Royal Australian Navy Anzac class frigate HMAS Toowoomba has returned to Fleet Base West in Western Australia following a successful completion of its four-month Regional Presence Deployment (RPD) to South East Asia and North Asia.

Since departing in late January, HMAS Toowoomba has sailed over 52,700 kilometres, with the crew visiting and conducting engagements with Indonesia, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. 

Accomplishments during this Regional Presence Deployment include sanctions enforcement missions against North Korea under Operation Argos, training with Japan on Exercise Nichi Gou Trident 26, and integrating with other navies during Exercise Balikatan 26 in the Philippines.

Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones, AO, CSC, said Toowoomba’s deployment was a demonstration of Australia’s National Defence Strategy at work.

“HMAS Toowoomba’s cooperation with our regional allies and partners are tangible examples of how Australia contributes to the collective security of the Indo-Pacific,” Vice Admiral Jones said.

“Australia has a longstanding practice of maintaining a deployed presence in the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing our status as a reliable and transparent security partner in our region.”

Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, AO, RAN said, “This deployment is a significant achievement for HMAS Toowoomba’s ship’s company. 

“HMAS Toowoomba's time at sea reflects a strong commitment by the crew protecting and maintaining awareness of our nation’s maritime approaches.

“I would also like to acknowledge our Navy families who support our people at home, contributing to the success of regional presence deployments.”  

Commander Alicia Harrison, Commanding Officer of HMAS Toowoomba, said the ship’s crew was proud to have represented Australia abroad throughout this deployment. 

“Our mission would not have been possible without the exceptional efforts of our crew and the support of our families and loved ones at home,” Commander Harrison said.

Media note

Imagery and vision of this deployment is available from http://images.defence.gov.au/S20260004toowoomba. 

A blog for this Regional Presence Deployment can be found at https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2026-05-08/regional-presence-deployments-continue-2026. 

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