Today's departure of HMAS Hobart from Darwin reaffirms the Australian Defence Force's long-standing regional deployment program and Australia's commitment to a stable and secure Indo-Pacific.
Regional Presence Deployments (RPDs) involve maritime and air military visits and participation in a range of exercises and international engagement activities within the Indo-Pacific region.
These deployments demonstrate Australia's commitment and ability to maintain a near continuous presence in the region, supporting regional security and stability.
HMAS Hobart's crew of around 230 personnel including an embarked MH-60R Romeo Seahawk departed its homeport of Sydney on 6 January for a six-week deployment through Southeast Asia.
Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO CSC, RAN, said RPDs continue the long history of successful maritime and air deployments contributing to the collective security of the Indo-Pacific region.
"Regional Presence Deployments demonstrate Australia's ongoing commitment to supporting regional security and stability, and promoting a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region," VADM Jones said.
"These deployments also provide the opportunity to engage with our partner nations at sea and in the air to enhance interoperability."
The first maritime Regional Presence Deployment for 2025 will include participation in Exercise LA PEROUSE 25, a biennial multilateral exercise led by France, and drawing together a range of partner nations.
Commanding Officer HMAS Hobart, Commander Alisha Withers said the crew have been working hard to ensure they are ready and mission capable.
"All of the crew are looking forward to representing Australia in the Indo-Pacific region and I thank their families for their ongoing support," she said.
Commissioned in 2017, HMAS Hobart is the lead vessel of the three-ship Hobart Class and equipped with the advanced Aegis combat system, SPY-1D radar arrays, an MH-60R Romeo Seahawk combat helicopter, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and SM-2 and ESSM surface-to-air missiles.
This RPD will conclude in late February.
