Australia and Indonesia Undertake Joint Naval Operation

Australia and Indonesia are strengthening maritime ties as a result of EXERCISE CASSOWARY 2010 (CA10), a joint naval operation between the two countries which started on 8 May 2010.

CA10 is a bilateral, Indonesian Defence Force led combined patrol boat exercise, designed to enhance interoperability in maritime operations between the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

Two Armidale Class Patrol Boats, HMA Ships Broome and Pirie, have been undertaking a number of maritime activities with the TNI-AL ships KRI Untung Suropati and KRI Kerapu and will arrive in Darwin for the post sea phase of the exercise on Saturday 15 May.

According to the Commanding Officer of HMAS Broome Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Barry Learoyd RAN, the importance of Indonesia as a key strategic partner for Australia has been increasing in recent years. “The RAN enjoys a solid and deepening relationship with the TNI-AL and we are committed to developing even greater practical cooperation between our forces in years to come.”

During the exercise, which began in Kupang, the patrol boats have undertaken a number of exercises in communications, tactical manoeuvers, boarding operations, small boat transfers and damage control.

LCDR Learoyd said “a key part of Australia’s national strategy for defence is to promote regional stability. This is achieved through a wide variety of measures and one of the most important is exercises like CASSOWARY 2010.”

“By developing an effective military relationship with Indonesia, Australia can strengthen its nation to nation ties, which is essential to our regional security,” said LCDR Learoyd.

Until the exercise concludes on 18 May, Darwin will be hosting approximately 100 members of the TNI-AL.

Media Note: Imagery is available at: and www.navy.gov.au and www.defence.gov.au

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Jenny Dee, Counsellor (Public Affairs) tel. (021) 2550 5290 mob. 0811 187 3175