HMAS Choules has arrived in Indonesia for Exercise Pacific Partnership 26, a United States-led activity that strengthens international humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) capabilities and co-operation in the Indo-Pacific. 

From 20 July to 1 August, about 113 specialist personnel from Australia, Canada, Germany and the United States (US) will disembark from HMAS Choules at the Sumatran port of Sibolga to work alongside Indonesian authorities, delivering essential humanitarian services to local communities.

Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO, CSC, RAN, said Exercise Pacific Partnership 26 demonstrates the strength of our relationships across the Indo-Pacific.

“Exercise Pacific Partnership was initiated in 2006 by the US Navy following the international response to the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, and the collective experiences and lessons learned,” Vice Admiral Jones said.

“Australia has participated in Pacific Partnership since 2008, providing specialist personnel including health and medical professionals, as well as Royal Australian Navy ships for sealift support in 2009, 2010, 2013, and again this year.

“Australia and Indonesia share a long history of supporting one another during times of need, and Sibolga carries special historical significance for its proximity and support to Operation Sumatra Assist II in 2005.”

Pacific Partnership 26 advances three important outcomes for Australia, aligned to the 2026 National Defence Strategy: strengthening regional partnerships; improving preparedness for humanitarian and disaster responses; and building the capability and readiness of our people to support stability and security across the Indo-Pacific.

“By working alongside Indonesia, the US and other partner nations, we are enhancing our practical cooperation to ensure we are all better prepared for future humanitarian and disaster response challenges,” Vice Admiral Jones said.

“As demand for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief support continues to grow across our region, Pacific Partnership remains an important investment in regional stability. By building capacity, strengthening relationships and improving coordination, we are helping create a safer and more resilient Indo-Pacific.”

Commanding Officer of HMAS Choules, Commander Paul Hardman said the ship was a key part of how the Australian Defence Force delivered essential personnel and equipment across the Indo-Pacific during times of need.  

“Exercise Pacific Partnership is the US Navy’s largest international humanitarian assistance activity in the Indo-Pacific, and the crew of HMAS Choules is honoured to provide this support,” Commander Hardman said.

“Choules entered Australian service in 2011, and is already a veteran of domestic and regional HADR responses including Operation Bushfire Assist 19-20, COVID and tropical cyclone relief in Vanuatu.

“The experiences and relationships we build through Pacific Partnership 26 will ensure we’re better prepared to face future challenges together in our region.”

Media note

Commanding Officer of HMAS Choules, Commander Paul Hardman, is available for interview upon request.

Imagery of Exercise Pacific Partnership 26 is available at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20261859 and https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/PacificPartnership

Information about HMAS Choules is available from https://www.navy.gov.au/capabilities/ships-boats-and-submarines/hmas-choules