HMAS Sydney completes ADF Regional Presence Deployment

HMAS Sydney has successfully completed the year’s second ADF Regional Presence Deployment (RPD), returning to her home port in Sydney after more than 28,000 nautical miles during more than four months at sea.

While deployed, HMAS Sydney participated in Exercise Bersama Shield 25 with Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom, and helped enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea.

The ship also integrated with the United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group, sailing together from Singapore to Australia to join Exercise Talisman Sabre 25.

Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO CSC RAN, said HMAS Sydney’s deployment reinforced the ADF’s commitment to maintaining a continuous presence in the region.

“HMAS Sydney’s collaboration with regional friends and allies shows that support to security and stability in the Indo-Pacific is a shared value across the region,” Vice Admiral Jones said.

Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Chris Smith AM CSM RAN, said that each regional presence deployment reinforces Australia’s support for a global rules-based order and the conduct of lawful maritime operations.

“All countries in the Indo-Pacific have a vital role and interest in maintaining a region where state sovereignty is protected, international law is followed and nations can make decisions free from coercion,” Rear Admiral Smith said.

HMAS Sydney is one of three Hobart-class Air Warfare Destroyers in service with the Royal Australian Navy, with a crew of more than 240 personnel and an embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopter.

Commanding Officer HMAS Sydney, Commander Ben Weller CSC RAN, said the ship’s company was honoured to represent Australia throughout the deployment.

“HMAS Sydney conducted port visits to Singapore, Republic of Korea, Japan, and the Philippines, where the crew held professional exchanges and community outreach activities to deepen Australia’s defence relationships,” Commander Weller said.

“This deployment held many highlights for the crew, from sailing with the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, working with P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft from New Zealand, and operating with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.”

“The time away from home represents a significant commitment by Sydney’s crew and sacrifice by their families back home, and I am exceptionally grateful to their collective effort in the success of this deployment.”

HMAS Brisbane began the ADF’s third RPD for 2025 in late July.

Media note

Media can access imagery/vision at https://images.defence.gov.au/S20250011. 

A summary of HMAS Sydney’s deployment is available at HMAS Sydney's journey through the region | Defence

More information about Regional Presence Deployments is available from https://www.defence.gov.au/defence-activities/operations/indo-pacific-operations/regional-presence-deployments