Four ADF maritime trade operations officers joined a multi-national team to ensure the smooth flow of international trade during Exercise RIMPAC in Hawaii.
Three of the officers embedded within the naval cooperation and guidance of shipping (NCAGS) element in the coalition maritime component command at the Pacific Warfare Centre at Pearl Harbor.
Another member was stationed with the NCAGS maritime industry engagement element at the US Coast Guard Station, Sand Island.
Lieutenant Joseph Zeller said his team was responsible for providing advice and guidance to the maritime component commander, ensuring that merchant shipping and trade was considered in all aspects of military planning and operations.
"Our element at Sand Island engages with maritime industry professionals, such as ship's masters, agents and port authorities, to inform them of the exercise and address their concerns," Lieutenant Zeller said.
"This helps to minimise the impact of naval activities, and positions industry to make informed, risk-based decisions regarding their operations."
Lieutenant Commander Karen Deane highlighted the team's role in monitoring the freedom of navigation during the exercise.
"Our job is to monitor commercial shipping channels to ensure a free flow of international trade. We provide de-confliction advice to prevent commercial vessels from entering maritime zones used by military vessels for training or other purposes," Lieutenant Commander Deane said.
"This ensures that merchant shipping does not cross paths with military vessels. We serve as a critical link between industry and the Navy. While we share the seas, our operations and objectives can be quite different.
"Our role is to liaise with the industry, providing reassurance, serving as a conduit of information, and answering any questions they may have during exercises or operations."
Lieutenant Zeller said the Royal Australian Navy's Maritime Trade Office brings together individuals with diverse skills from Border Force, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and personnel with military and maritime industry experience.
"The protection of maritime trade is one of Australia's key strategic priorities and is fundamental to our economic prosperity," he said.
"The majority of our trade is transported through our northern approaches via critical sea lines of communication.
"It's the maritime trade operations officers' role to understand these trade routes and advise senior commanders and operational planners on maintaining trade flow whatever the situation."
