RNZN.”

Members of ship’s company from all three ships also cross-decked during the transit, sharing information and comparing and contrasting how they do business at sea.

“The Australian and New Zealand navies have a deep bond and affection built over more than a century of mateship. It’s an honour and a privilege to continue that tradition,” Commander Weller said.

Sydney departed Fleet Base East for a regional presence deployment on June 9.

Sydney will participate in RIMPAC until late July, before conducting other activities, visits and engagements across the Indo-Pacific.