One of the Royal Australian Navy's largest ships, HMAS Choules, recently participated in training exercises with warships from the United Kingdom and Japan off the coast of Fiji.
The UK Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel HMS Tamar and Japan Maritime Self Defence Force frigate JS Noshiro joined Choules for cooperative activities, including officer-of-the-watch manoeuvres and cross-deck engagements.
Commanding Officer Choules Commander Arron Convery said the activities allowed the ships' maritime warfare officers an opportunity to manoeuvre in close company with other ships.
"Officer-of-the-watch manoeuvres offer important seamanship training by giving officers practice in coordinating our ship's movements with other vessels of different nations," Commander Convery said.
During the exercises, Japanese, British and Australian personnel 'cross-decked', visiting their counterparts' ships.
"Cross-decking provides our sailors and officers the chance to experience a different ship environment and learn from how things are done in other navies," Commander Convery said.
The vessels also rendered 'passing honours' to one another, with Choules' captain and crew exchanging salutes with the other ships.
Following the exercises, the three vessels continued in company to Tonga to participate in the official birthday celebrations for King Tupov VI of Tonga and the 50th birthday of the Tonga Royal Navy.
Choules is currently undertaking a South-West Pacific regional presence deployment.
Australia maintains a near continual presence in the Pacific and wider Indo-Pacific region via regional presence deployments that demonstrate Australia's commitment to, and engagement with, the region.
